Florida’s hurricane season is June 1 to Nov 30. Even if you aren’t on the coast, most areas of Florida seem to get a lot of strong storms with high winds this time of year. Proper hurricane preparation can help you avoid the frenzy that happens the week leading up to a storm and can help protect your home for the other summer storms that we face.
We have a great downloadable document that you can print and use for further info. Also, if you prefer video, we have a hurricane preparation playlist, which we included at the bottom.
Hurricane Preparation – Prepare Your Home
- Secure any loose roofing, siding, or skirting that could get caught by the wind.
- Trim any trees with dead or broken limbs or low-hanging branches that could damage your home in the wind.
- Make sure your house number is visible and clear.
- Have plywood or shutters to secure windows and openings.
- When a storm approaches, remember to secure patio chairs, lawn ornaments, and anything loose that could become a projectile.
- Inspect your tie-downs and anchors if you live in a manufactured home or mobile home.
Hurricane Preparation – Prepare Your Insurance
- Know what type of coverages you have.
- Flood is not covered by your regular home policy in most cases, and you need a separate flood insurance policy if you want coverage for flooding.
- Wind is covered on most policies, but you can also choose to exclude it. Check to make sure you have the wind option that you want.
- What is your deductible if something happens? What is the hurricane deductible? Many policies have a higher deductible for hurricane vs regular wind or fire.
- Create a home inventory of your personal property. Take pictures, keep receipts, etc. Then, store this in a separate location – a family member’s house, safety deposit box, etc. so it’s safe if something happens to your home.
- If you don’t have coverage but want to get it, don’t wait until the last minute. Once a storm is on its way, most insurance companies stop issuing new policies.
If you have any Florida home insurance questions, make sure to review them with your agent before something happens. If you can’t get answers or if you need a quote, feel free to call our team at Think Safe Insurance 813-425-1626. We are happy to help any way that we can.
Related: Does My Policy Cover Hurricane Damage?
Hurricane Preparation – Prepare Your Family’s Plan
Here in Florida, it’s important to know well in advance what you will do if a storm approaches.
How early will you evacuate? Where will you go?
- Friend/Family’s Home – If you can evacuate to a site built home outside the storm area, that is usually the best option. You will have more flexibility and probably a more comfortable accommodation. Remember that once the storm passes your home, the storm will still be around. If you evacuate to TN for example, you may be driving back through the remnants of the storm. Plan accordingly.
- Shelter – These may be closer to home, but often aren’t as comfortable or accommodating. Most do not allow pets, and ones that do usually fill up fast.
You don’t want to wait until the last minute. Shelters may fill up, roads get congested, and gas stations start running low on fuel. Don’t get caught in this. Make a decision early and get to safety.
- Communicate your plan – Let your extended family know what’s going on and where you are headed, so they know what to expect. Distant family often gets nervous if they aren’t familiar with the area and are just seeing things on the news.
- Have your evacuation items ready. You don’t want to be scrambling to find things when you need to hit the road.
- Prescription medication
- Important documents – Deeds, wills, insurance policies, etc.
- Cell phone and charger
- Flashlights
- Non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day at least.) for at least a week.
- Can opener
- Clothes and hygiene items
Hurricane Preparation – Conclusion
While this isn’t a full list, it’ll help you think through what you need. Fill up your gas tanks as a storm approaches and get some cash in case power is out and banks are closed.
Hopefully this storm season isn’t bad. Take your hurricane preparation seriously. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Take some time to make sure you have what you need, and you have a plan in place if the need arises this storm season. Stuff can be replaced, but the most important thing is that you and your family are safe.
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