How to Prep a Short-Term Rental for Hurricane Season

What would happen if a hurricane warning were issued tomorrow and your short-term rental still had vulnerable windows, an aging electrical panel, or no clear plan for communicating with guests? The hurricane season in Florida commences on the first of June and lasts till the end of November.

It is during these months that you can expect several storms and hurricanes. When preparing short-term rentals for hurricanes, preparation should be much more than just closing shutters on windows at the time of an incoming storm. Here are some tips to help you.

Start With an Electrical Inspection

Before the hurricane season, you should look at your electrical system. Hurricane winds may cause power outages, surges, water intrusion, and even destruction of electrical appliances, so minor issues can escalate into significant concerns.

Hire a professional electrician to take a look at your electrical panel and check for corrosion, overheating, burnt wiring, broken breaker switches, or signs of water damage. Check GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, patio areas, and where electricity comes in contact with water. Replace the GFCI outlets if they do not trip and reset properly.

You also need surge protection. Hurricanes create electric surges that affect appliances, air conditioners, smart locks, internet appliances, and other high-cost gadgets.

If in doubt about the readiness of your rental property's electrical system in severe weather conditions, you can consult a commercial electrician in West Palm Beach. They will help you find out electrical weaknesses before they become real problems.

Prepare for Backup Power Supply Windfall

Experiencing a blackout is more than just an inconvenience when staying at a rented apartment Without electricity, you may lose access to air conditioning, refrigerators, lights, internet connections, and burglar alarms.

Although a standby generator can help operate many devices during an abrupt electricity cut-off, it needs to be installed correctly and fitted properly according to the size of the working area. You do not want to try to install a generator yourself or make your own estimations.

Permanent generator installation requires the right transfer switch, electrical connections, grounding, and other safety measures. The transfer switch is critical in this case as it prevents electricity from flowing back into the grid, making it possible to endanger utility workers.

If there are any problems with the electricity panel compatibility or its current capacity, you may have to change the panel. Upgrading the panel and installing the transfer switch should always be left to professionals.

Prepare Storm Shutters Early

Windows and doors can be at risk when a hurricane arises, especially if the wind carries debris. This is why it’s crucial to check whether storm shutters are available in commercial buildings and to do so before the month of hurricane season.

Look for broken panels, missing fasteners, and issues with rust. In case the shutters are located somewhere else, you should know where they are stored and how to operate them.

Florida's building requirements include specific provisions for hurricane protection and impact resistance. These standards may differ by locality and the type of structure. In case you are going to install new storm shutters or upgrade existing protection systems, consult the appropriate local building department first.

Do Not Neglect Outdoor Lighting

If a storm arrives, navigating a property you are unfamiliar with at night becomes even more challenging. In case of a power outage, any poorly lit pathways, staircases, driveways, gates, and swimming pool areas can pose an accident risk.

Before the hurricane season, make sure to check the outdoor lighting and replace any broken electric fittings or bulbs. Weather-friendly equipment is required, especially in coastal locations.

Inspect the Roof and Drainage System

Hurricane preparedness is not only concerned with protecting against wind gusts. Heavy rain and storm surges can cause extensive destruction even when the building can resist high winds.

Have a roof inspection done to check for missing or damaged materials, leaks, and other weaknesses. Make sure that the gutters and downspouts are well-maintained so that rainwater is able to drain out of the property properly.

Pay close attention to low-lying spots around doors, garages, porches, and other outdoor features. If you live in a flood-prone area, you need to be aware of the property’s flood profile before the hurricane season starts.

Prepare Early Not In Panic

A hurricane-ready short-term rental takes time and is not forged the morning before the hurricane hits. For hosts in Florida, the best thing to do is to check the property’s electricity and structure before hurricane season arrives, to eliminate any weaknesses early on in the hurricane season.

Consider the tips in this article and seek professional assistance whenever necessary. The result isn't just a safer property. It's a rental that's easier to manage and navigate during emergency situations.

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