Hurricane Delta was a close call! We’re thankful to have escaped unscathed! As we wade through the tail end of hurricane season, the entire team at Polar Bear Air Conditioning is dedicated to keeping the Cayman Islands community safe during the remaining months. We have created a short checklist to help you keep your home prepared, as well as additional tips to maximize your safety and comfort.
Hurricane Checklist
Hurricane Straps for AC Unit
Rarely are hurricanes gentle to our precious home and equipment. The high winds can take quite a toll on outdoor appliances. Make sure your AC condenser unit is protected during this hurricane season by installing quality hurricane straps.
Although your AC unit is a heavy piece of equipment, hurricanes with winds of 75 MPH or above can lift and carry the unit elsewhere — and not even the best AC repair in Grand Cayman will be enough to bring your unit back to life in this case! Hurricane straps can keep your unit anchored to the ground by securing the AC cabinet (the unit’s outer shell) to the underlying foundation. You will need one hurricane strap for each corner, four in total, for maximum protection. These should be put in by a professional to ensure proper installation and eliminate the risk of damage caused to the AC unit.
Hurricane Shutters for Windows
Hurricane shutters can guard your windows against dangerous winds, heavy rainfall, and flying debris, keeping your home and family safe during such perilous times. They come in a variety of styles, including:
- Rolling shutters
- Accordion shutters
- Colonial shutters
- Bahama shutters
- Storm panel shutters
Some shutters can also be controlled automatically or through a remote, so you can adjust the amount of sunlight entering your home.
Hurricane Insurance for the Home
One of the most important things you do to protect your home during hurricane season is to double-check or update your insurance policy to include hurricane and flood protection. Hurricane insurance can help alleviate some of the financial burdens in case your home or valuable belongings do get damaged. However, to take full advantage of your insurance, you must document the value of your building and equipment ahead of time. Take quality photographs of these items ahead of time, record their worth, and save this information on a memory stick for later use.
Dealing with the Aftermath
The aftermath of a hurricane can be as stressful as the event itself. During this time, it’s important to be proactive and responsive to the situation around you. Follow these tips:
- If your home has been flooded, immediately contact a flood restoration specialist.
- Open the doors and windows for extra ventilation. This allows damp areas to dry quickly and avoid mold/mildew growth.
- Do not walk in settled floodwater, as it could be contaminated with bacteria.
- Do not touch low hanging power lines or any attached objects.
- Do not turn on the water until the Water Authority officially announces water has been restored in your area.
- Conduct a careful search for gas leaks.
- Boil water before consumption.
- Be mindful of pests around your property.
We hope the end of this hurricane season finds you safe and sound. If you require any AC services or mini-split AC units for sale, don’t hesitate to contact your favorite Cayman Islands AC specialists at Polar Bear!
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