Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared?

Hurricane Floyd

If you have lived in Florida your whole life or at least part of it, you know that hurricane season will be blowing through very soon. As for new Floridian residents, you may not know the drill when it comes to preparing for this wet, windy time of year known as the Atlantic Hurricane Season. Although, unlike earth quakes, hurricanes can be tracked early enough for safe evacuation, it's imperative to be prepared for the worst. So, how should you prep your family for hurricane season in Florida? Keep reading!

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When Does the Season Begin and End?
Hurricane season starts on June 1st and goes until November 30th, with the peak of the season being from early August to the end of October.

Can Hurricanes Be Predicted?
Absolutely! When trying to predict how each year’s season may go, the NHC (National Hurricane Center) has the most up-to-date information on hurricane developments, forecast and weather alerts. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Hurricane Season Terminology: According to the article The Essential Guide to Hurricane Preparedness posted on the website StateOfFlorida.com:

• Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions are possible in the area.
• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible in the area.Watches are issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions are expected in the area.
• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected in the area. Warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of tropical storm force winds.
• Eye: Clear, sometimes well-defined center of the storm with calmer conditions.
• Eye Wall: Surrounding the eye, contains some of the most severe weather of the storm with the highest wind speed and largest precipitation.
• Rain Bands: Bands coming off the cyclone that produce severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, wind and tornadoes.
• Storm Surge: An often underestimated and deadly result of ocean water swelling as a result of a land falling storm, and quickly flooding coastal and sometimes areas further inland.
• Extreme Wind Warning/Advisory: extreme sustained winds of 115 mph or greater are expected to begin within an hour, immediately take shelter in the interior portion of a well-built structure.

Safety First! Is Your Emergency Kit Properly Stocked?
According to the website StateOfFlorida.com your emergency kit should contain:

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 days)
• Water (enough to last at least 3 days)
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable
• Cooler and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated

It’s important to remember that a warning is usually issued 36 hours in advance to when the hurricane is expected. This allows patrons enough time to properly prepare and evacuate their home if advised by the authorities. During this wait time, you may experience other mishaps such as an power outage. In case of a major power outage, always keep multiple flashlights nearby, withdraw extra funds in case the ATMs are not working, fill up your gas tank in your car, charge electronic devices (cellphones, laptops) and limit its use, fill the bathtub and large containers with water for washing and flushing, and make sure you have enough blankets to say warm in case it’s cold.

Lastly, Prep Your Home:
StateOfFlorida.com advises that you do the following to secure your house:

• Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or wood.
• Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
• If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
• Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
• Reinforce your garage doors.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down.
• If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure and brace internal doors.

Preparing for hurricane season is a tedious yet necessary process of living in Florida. Following these guidelines may help you and your family properly for an emergency and may be potentially lifesaving. Remember to always be aware of what is going on and to follow the advice of experts and the authorities — these people were trained to help you in those situations.
Best Fence hopes this tips were helpful for you and your family this Hurricane Season!

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,
the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

BestFence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Beaches (904) 543-7743 | St. Augustine (904) 827-9088 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net
Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259

SOURCES: http://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide.aspx (stateofflorida.com)
 http://travelwithkids.about.com/od/floridafamilyvacations/fl/Hurricane-Season-2014-No-Consensus-of-Expert-Predictions.htm (about.com)
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/FloydIntro/Images/floyd.jpg&imgrefurl=http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Study/FloydIntro/&h=263&w=350&tbnid=HfJ0s1mmzGb9gM:&zoom=1&tbnh=150&tbnw=200&usg=__N0INSnS0T6E6Cs3TE6Ple3gsKBE=&docid=gRt0jY3tQ_M6iM&itg=1

DIY Fence Installation Mistakes

Installing a fence may appear to be a simple task, however, it's important to contact a professional such as Best Fence to properly install your fence to avoid running into many mistakes when ascending the walls around the yard. Below are some of the most common fence installation mistakes that homeowners make.

Planning
Many who try to install a fence on their own refrain from extensive planning and jump right into the job. Before you can start digging and placing posts, a solid strategy and plan needs to be prepared. Without one, your project will likely fail.

Property Lines
Believe it or not, many homeowners have no clue exactly where their property line begins and ends. As a result, this can lead to costly fines and fees when a fence has crossed into a neighbor’s yard or even public property. Be sure to request for a survey of your property line for precise boundaries.

Zoning Laws

Ornamental Aluminum

You can’t just build a fence anywhere. Sometimes there are boundary and height requirements for certain properties. Some may allow a fence right on the property line, while others require an offset. In addition to zoning laws, be sure to check your local Homeowner’s Association guidelines. If the fence is going to be installed around your pool it must adhere to local or state safety codes.

Sunshine 811
Always call Sunshine 811 before you dig. Most fences require one third of their height underground. Fence posts on some fences need to be a minimum of 30 inches deep. When digging that deep, you run the risk of hitting underground pipes or wires. So, to avoid that risk, make the call before you dig.

Measure
Measure the fence line at least twice. A precise measurement will save you time and money in the long run. You will know exactly how much material you will need and where your fence posts will be set. This is the most important planning aspect.

Rather than taking the risk of being fined, or overstepping your property boundaries, save the hassle and call Best Fence of Jacksonville. Best Fence offers the best quality materials, pricing value and always meets code requirements.

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,

the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

Best Fence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Beaches (904) 543-7743 | St. Augustine (904) 827-9088 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net

Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259

Prepping the Pool for Summer!!

Summer is almost here! Do you know what that means? It's time to start prepping your pool for those relaxing pool days that are coming in HOT. If you're just as excited as we are about taking a dip on a warm summer day then follow these simple yet effective pool cleaning tips to have your outdoor swimming arena ready for summer!


Clean the Surrounding Area 
Being that we are Floridians, there' s a good chance that your backyard and pool are covered in leaves and debris from the seasonal changes. Don't wait to tackle this daunting task. Start collecting the leaves in trash bags until the pool cover is free of debris. After leaf duty, continue the cleanup by removing standing water on the pool cover.

Strip the Cover
Be sure to properly clean and dry the cover before putting it away in storage. Spray the cover down on a high-pressure hose setting and spread the cover out to dry. Once it’s dry, you can fold it up and place it in a dry, cool area for storage.

Top It Off
The water level could have dropped over the winter. Check the skimmer water level. It needs to be in the middle of the skimmer opening for the pump to work properly. Also, before filling the pool to the proper water level, clean the cartridge filter. Watch the YouTube video for step-by-step instructions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N1e0CFDcNo


Check the Pump
Check all of the hoses, pumps, and filters. Start the circulation system and let it run for a few hours. Check back to monitor and ensure the equipment is in working condition.

Check Chemicals and pH
After the pool has been running for about 8 to 12 hours, check the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine.

• The pH level should sit between 7.2 to 7.8. 

• Alkalinity should sit between 80 to 120 ppm (parts per million).

• Calcium hardness should sit between 150 to 250 ppm.

• Chlorine should sit between 1 to 3 ppm. 

Safety Measures/Inventory 
After months of no pool use, you'll need to stop in your local pool supply store to stock back up on pool maintenance chemicals, such as chlorine tablets. Check all surrounding pool decking and clean appropriately to prevent any slippage. Lastly, re-stock your first aid kit — especially if you have children!

Add a Fence!
Adding a fence to your pool decor is not only beneficial to your family's safety, a fence also provides privacy while enhancing your yard's appearance. If you currently do not have a fence or your fence isn't up to certain safety measures, be sure to contact Best Fence of Jacksonville for a FREE estimate. Visit BestFenceJax.net

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,

the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

Best Fence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Beaches (904) 543-7743 | St. Augustine (904) 827-9088 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net

Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259

Make Your Back Yard Pool Ready for Summer!

With summer right around the corner, it is the perfect time to start thinking about having a pool installed at your new or existing home. Adding a pool to your backyard design increases the value of your home, adds a sense of serenity and of course plenty of fun for the whole family. Since building a pool is a large job, we've provided some tips and information to keep in mind when planning for the addition.

First and foremost, there are laws and regulations that must be met before your pool can be installed. One is the national building code for pool barriers called B.O.C.A.,  while the other is the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act law requires Florida homeowners to take certain safety precautions with swimming pools. It was created to reduce the number of drowning fatalities in the state, so it is a serious matter.

The leading requirement is a fence or barrier around the pool. The Act states that all outdoor swimming pools must have a 4-foot fence or other barrier around the outer perimeter of the pool, with no gaps or breaks in coverage. The fence needs to be a suitable distance away from the pool’s edge. The entry through the barrier (gate) must open outward and have a self-closing and self-locking device that is out of a child’s reach.

Don’t take this lightly. If you fail to install a fence or safety barrier, it is considered a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida law. Do not hesitate to consult with your local fencing company such as Best Fence of Jacksonville, if you have plans to build a pool in the near future.

Now we've got the laws down, it's time to mastermind your dream pool's design and the fencing that will surround it. You can choose from many styles of aluminum pool fence engineered to meet and exceed national pool codes including B.O.C.A., while enhancing your landscape and creating the safety barrier required to pass inspection. The design options are endless with decorative fence post caps or arched gates for a unique addition to your outdoor living space.

Best Fence of Jacksonville is dedicated to providing each client with the best fence and value for your individual property. They will coordinate your fence installation with your builder, pool company and other contractors for your convenience. Your decorative pool fence is guaranteed to pass inspection and meet all code requirements.

Visit BestFenceJax.Net for a FREE estimate!

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,
the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

Best Fence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net
Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259

Increase the Curb Appeal of Your Home

Many homeowners struggle to check off their to-do list when it comes to home improvement, but there are a few time-friendly renovations you can tackle to give your home a fresh look. Here are a few weekend projects you can do to increase your home's curb appeal.

Clean. This will be one of the cheapest tasks that you can do to brighten up the appearance of your home. You can either borrow or rent a pressure washer for this task. Be sure to hit the siding, front porch, walkway, driveway, sidewalk, etc.

Fencing. Adding a fence to your landscape can add beauty and value to your home without breaking the bank. Best Fence of Jacksonville offers an array of fencing options to fit your particular needs. Choose from Ornamental Vinyl, Ornamental Aluminum or Ornamental Garden fences and products for those with a green thumb. Step out of the ordinary with a custom built fence for your home by Best Fence!

Paint. There's nothing like a fresh coat of paint to give life back to your home. Painting the whole house can be costly, so for a cheap but effective change, paint the trim, deck or front door instead. These minor changes can be very eye-catching especially if you decide to go with a brighter color.

Landscape. It may be time to mow the lawn. In addition to mowing the lawn you can go the extra mile and pick all the weeds around your property. Next prune and trim your plants and bushes to maintain an aesthetic shape. Try utilizing fertilizer for your lawn. It can keep it greener and healthier than ever. You may even decide to add some extra color to complement your home by planting some seasonal flowers. This will indeed help your home stand out from the others.

Decorate. Create an inviting space by adding furniture, art pieces, a water feature, or even an arch entryway. Even installing an elegant pathway that leads to your door can add that extra allurement to your home. Perhaps an ornamental fence is what your house has been lacking. BestFenceJax.Net

Lighting. Consider adding light fixtures to put your home in the spotlight. If you have a pathway leading to your door, try lining it with solar path lights. Lanterns can complement a front deck well or a light post by the street can be a distinguishing piece. You can get creative and craft your on lights, there are plenty of projects for lighting on Pinterest.

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,
the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

Best Fence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Beaches (904) 543-7743 | St. Augustine (904) 827-9088 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net
Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinyl Fencing

            Vinyl fencing has increased in popularity over the recent years. It has many benefits over traditional wood or chain link fences. There are pros and cons to vinyl material that you should consider before purchasing a fence. There are varieties of styles and colors to choose from to create the fence you envision. A vinyl fence can make your property more aesthetically pleasing and increase its value.

Advantages

• Durability. Vinyl is a much more durable product than wood. It doesn't rot or rust and resists all types of weather. It is a great choice for areas of high humidity and salty air.

• Low Maintenance. Unlike wood, vinyl does not need to be painted or stained to be preserved. It is a plastic material. It is easy to clean; just look at our previous posts for cleaning tips. Vinyl will maintain its original conditions for years to come! See the chart below for cleaning tips.

• Green. No it is not the color green to the eye, it is an environmentally friendly material. Vinyl fences from Best Fence of Jacksonville are made from non-toxic chemicals, both beneficial to your family and Mother Nature. In addition, vinyl requires less resources to manufacture, utilizes less energy to produce, and has low emissions.

Disadvantages

• Cost. Yes, vinyl does cost more money up front. It is more expensive than wood or chain link, however, it will end up being cheaper in the long run. With little to no repairs, replacements, or painting needed, you will actually spend less over time compared to other materials.   

    

• Difficult to Repair. If part of you fence does endure damage, it may be more difficult to replace the damaged area. A professional may be required to replace the damaged posts or even a small section of the fence. Visit http://www.bestfencejax.net/contactus.asp for a FREE estimate.

• Ordinary. Although, the traditional vinyl fence is usually white and fairly plain looking, there is now a larger selection of decorative pieces and finishes that can give your vinyl fence that extra pop! Check out a variety of our styles at http://www.bestfencejax.net/ornamentalvinylfence.asp

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,
the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

Best Fence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Beaches (904) 543-7743 | St. Augustine (904) 827-9088 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net
Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259

Ideas to Create a Dog Friendly Backyard

Fence. Install a fence to keep your dog in sight and to help keep other critters out of your yard. A fenced in yard allows Fido to roam free without going too far, all the while adding style to your outdoor design.

Water. Add a water feature to the backyard. It will provide your little pup with all the water he or she needs. Hire a professional to install a small fountain, stream, or waterfall. It will give your yard a sense of tranquility too!

Shelter. Snoopy loved his dog house and your dog will too. Dogs tend to seek shade during the warmer months to keep cool with all that fur. Dogs can even get sunburn and dehydrated. Have some fun and build an unordinary, creative design.

Snoopy

Safe Plant Life. Do not plant any vegetation that has thorns or spurs. In addition keep the yard poison ivy and toxin-free. Dogs tend to eat whatever may peek their interest.

Ground Material. Grass is probably a dog’s favorite type of terrain. If you decide to put rock, pavers, concrete, or wood decking in the yard, be mindful and use a lighter colored material. You don’t want the pup’s little paws getting scorched by the hot sun.

Need Help?

If you’re interested in having a fence installed on your property, contact us today! Our professional Estimator can bring samples upon request, to your Free estimate appointment.

“We work hard to provide you with the Best price,
the Best quality product and the Best service you deserve”

Best Fence Company is Jacksonville’s industry leader in fabrication and installment of top quality vinyl and aluminum fencing and ornamental garden products. At Best Fence, our mission is to fabricate and install the highest quality product at a competitive price while providing unsurpassed Customer Service. Fencing is an investment in your home. Your decorative fence design choice adds value to your property in a beautiful way. Your family will feel protected and you'll breathe easier knowing Best Fence installed your new fence. We provide professional FREE estimates at your convenience, call us today.

Jacksonville (904) 268-1638 | Beaches (904) 543-7743 | St. Augustine (904) 827-9088 | Email: info@bestfencejax.net
Best Fence - 5404 Race Track Road Jacksonville, Florida 32259