How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Jun 12

As a Florida resident, hurricane season is a reality that you must prepare for each year. The season runs from June 1st to November 30th, and being prepared can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your property.

1. Create a Hurricane Readiness Strategy

Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave your home.

Emergency Kit: Assemble an emergency kit that includes water, non-perishable food, and a manual can opener, flashlight, candles, batteries, medications, medical supplies,and personal hygiene items, and import your important documents in a waterproof container.

2. Secure Your Home

Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.

Garage doors: consider reinforcing your garage door by installing braces, replacing standard garage door tracks with heavy-duty tracks, or even upgrading to a wind-resistant garage door.

Roof: inspect your roof for loose shingles or tiles and make necessary repairs. Consider installing hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls of your home.

Yard: Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of branches breaking and causing damage. Additionally, remove any outdoor furniture or other items that could become blown away from the high winds.

Generators: If you have a generator, ensure it is in good condition and has enough fuel. Never run a generator inside your home or garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

3. Protect Important Documents

Keep important documents such as insurance policies, birth certificates, and financial records in a portable, waterproof container. Consider making digital copies and storing them on a secure cloud service or hard drive.

4. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your homeowners’ insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane-related damage. Understand your policy’s deductibles and any exclusions. Flood insurance is usually not included in standard policies, so you may need to purchase it separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Preparing for hurricane season involves careful planning. You can protect your family and property during the storm by securing your home, creating a plan, and staying informed. Remember, the key is to be calm and prepared.