Hurricane season is already underway in Florida, so making sure your loved ones and your home are prepared can make all the difference when a storm hits. However, with differing advice circulating online, it can be hard to know exactly what you need to do to get ready.
That’s why we got in touch with a few Florida-based experts to talk hurricane prep — we’ve compiled their insights on how you can stay safe and minimize damage this season and next.
Hurricane Personal Protection
Assemble a comprehensive Hurricane Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit is your first line of defense. According to Jennifer Gambill, a Client Advisor at World Insurance Associates in Miami, Florida, you should include essential items, including water — about a gallon per person per day for at least three days — non-perishable food, medications and important documents in a waterproof container.
“Supplies should be checked every year. I use Memorial Day as my reminder,” she says. In addition to basic supplies, consider adding a grill and propane or charcoal to your kit to help you cook any frozen foods that might otherwise go bad after a couple of days, Gambill suggests.
Greg Batista, a Fort Lauderdale-based engineer, contractor and an expert in hurricane remediation, recommends checking and updating your supplies every six months to ensure they are always ready to go in case of emergency. Don’t forget items including a hand-crank radio, batteries, a flashlight and personal hygiene essentials.
Set up reliable communication during a storm
Maintaining communication pathways during a hurricane is crucial to your safety. Batista emphasizes the importance of charging all devices and portable chargers before the storm hits. “Texting is more reliable than calling during a storm due to network issues,” he says.
It’s also wise to have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for emergency updates. Gambill adds that “multiple charged power banks as an alternate source of power for charging phones and tablets” are essential, given that cell phone towers may be down after a hurricane.
Avoid common mistakes in hurricane prep
One of the most common mistakes people make is not fueling their cars in advance. “Get gas early and avoid panic buying,” Gambill warns, as this can lessen the stress of last-minute preparations.
Another easy error to make is ignoring evacuation orders. “If you are asked to evacuate, do it, and do it early to avoid traffic,” she told us. Evacuation may be inconvenient, but it can save lives.
For those staying home, Gambill suggests preparing for the long haul by washing all your laundry before the storm. “Having clean sheets and clothing may seem like a low priority item before a storm, but I can assure you, it is incredibly helpful after a storm,” she says.
Special considerations for vulnerable groups
For individuals with special needs or older adults, Batista highlights the need for careful planning and support. He recommends including medical records, a list of allergies and medications and all necessary medical supplies in your emergency kit. “Register with your local special needs registry for access to transportation and shelters, if needed,” he adds.
Hurricane Home Protection
Reinforce your house
One of the most effective ways to protect your home from hurricane damage is by reinforcing windows, doors and roofs. “Impact-resistant windows and doors or hurricane shutters are essential,” says Gambill, noting that homes built after 1996 typically have these features due to updated building codes.
For older homes, retrofitting with shutters or impact-resistant glass is recommended. Alex Fante, General Manager of Alpha Foundation’s Miami region, adds that checking window seals and locking all windows ahead of a hurricane threat is key for minimizing damage.
Consider a backup generator
Power outages are almost inevitable during a hurricane and losing electricity for extended periods can pose serious risks to your safety and comfort. Having a backup generator can make a significant difference in maintaining an essential power supply for your home.
You should regularly test your generator before storm season begins to make sure you have enough fuel to keep it running for several days if needed. Proper ventilation is also necessary when using a generator to prevent the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Maintain trees and landscaping
Trees can become major hazards during hurricanes. “Remove any dead branches and secure any smaller trees at risk of falling,” Fante advises. Gambill also stresses the necessity of trimming trees and maintaining landscaping before storm season. “Downed trees and landscaping debris will be everywhere after a storm passes,” she explains, noting that such debris can block roadways and down power lines.
Review and understand your insurance policy
Knowing what your insurance policy covers is a good practice for anyone. “Before the storm, be sure to print or photograph your policy declaration pages,” Gambill says. This includes coverage details, deductibles and contact information for your insurance company.
Fante points out that most standard homeowners’ insurance policies cover wind and rain damage, but a separate hurricane deductible often applies in hurricane-prone areas. Flooding, however, is typically not covered under standard policies, so additional flood insurance may be necessary and worth looking into.
Prepare for potential flooding
Flooding is a common consequence of hurricanes in Florida, especially in areas prone to storm surges. Gambill thinks homeowners should take proactive measures, such as buying flood insurance, protecting doors and thresholds with sandbags and elevating furniture on ground floors. However, the most important step is to evacuate if advised. “There is no question that flooding will occur during a storm or hurricane in South Florida,” she warns.
Secure outdoor items and structures
Outdoor items can be dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. “If you can budge it, lift it, or drag it…bring it inside the house or shed,” Gambill recommends. Fante adds that securing structures including sheds, pools and fences with supports like stakes or concrete posts can help minimize damage. For pools, securing furniture and accessories is also important.
Preparing for hurricane season in Florida requires thorough planning and proactive measures. By following this expert advice on personal protection and home safety, you can help rest assured that you, your loved ones and your home will be as safe as possible when a hurricane strikes. Remember, preparation is key, and taking the time to get ready now can save lives and reduce damage later.
