Key Takeaways

• • Preparation is Key: Stock up on emergency supplies, secure your property, and ensure that vulnerable individuals are well-equipped with medical essentials.

  • Stay Safe During the Storm: Shelter in a secure spot away from windows, and stay informed using a battery-powered radio or TV.

  • Post-Storm Caution: Avoid hazards like downed power lines, flooding, and wildlife, and use emergency supplies, especially bottled water.

  • Damage Assessment: Document all damages with photos and videos for insurance claims and begin clean-up once it’s safe.

  • Insurance Assistance: Contact your homeowner’s insurance immediately and understand your options, including filing a claim and hiring adjusters if necessary.

Preparation is key when it comes to weathering a hurricane, and gathering emergency supplies should be a priority long before the storm approaches. Establishing a well-stocked emergency supply kit year-round alleviates the last-minute scramble and stress of fighting crowds at local stores when a hurricane warning is issued. While some supplies can be stored indefinitely, others are perishable and should be replenished in the days leading up to the storm’s arrival.

• Basic Hand Tools: Include a hammer, screwdriver, and wrench for any necessary repairs.
• Manual Can Opener: Necessary for accessing canned food.
• Medications: Keep an ample supply of both prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Backup Generator: Invest in a generator to power essential appliances, along with fuel for operation.
• Extra Gasoline: Store extra fuel safely for your vehicle and generator.
• Sandbags: Use these to divert floodwaters away from your home.
• Fire Extinguisher: Be prepared for potential fires during emergencies.
• Maps of Your Local Area: Have paper maps on hand in case of digital service outages.
• Identification Copies: Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof container.
• Bug Spray: Protect against mosquito bites, especially after standing water accumulates.

In addition to emergency supplies, it’s crucial to store enough food to sustain your family for several days, especially since electricity may be unavailable. Focus on non-perishable items, such as:

• Granola and Protein Bars: Nutrient-dense options for quick energy.
• Peanut Butter and Bread: A versatile and filling food choice.
• Dry Cereals: Easy-to-prepare and nutritious.
• Canned Fruits and Vegetables: Long-lasting and healthy options.
• Canned or Pouched Juices: Hydrating and convenient.

Consider healthy foods that provide high-quality energy to support your family during the storm. For families with infants, ensure you have shelf-stable baby food readily available. Additionally, take special considerations for elderly or differently-abled household members to meet their specific dietary and health needs.

Understanding your evacuation options is crucial for safety during a hurricane. Florida is divided into six major evacuation zones—A through F—with Zone A being the most vulnerable and likely to be evacuated first, while Zone F is the least susceptible.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

• Familiarize yourself with your specific hurricane zone and the planned evacuation routes. Don’t wait until a storm is imminent to gather this information.
• Stay updated by monitoring local news and keeping a storm radio handy to learn if your zone is ordered to evacuate.

Vehicle Preparedness

• Ensure your car is gassed up and ready to go. Regular maintenance, oil changes, and inspections during the off-season will help ensure your vehicle is reliable.
• If possible, move any extra vehicles into your garage to protect them from storm damage.

Whether you plan to stay or evacuate, taking steps to prepare your home is essential to minimize potential damage from hurricane conditions.

Key Preparatory Steps

• Clear Your Yard: Remove items that high winds can turn into projectiles, such as bicycles, outdoor furniture, toys, and grills.
• Pool Preparation: Turn off power to pool equipment, add extra chlorine, and remove toys and floats. Do not cover the pool.
• Window Protection: Use storm shutters or plywood to cover windows, ensuring they can withstand high winds. Follow proper techniques to secure them.
• Electrical Safety: Know how to shut off your home’s power to prevent hazards from flooding or downed wires, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure that batteries are functional in these devices to keep your home safe during emergencies.
• Roof Maintenance: Check for any missing shingles or braces and replace them to minimize water damage.
• Protect Important Items: Store documents, electronics, and valuables in waterproof containers or place them high up in your home to guard against flooding.

Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the extent of damage you may face after the storm.

Preparing for a hurricane can be especially challenging for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities. If you or a loved one fall into this category, it’s vital to take specific steps to ensure safety and well-being.

Speak with your doctor about any ongoing treatments, such as chemotherapy or dialysis, and discuss how to maintain these during a hurricane. Having a plan in place will help ensure continuity of care.

Tailor your preparations to the specific requirements of your family member. Whether you choose to shelter in place or evacuate, ensure you have everything necessary to support their health and comfort throughout the hurricane.

When a hurricane strikes, it’s crucial to prioritize safety by sheltering in place. First, locate a safe area within your home, ideally on the first floor, away from windows, skylights, and doors. Rooms like bathrooms, closets, and pantries situated in the center of the house offer good protection. If your home has a basement and flooding isn’t a concern, you can also take cover there, but ensure you are positioned away from any windows.

In anticipation of violent winds, it’s advisable to shield yourself with a mattress, sleeping bag, or heavy blanket to protect against flying debris. Throughout the storm, it’s vital to stay informed about its progress. Keep a battery-operated radio or TV on to monitor updates regarding the storm’s location and intensity. If the power goes out, having a portable radio will help you stay connected to emergency broadcasts.

Once the hurricane has passed, it is crucial to remain cautious before venturing outside. Stay in a safe location until it is deemed safe to explore your surroundings. Even then, be vigilant for potential hazards that may be present.

Flooding is a common aftermath of hurricanes, so it’s essential to assess whether your roads and streets are accessible. Look out for downed power lines and other utilities that could pose serious risks of electrocution or injury. Additionally, be aware that floodwaters can attract wildlife, including alligators and other dangerous animals, from local waterways. Flooding may also contaminate your home’s water supply, so it’s wise to avoid using tap water for drinking or bathing until you are certain it is safe.

In the aftermath of a storm, avoid lighting candles as damaged gas lines may lead to the risk of explosions. Instead, rely on flashlights for illumination. It is critical to steer clear of any hazards and to remain indoors, calling 911 for emergency assistance if necessary.

Continue to utilize your emergency supplies, particularly bottled water, as storms and flooding often compromise the safety of tap water. Contact local friends and family to check on their well-being and ensure they are safe.

Once it is safe to leave your shelter or return home, you can begin assessing the damage to your property, belongings, and overall environment. Take your time and be thorough in your evaluation, ensuring you document everything for any necessary recovery efforts.

After a hurricane, it’s essential to thoroughly assess the damage to your property. Begin by walking around your home and noting anything that has been damaged or destroyed. Take clear pictures and videos to serve as evidence for your homeowner’s insurance claim, and maintain a hurricane damage log to keep everything organized.

Key Areas to Inspect

Pay special attention to key areas, including:

• Roof Condition: Check for missing shingles or leaks.
• Water Damage and Flooding: Look for signs of dampness or mold.
• Siding: Note any missing or damaged siding.
• Appliances: Assess the condition of major appliances.
• Flooring: Examine rugs and carpets for water damage.
• Drywall and Sheetrock: Look for warping or discoloration.
• Outdoor Structures: Check sheds and fences for damage.
• Foundation: Be aware of any changes to the structure of your home.
• Vehicles: Inspect any cars or vehicles for storm-related damage.
• Windows and Doors: Ensure they are intact and functional.

When recording damage, mark the value of each item and include what you paid for them. Supplement your documentation with receipts, bills, and invoices to ensure you receive the full amount of your insurance coverage.

Disinfect your home using a solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water. This is crucial as storm water often contains hazardous materials like sewage. Thorough cleaning will protect your family from potential health hazards.

When contacting your insurance company, a representative will guide you through initiating your claim. Ask if you should start gathering estimates for repairs, as this can expedite the claims process. The faster you get organized, the quicker the process can move forward.