How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
As beautiful as Florida is, it can also be the backdrop to the kind of tropical storms that would make a Hollywood special effects team jealous. With hurricane season officially lasting from June 1 to November 30, that’s 6 months of hurricane roulette that Floridians have to cope with.
In this article, we’re going to look at ways you can stack the hurricane odds in your favor, protect your family, home, and belongings—and reduce the likelihood of filing a costly insurance claim.
General advice
Whether or not a hurricane is heading your way right now, here are some tips to make sure you’re ready for it, if and when it decides to drop by.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Check your homeowners insurance policy to understand your coverage for hurricane damage. It’s particularly important to know your hurricane deductible, which is typically a percentage of your home’s coverage. For instance, if your dwelling coverage is $500,000 and your deductible is 5%, your out-of-pocket expense would be $25,000.
Understanding your insurance policy details can help you avoid surprises when you need to file a claim. Since flooding isn’t covered by standard Florida home insurance, consider purchasing a separate flood insurance policy. This type of insurance takes about 30 days to become effective, so it’s important to act early. Additionally, it’s wise to shop around and get home insurance quotes from different home insurance companies to make sure you’re getting the right coverage at the right price.
Document your home possessions
Take photos and videos of your items, noting their condition and value. Keep receipts and important documents in a waterproof container as this documentation will be essential when filing a claim.
Buy a generator (or if you already have one, test it!)
Generators are lifesavers during power outages so invest in a good one and familiarize yourself with its operation. Regularly test it to make sure it’s in working order, and stock up on fuel to last several days, as gas stations may be closed during a hurricane.
Secure storm shutters
If you don’t have impact-resistant windows and doors, installing storm shutters is essential. While they can be expensive, they provide significant protection. Alternatively, you can use marine-grade plywood that is at least five-eighths of an inch thick.
Check your roof
Many roofs lack proper straps, so it’s important to check how your roof is actually attached to the walls. With toe nails providing the weakest connection, and double wraps offering the strongest, it’s a good idea to know what you’re dealing with before the storm season arrives. If your roof is secured with toe nails, you can retrofit to clips, which will strengthen your roof and may also reduce your insurance costs.
Create an evacuation plan
Develop a detailed evacuation plan, including routes, destinations, and a list of items to bring. Discuss the plan with family members and make sure everyone knows what to do. If you have pets, don’t forget to include them in the plan too.
Stock up on hurricane essentials
In the event of a hurricane, bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid kits are going to be your new best friends. Purchase these items well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
What to do if a hurricane is on the way
If a hurricane is predicted to hit your community soon, these are the steps you should follow in the days and hours beforehand.
● Locate water, electricity, and gas shutoffs
Identify your utility shutoff valves and switches, turning them off just before a hurricane arrives to prevent additional damage and hazards.
● Secure windows, doors, and garage doors
Install your storm shutters or plywood coverings over windows and doors to protect against wind and flying debris.
● Trim trees and shrubs
Trimming back any overhanging branches or shrubs prevents them from causing damage during high winds. Also, tie down small trees to prevent them from being uprooted.
● Anchor Outdoor Objects
Move lighter outdoor items indoors and secure heavier objects to prevent them from becoming projectiles during the storm.
● Adjust your freezer and refrigerator
Perhaps not quite as crucial as the others, but setting your freezer and refrigerator to the coldest settings helps keep your food fresh longer if the power goes out.
Keep your home safe with Home Insurance Florida
At Home Insurance Florida, we specialize in helping Floridians protect their homes cost-effectively all year round. With the right insurance safeguarding you against unforeseen risks, we offer personalized advice and tailored coverage options. Contact Home Insurance Florida, and let our experienced agents find the best insurance quotes that Florida has to offer.