Many people say living in Florida is like living in paradise. The Sunshine State offers sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and access to many of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions. The people are also warm and welcoming, the food is diverse, and there’s always something to do or see.

Unfortunately, the state experiences at least one hurricane a year, from June to November. The Florida hurricane season can be unpredictable, and the damage it causes can be catastrophic. A tropical storm can produce heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and city and coastal flooding that can severely destroy properties, requiring professional services. But while hurricanes pose a risk, living in Florida means also being prepared for anything nature throws your way. 

This article will discuss how to prepare for Florida’s official hurricane season to keep yourself, your family, your pets, and your property safe.

The Dangers of Hurricanes and the Types of Damage They Can Cause

Hurricanes can cause a wide range of damage during and after tropical storms. Some of the most common types include:

• Flooding
• Roof damage
• Water damage
• Structural damage
• Power Outages
• Uprooted Trees
• Road blockages
• Personal injuries
• Storm surge
• Death
• Damage to personal belongings

It’s worth noting that tropical depression, tropical cyclone, and hurricane are all terms used to describe storms but with different intensities. A tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less. Tropical cyclones have maximum sustained winds of between 39 and 73 mph, while a hurricane is any storm with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.

All these, including tropical waves, tropical disturbances, and tropical storm warnings, are all issued by the National Hurricane Center.

What Property Owners Should Do Before, During, and After A Storm

Even if the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast predicts a slightly below-average hurricane season due to El Niño, it’s still important to be prepared for any disaster. As soon as you hear about a major hurricane warning or tropical storm watch, take these steps before, during, and after to avoid dangers and damage:

Before the Storm

• Create a plan. Have a clear plan for what you will do before, during, and after a storm. This should include listing the nearest evacuation shelters and safe routes. Also, write down emergency phone numbers, such as your local police, fire departments, or insurance companies. Ensure these are stored on your phone and paper that can be taken with you or inside the home that’s waterproof and easy to find.
• Store important documents in a waterproof container. These should include birth certificates, insurance policies, medical records, passports, and other irreplaceable documentation.
• Check your home for potential risks. These include loose roof shingles, broken windows, or anything else that could lead to damage from a hurricane.
• Update your insurance policies. Be sure you have the correct coverage for hurricane season in case of damage or losses.
• Install and check your generators. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a generator to keep appliances running if the power goes out during a storm.
• Secure your property. Take steps to secure your home or business, like trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture and loose objects, and reinforcing garage doors. Also, move outdoor furniture or any other items that could become airborne during a storm indoors or to a secure area outside your home.
• Stock up on supplies. Do not wait until the last minute to buy essential supplies. Stock up on non-perishable food, drinking and cooking water, batteries, flashlights, and first aid kits.
• Evacuate if necessary. If local officials recommend evacuation, follow their instructions and leave immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Ready your car. Make sure your vehicle is well-stocked with supplies. Also, get the car serviced and ensure you have a full gas tank if you need to evacuate quickly.

During the Storm

• Stay indoors. If the local authorities advise, stay inside and away from windows and doors. Often, the safest part of the house is an interior room on the ground floor. If you must go outside quickly, wear proper protective gear and avoid floodwaters. These can be dangerous and may contain hazardous materials.
• Secure what you can. If it is safe, secure loose objects outside your home that you haven’t before the storm by taking them inside or tying them down. This can help minimize damage if the wind picks them up significantly due to strong winds.
• Listen to the news for a tropical storm warning. Stay informed of the storm’s progress by listening to weather alerts and news updates. This includes the Florida Climate Center (FCC) and the National Weather Service.
• Turn off the electricity. If necessary, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker to help prevent electrical fires.

After the Storm

• Return home only if you are advised to do so. If you were evacuated, wait for official word that it is safe to return home.
• Do not enter the water. If floodwaters are on the ground, do not enter them, as they can contain hazardous material and debris.
• Restore power safely. Do not reconnect power until a licensed electrician approves it is safe.
• Assess damage. Before entering a damaged building, visually assess its damage from outside or use binoculars. Be aware of any electrical hazards, such as dangling wires, gas leaks, or structural compromises.
• Document damage. Record any damage to your property that occurred during the storm. Take photos or videos of any damage and immediately contact your insurance provider.
• Clean-up. Evaluate the first priority clean-up work you can and should do and decide whether you can do it yourself or need to hire professionals to restore the damage.
• Protect your home from further damage. Secure the windows and doors if you need to leave your house temporarily because of damage. Also, board up any broken windows or wall holes that could lead to further damage or avoid vandalism.
• Follow local guidelines. Adhere to the local guidelines for restoring normalcy in your area. Go through any additional steps that may be necessary, as advised by local officials or government agencies.
• Check for food spoilage. Discard any food and beverages that have come into contact with floodwaters. Refrigerated items should be thrown out if the power has been off for over four hours. Use refrigerators and freezers only when they are working correctly.

Conclusion: Be Prepared to Stay Safe From Hurricanes

A hurricane is a severe weather condition that can cause significant damage, so it’s essential to prepare for them ahead of time. Follow the tips above to ensure you, your loved ones, your pets, and your property are safe before, during, and after a hurricane. Remember to review your insurance policies annually, as they may change or become outdated with time. If there is any damage to your home or property, call the appropriate professionals immediately and document the damage for insurance purposes.

Many people say living in Florida is like living in paradise. The Sunshine State offers sandy beaches, warm sunshine, and access to many of the world’s most beautiful natural attractions. The people are also warm and welcoming, the food is diverse, and there’s always something to do or see.

Unfortunately, the state experiences at least one hurricane a year, from June to November. The Florida hurricane season can be unpredictable, and the damage it causes can be catastrophic. A tropical storm can produce heavy rainfall, powerful winds, and city and coastal flooding that can severely destroy properties, requiring professional services. But while hurricanes pose a risk, living in Florida means also being prepared for anything nature throws your way. 

This article will discuss how to prepare for Florida’s official hurricane season to keep yourself, your family, your pets, and your property safe.

The Dangers of Hurricanes and the Types of Damage They Can Cause

Hurricanes can cause a wide range of damage during and after tropical storms. Some of the most common types include:

• Flooding
• Roof damage
• Water damage
• Structural damage
• Power Outages
• Uprooted Trees
• Road blockages
• Personal injuries
• Storm surge
• Death
• Damage to personal belongings

It’s worth noting that tropical depression, tropical cyclone, and hurricane are all terms used to describe storms but with different intensities. A tropical depression has maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less. Tropical cyclones have maximum sustained winds of between 39 and 73 mph, while a hurricane is any storm with maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.

All these, including tropical waves, tropical disturbances, and tropical storm warnings, are all issued by the National Hurricane Center.

What Property Owners Should Do Before, During, and After A Storm

Even if the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast predicts a slightly below-average hurricane season due to El Niño, it’s still important to be prepared for any disaster. As soon as you hear about a major hurricane warning or tropical storm watch, take these steps before, during, and after to avoid dangers and damage:

Before the Storm

• Create a plan. Have a clear plan for what you will do before, during, and after a storm. This should include listing the nearest evacuation shelters and safe routes. Also, write down emergency phone numbers, such as your local police, fire departments, or insurance companies. Ensure these are stored on your phone and paper that can be taken with you or inside the home that’s waterproof and easy to find.
• Store important documents in a waterproof container. These should include birth certificates, insurance policies, medical records, passports, and other irreplaceable documentation.
• Check your home for potential risks. These include loose roof shingles, broken windows, or anything else that could lead to damage from a hurricane.
• Update your insurance policies. Be sure you have the correct coverage for hurricane season in case of damage or losses.
• Install and check your generators. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a generator to keep appliances running if the power goes out during a storm.
• Secure your property. Take steps to secure your home or business, like trimming trees, securing outdoor furniture and loose objects, and reinforcing garage doors. Also, move outdoor furniture or any other items that could become airborne during a storm indoors or to a secure area outside your home.
• Stock up on supplies. Do not wait until the last minute to buy essential supplies. Stock up on non-perishable food, drinking and cooking water, batteries, flashlights, and first aid kits.
• Evacuate if necessary. If local officials recommend evacuation, follow their instructions and leave immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Ready your car. Make sure your vehicle is well-stocked with supplies. Also, get the car serviced and ensure you have a full gas tank if you need to evacuate quickly.

During the Storm

• Stay indoors. If the local authorities advise, stay inside and away from windows and doors. Often, the safest part of the house is an interior room on the ground floor. If you must go outside quickly, wear proper protective gear and avoid floodwaters. These can be dangerous and may contain hazardous materials.
• Secure what you can. If it is safe, secure loose objects outside your home that you haven’t before the storm by taking them inside or tying them down. This can help minimize damage if the wind picks them up significantly due to strong winds.
• Listen to the news for a tropical storm warning. Stay informed of the storm’s progress by listening to weather alerts and news updates. This includes the Florida Climate Center (FCC) and the National Weather Service.
• Turn off the electricity. If necessary, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker to help prevent electrical fires.

After the Storm

• Return home only if you are advised to do so. If you were evacuated, wait for official word that it is safe to return home.
• Do not enter the water. If floodwaters are on the ground, do not enter them, as they can contain hazardous material and debris.
• Restore power safely. Do not reconnect power until a licensed electrician approves it is safe.
• Assess damage. Before entering a damaged building, visually assess its damage from outside or use binoculars. Be aware of any electrical hazards, such as dangling wires, gas leaks, or structural compromises.
• Document damage. Record any damage to your property that occurred during the storm. Take photos or videos of any damage and immediately contact your insurance provider.
• Clean-up. Evaluate the first priority clean-up work you can and should do and decide whether you can do it yourself or need to hire professionals to restore the damage.
• Protect your home from further damage. Secure the windows and doors if you need to leave your house temporarily because of damage. Also, board up any broken windows or wall holes that could lead to further damage or avoid vandalism.
• Follow local guidelines. Adhere to the local guidelines for restoring normalcy in your area. Go through any additional steps that may be necessary, as advised by local officials or government agencies.
• Check for food spoilage. Discard any food and beverages that have come into contact with floodwaters. Refrigerated items should be thrown out if the power has been off for over four hours. Use refrigerators and freezers only when they are working correctly.

Conclusion: Be Prepared to Stay Safe From Hurricanes

A hurricane is a severe weather condition that can cause significant damage, so it’s essential to prepare for them ahead of time. Follow the tips above to ensure you, your loved ones, your pets, and your property are safe before, during, and after a hurricane. Remember to review your insurance policies annually, as they may change or become outdated with time. If there is any damage to your home or property, call the appropriate professionals immediately and document the damage for insurance purposes.