In Florida, hurricane season is just another fact of life. While you may feel like you’ve been through it all before, the truth is it only takes one storm to change everything. At Ovation Home Insurance Exchange, we believe appropriate hurricane prep and vigilance are the keys to keeping you and your home safe. Here’s how to stay on top of hurricane risks all season long so you can breathe easy knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Maintain a Hurricane Prep Kit With Essential Supplies
Your hurricane prep kit is your first line of defense in an emergency. While you likely have the basics – water, nonperishable food, flashlights, and batteries – there are guaranteed to be items you’ll wish you had in a crisis. Ensure you have enough water (one gallon per person, per day) and nonperishable food to last at least 7 days. Pay attention to the things you rely on every day to discover what else you’ll miss if left out of your kit. Be sure to include important medications, a portable phone charger, and copies of essential documents like insurance policies and identification.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to include supplies for your pets! Food, leashes or carriers, and any medications should be part of their emergency kit as well.
Stay Informed With Reliable Weather Updates
In today’s world, there are countless ways to stay updated on weather conditions. Use multiple sources to track hurricanes, such as local TV stations, weather apps, and the National Hurricane Center. Sign up for alerts from local authorities, and never ignore evacuation orders. Even if a storm looks like it’s weakening, conditions can change rapidly. Better to be safe than sorry.
Pro tip: You’ll want to get a hand-crank radio (or a battery- or solar-powered one) in case power goes out and you can’t access news updates online. Consider a NOAA Weather Radio, which broadcasts continuous weather info 24/7 from the nearest National Weather Service office.
Keep Your Home’s Exterior Storm-Ready
Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 to November 30, which is a long time to remain prepared. But don’t wait until a storm is announced to start your hurricane prep in your yard and outside of your home. Keep tree branches trimmed and gutters clean all season long. Check for any loose siding or roofing likely to peeled off in high winds. And if you don’t have hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows - plywood, while not ideal, may be a temporary option for protecting your windows until you can make better arrangements.
Pro tip: Seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors with weatherproof caulk as part of your hurricane prep each year. This helps prevent wind and water from entering your home during a storm, reducing the risk of interior damage.
Have a Family Communication Plan
In the chaos of a storm, communication can quickly break down. Make sure your family knows how to get in touch if the power goes out or cell towers are down. Establish a designated meeting place and have a backup plan for how you’ll stay connected if phones aren’t working. Out-of-state contacts can also help relay messages between family members.
Pro tip: Record a voicemail greeting on your cellphone before the storm hits, letting people know where you are, who you’re with, and what the plan is. This way, if loved ones are trying to reach you during the storm, they’ll know as much as possible.
Document Your Home’s Condition
If you haven’t already done so this season, take photos or videos of your home’s interior and exterior. This documentation will be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim after a storm. Make sure you include photos of valuable items like electronics, furniture, and appliances. Store these records online or in a waterproof, fireproof safe.
Pro tip: Create a home inventory list. It doesn’t have to be fancy – but knowing exactly what you own and its approximate value can help speed up the claims process.
Stay Ready & Safe This Hurricane Season
At Ovation Home Insurance Exchange, we know hurricane season in Florida can be stressful. But with the right hurricane prep and support, you can feel confident knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your home and loved ones. If you have any questions about your homeowners insurance policy coverage, contact your agent. And if you or someone you know is in the market for top-tier home insurance at an affordable price, get a quote on our website now.