Tips for Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season

With the official start of hurricane season less a month away, now is the perfect time to take action to hurricane-proof your Florida home and reduce the risk of costly storm damage.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will release its annual hurricane season predictions in late May, but already experts are predicting a calmer season than last year. Even so, all it takes is a single storm to cause untold devastation.

At Edison Insurance Company, we would like to provide you with the following important actions you can take now to help your home better withstand whatever this year’s hurricane season has in store for us.

1. Window & Door Protection

If you do not currently own hurricane shutters, now is a good time to consider purchasing them as a way to hurricane-proof your Florida home against strong winds and flying debris. There are many options to choose from, and among the most secure types are hurricane-rated accordion or roll-down shutters and storm panels.

If you already own shutters, inspect them for damage before hurricane season starts.

• For storm panels, a wing nut driver (a type of drill attachment) is a must-have. It saves time and effort when securing the panels before a storm.

• For shutters permanently attached to the exterior of your home, make sure they open, close, and lock as they should. Any moving parts should also be lubricated at least once a year.

Having protective coverings for all your windows, plus hurricane-rated doors, may entitle you to a lower cost on your home insurance; ask your agent about it. And don’t forget your garage door, which is often the weakest structural point of a home. If winds take it down, the rest of your home may become compromised.

Now is also the time to check the seals around all your windows and doors – recaulking or using appropriate sealant to ensure water and wind are kept out.

2. Inspect & Reinforce Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against hurricanes, so ensuring it’s in top shape before storm season is essential.

Be sure to inspect your roof and have any issues you discover fixed as soon as possible.

• Look for missing, loose, or cracked shingles/tiles or sagging areas.

• Check the attic for signs of moisture, mold, or daylight peaking through gaps in the roof.

• Schedule a wind mitigation inspection for a professional assessment of your roof’s condition.

A professional wind mitigation inspection can also provide insights into how to further hurricane-proof your Florida home while potentially qualifying you for home insurance discounts.

3. Strengthen Your Home’s Exterior

There are several exterior upgrades you can make to hurricane-proof your Florida home and minimize storm damage. This includes:

• Keep trees trimmed so falling limbs won’t harm your roof. 

• Clear gutters regularly to prevent water buildup and potential leaks.

• Check to make sure rainwater isn’t pooling around your home’s foundation. Extending downspouts or regrading your yard may help.

• Repair loose fencing so it’s not susceptible to high winds.

• Be prepared to secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, planters, etc. so they don’t become airborne projectiles in a storm.

4. Gather Supplies & Practice Your Plan

Make sure you remain stocked up throughout the 6-month hurricane season in Florida; it beats fighting the crowds once a named storm is on the way. You’ll want to have enough water, shelf-stable food, and other essentials to stay healthy and comfortable should you lose power or access to local stores in your area after a storm. Stocking up on emergency supplies ahead of time is just one more step to hurricane-proof your Florida home and protect your family.

Your emergency essentials should include:

• 1 gallon water/person per day for 3-5 days
• Nonperishable foods, such as protein bars, dried fruit, nuts, and canned goods
• Manual can opener
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Flashlights extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications & supplies
• Cash
• Cell phone chargers & power banks
• Pet food & supplies
• Local maps
• Plastic sheeting, tarps, duct tape for emergency repairs

Other tasks you can do now include:

• Consider backup power sources, such as a generator. Store and use fuel-powered generators outdoors only, in a shaded, well-ventilated area on a flat, nonflammable surface. You’ll also want to stock up on fuel and extra extension cords.

• Gather important documents and keep them in a waterproof and fireproof container.

• Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home, as well as a meeting place away from the home in case any household members are separated but must leave the home or area.

• As part of your family’s emergency plan, arrange for a friend or loved one not likely to be in the storm’s path to be the point of contact to share news and updates.

5. Review Your Homeowner’s Policy

Right now is a great time to review and update your home insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage in the face of a potentially devastating storm.

Here are some questions to go over with your agent:

• Is your home valued appropriately in your policy? Are all upgrades, renovations, or expensive/priceless personal belongings accounted for?

• Do your deductibles still work for you? You can typically reduce your annual premium by increasing your deductible amounts, if it’s easier on your budget.

• Do you have flood insurance? The standard home insurance policy won’t cover flood damage, no matter the cause. And flood insurance usually comes with a 30-day waiting period before it becomes effective – so get it now.

Start Now to Hurricane-Proof Your Florida Home

By taking a handful of proactive steps now, you can hurricane-proof your Florida home and rest easier knowing you’re prepared for whatever this hurricane season brings.

Remember: A little preparation now can make a huge difference later – so take action today.

To update your homeowners policy or discuss your current coverage, contact your agent. Are you not yet insured by Edison Insurance Company? Get a quote online now.