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This guide may be able to help you prepare you and your family for severe storms, hurricanes, and tropical storms, emphasizing the importance of securing your home before the hurricane season begins on June 1st, to reduce the risk of storm damage. Additionally, understanding the threat of storm surge is crucial, as it represents one of the greatest threats during a hurricane, necessitating measures to secure your home against it.
Every homeowner in Florida worries about hurricane season, including the threat of a major hurricane. The Atlantic hurricane season, impacting regions from Cancun to Florida and up the Eastern Seaboard, is a critical period for storm preparedness, especially during its peak months from August through October. Luckily, there are ways to prepare your home.
Florida Hurricane Preparedness and Home Preparation Guide
The three main parts of hurricane home preparation are creating a plan, preparing your house, and preparing any vehicles or additional property you may have that may be at risk in the hurricane zone. The first priority of a hurricane preparedness plan is to safeguard you and your family, and then your property.
Preparing Your Home For a Hurricane
Getting reliable Florida home insurance is your #1 priority when preparing your home for a hurricane. Understanding your homeowners insurance coverage for hurricane damage is crucial, as it can help you save thousands of dollars in the event of your home getting damaged by a hurricane, including protection against flood damage.
Installing storm shutters is one of the most effective ways to protect your doors and windows from storm damage, particularly the risk from flying projectiles during high winds. Additionally, securing your roof with hurricane straps, also known as truss tie-downs, can prevent roof damage and ensure structural integrity against fierce winds and lashing rain.
Homeowners insurance plays a key role in mitigating financial losses, especially since flood damage can have a significant and costly impact during hurricanes.
Evaluate your risks
The elevation level of your home is an important factor in determining whether your land is flood-prone. Check your elevation level to see whether it is likely for you to sustain storm surges or tidal flooding.
A flood map from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can help you see whether you live in a zone with high flooding risks. Florida properties usually have substantial risks of flooding, which impacts everything from flood insurance rates to how homes are built. Considering this, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) becomes crucial for homeowners in such areas, emphasizing the need for flood insurance, especially in hurricane zones. Learn all about FEMA flood zones.
Cover your windows with hurricane shutters
By covering your home’s windows, you can protect yourself from potential glass breakages and risks of glass shards in your home. The best way to protect your windows is usually to install permanent storm shutters. Another option is to board the windows up with plywood that is cut to fit.
Tape does not usually provide adequate protection when it comes to covering windows.
Roof safety
Unfortunately during hurricane season, many roofs have the risk of being damaged. Instead of having to replace a roof after a hurricane, the damage may be reduced if you install straps or clips to fasten your roof more securely to the house structure.
Trim your trees and clear clogged gutters
Trimming your nearby shrubbery and trees can help them become more wind resistant. If there are tall trees, be aware that they may fall onto your building in case of a severe storm.
Clearing clogged or loose rain gutters and downspouts can also help reduce damage to your property.
Reinforce your garage doors
Wind damage can be extremely serious. Reinforce the doors to your garage to potentially avoid dangerous and expensive structural damages.
Determine which room is the safest
No matter if you have a hurricane shelter area, it is a good idea to determine which room is the safest in your home.
If you reside in a high-rise building, it is recommended that you take shelter below the 10th floor.
Secure your additional property and review flood insurance
If you own additional property and valuables such as a boat, make sure you have a plan in place for securing your boat and storing it before hurricane season.
Install an emergency generator
You never know when power might go out, especially during hurricane season in Florida where power outages are a common issue. A safely installed emergency generator can play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of these outages, ensuring you stay safe and comfortable during and after a severe storm.
Florida hurricane emergency planning guide
An important part of any hurricane emergency plan is to make sure you and your family have an emergency kit, a communication plan, as well as an evacuation plan. Everyone should be on the same page ahead of time so that in case of an emergency, the proper safety procedures can be made.
It's crucial to heed a hurricane warning to ensure the safety of your family, including pets, and to not be caught unprepared. Additionally, consulting the National Hurricane Center for the most up-to-date information on tropical cyclone developments and forecasts is key to staying informed and making timely decisions during hurricane season.
What should you include in an emergency kit?
An emergency supply kit should be prepared well ahead of time and be kept in a safe location everyone is aware of. Essential supplies should include (but are not limited to):
- Water - at least one gallon per day per person, enough for 3 to 7 days
- Food - nonperishable food for at least 3 to 7 days
- A can opener - for nonperishable foods
- Radio - a radio and an NOAA weather radio with tone alert
- Flashlights
- Extra batteries - for your battery powered devices
- First aid kit
- Medicine and prescription drugs
- Whistle
- Fully-charged cell phones - it is best to have backup battery power as well
- Cash, traveler’s checks, and change - it can be helpful to have small bills and coins
- Dust mask - in case of contaminated air
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- Garbage bags, towels, and sanitation items
- Wrench/pliers
- Vehicles - along with fuel and local maps
- Copies of important documents - keep these in waterproof bags. Include information such as your identification documents, insurance policies, and bank account records
Sometimes, a hurricane can hit when you aren’t home or able to access the emergency kit. Keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car, home, and wherever you think one may be necessary. It is always good to be prepared.
What needs to be in an evacuation plan?
Learn about local evacuation routes for hurricanes. Finding higher ground is often key to safety. Discuss with your family where you would go in case of an emergency, as well as how you would get there in case of a hurricane.
What is a hurricane communication plan?
A family and/or friend communication plan is important in case of an emergency. This can include shared information such as where to go in case of a hurricane, evacuation routes, and emergency contact information.
Don't Weather the Storm Alone
Hurricane season is unpredictable. Don't let a storm catch you off guard. Taking these precautions now can save you immense stress and financial loss later. And remember, the right insurance is your ultimate safety net. Get a free quote from Worth Insurance at www.worthinsurance.com and protect your home.
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