How to Prepare Your House for a Hurricane

Living in Florida can feel like a dream at times, but in reality, a good part of the calendar year is spent dealing with Mother Nature at her worst. While hurricane season is not an official season, for Floridians it truly is a fifth season that keeps us on our toes, a time when even a seemingly distant tropical storm can rapidly escalate into a significant threat. As many learned in 2024, hurricane season should be taken very seriously, as not only can the storms themselves be dangerous, but also financially devastating. Preparing your home and your family before the season gets into full swing is one thing every homeowner should do to help minimize damage and ensure safety.

So what can you do as a new homeowner to prepare? First and foremost, educate yourself on best practices and safety tips, but also follow along with this blog to help prepare your hurricane survival plan.

What to Do Before the Season Starts

With so many things to think about, it can seem daunting to even begin working on a hurricane preparedness plan. But there are some simple things to do that can kickstart your flow:

Review your insurance coverage

Insurance can be tricky, so the best foot forward is to understand your plan and what you are paying for. Discuss coverage with your agent and make sure what is important to you is covered, especially concerning hurricane force winds and potential storm surge. See if flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) could be helpful too, as standard homeowner policies often don’t cover flood damage. Also, document important items in your home via video and photograph.

Create an emergency kit

Having a general emergency kit in your home is a good idea whether or not a hurricane is part of your living experience. You never know when you may need it, so put one together as soon as you are able to. A well-stocked emergency kit should include essential emergency supplies like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. A great comprehensive list can be found here: https://www.ready.gov/kit

Know your evacuation route and plan how you will execute it

Not only should you know the routes in and out of your town, but depending on the storm, you should have options. Knowing multiple ways to safety is key, ensuring several opportunities for your family. Research designated public shelter locations in your area in case you cannot stay with friends or family. Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and important service providers, and ensure everyone in your family has access to it.

Do a thorough inspection of your roof, windows and doors

Ensure that your home is as hurricane proof as it can be. If possible, have an inspection done by a professional roofer at the beginning of every hurricane season. Having that added confirmation from a professional can alleviate stress when it comes to potential weather related damage. Also, if you don’t have storm shutters, having a game plan and supplies in place for boarding up any windows or doors before the season starts can help you avoid the desperate scramble for plywood and fasteners as a storm approaches.

Purchase a generator and stock up on supplies

Purchasing medication, fuel, toiletries, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable foods are all things to consider when there is a chance for long lasting power outages. Access to clean water can also be a concern where there is flooding, so having a good supply of water is critical. Plan for one gallon per person per day.

What to Do When a Storm is Projected Your Way

You’ve received the warning – a hurricane is projected to come your way. What do you do? Of course you will be scared and worried, but if you have planned appropriately, you are already a step ahead. The next things on your to-do list revolves around your immediate surroundings:

Clear your yard and secure outdoor objects – Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home.
Trim your trees and clean your gutters – Lessen the chance that your trees become projectile missiles and allow your gutters to do their job.
Cover up windows and doors – Whether you board up windows and doors or install hurricane covers, make sure anything with glass is protected.
Be ready to turn off your power and have all your devices charged.
Fill clean water containers with drinking water and fill up your bathtubs for cleaning. There is a chance you will not have running water after a storm.
Prepare for flood waters – If possible, have plenty of sandbags to help stave off any rising water.

What to Do During a Hurricane

At this point, if you have been ordered to evacuate, you should have already done so. After preparing and doing everything possible before the storm, the next step is yours and your family’s personal safety. If you were not ordered to evacuate, or if you have chosen to stay put, here’s what you should do:

Stay indoors – Avoid going outside during the storm, and don’t try to be a weather chaser.
Seek shelter in a designated safe space – If possible, take refuge in a FEMA safe room or a small interior room on the lowest level. If flood waters are an issue, seek higher ground.
Stay away from windows and doors – Even if your windows are boarded up, keep a safe distance from glass to avoid injury from flying debris.
Turn off utilities – If local authorities advise, turn off gas and electricity at the main switch or valve to lessen the chance of fire danger.

What to Do After a Hurricane

The worst is over, and hopefully because of your preparation, you and your family are safe. But what’s next?

Stay informed – Continue to monitor local news and weather reports.
Be aware of hazards – Watch for and avoid downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
Avoid standing water – It may be contaminated or hide dangers like sinkholes or snakes.
Document damage – Take photos and videos of any damage for insurance purposes.
Contact your insurance company – File a claim for any damage covered by your policy.
Be patient with recovery – it will take time and everyone deserves the opportunity for help.

Hurricanes are not to be taken lightly, and being prepared is the best way to protect you, your family, and your home. Through education and understanding, you can be prepared to handle even the most difficult situation. We hope this helps with your planning!

A Few Extras Just for You!

Because you can never have too many resources for help in a disaster, here are two important websites to visit while putting together your hurricane plans: