Living in Florida, you know hurricanes are just part of life for six months out of every year. And while you can’t control the weather, you can be prepared. Whether you’re looking ahead to hurricane season, bracing for an incoming storm, or picking up the pieces after it passes, we here at Edison Insurance Company have gathered the best hurricane resources to help you stay safe and informed every step of the way.
Read on for more helpful information and browse our comprehensive storm-readiness booklet, specially designed with Florida homeowners in mind:
Before the Storm: Prep for Peace of Mind
Preparing ahead of time is the best way to protect your home and family when a hurricane is on the horizon. With a few simple steps, you can minimize damage and avoid last-minute stress.
1. Create a Hurricane Kit & Go-Bag
Stock up on essentials like water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and important documents. A well-prepared kit will make those last-minute store runs a little less stressful. A go-bag is a smaller version of your hurricane kit, stored in a backpack so you can easily grab it and go, should you need to leave the home in a hurry.
- Disaster Supply Kit Checklist – by Florida’s Division of Emergency Management
2. Review Your Insurance Policy
Don’t wait until a storm is barreling toward you to check if your home is properly insured. Review your policy now, so you know exactly what’s covered. Need to make adjustments? Contact your agent. And don’t forget to ask about getting a separate flood insurance policy, because your homeowners policy doesn’t cover flood damage.
In order to accurately estimate the value of all you own inside your home, creating a home inventory can be very helpful. It can also make the claims process easier if you need to submit a claim to your insurer after the storm. Here are two ways to get started:
- Home Inventory spreadsheet – courtesy of Microsoft
- Home Inventory app – from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
3. Fortify Your Home
Simple improvements like trimming trees, installing storm shutters, and securing loose items around your property can make a big difference. A little preperation goes a long way in keeping your home safe. Bonus: Making certain roof improvements and installing storm protection devices can save you money on your home insurance policy! Having a wind mitigation inspection is the typical first step.
4. Have an Evacuation Plan
Know your local evacuation routes and shelters, and plan how you’ll leave if needed. Have a Plan B and C as well as your preferred exit route. Make sure all family members are aware of the plan, and don’t forget to include pets. Preparing ahead can help you avoid the rush and stay calm during a storm. The following hurricane resources are all from Florida’s Division of Emergency Management:
- Know Your [Evacuation] Zone – recheck annually (zones may change)
- List of evacuation orders – for all Florida counties
- Evacuation routes – maps to print out & keep in your vehicle
- Currently open shelters– with separate lists for general population & special needs shelters
During the Storm: Safety First
Once the storm hits, your priority should be keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Follow the below tips – including what to do once a hurricane warning is issued – to ensure you're prepared to weather the storm as securely as possible.
1. Stay Informed
Keep a reliable weather app on your phone and have a battery-operated radio on hand. This way, you’ll stay updated even if the power goes out. Helpful resources include:
- American Red Cross app
- FEMA app
- FPL app
- No Scam – Stop Price Gouging app (for iPhones) (for Androids)
- NOAA weather radio - programming help
- Red Panic Button app – sends your location to your emergency contacts
- The Weather Channel (for iPhones) (for Androids)
2. Follow Evacuation Orders
If local officials tell you to evacuate, do it. Safety comes first, and there’s no sense in risking it by staying behind.
3. Hunker Down Safely
If you’re riding out the storm at home, find a secure, interior room away from windows and glass doors. Have your hurricane kit handy, and keep your phone charged as long as possible. Here is some guidance on how to prepare your home’s “safe room” as a safe and comfortable shelter during hurricanes:
After the Storm: Recover & Rebuild
When the storm passes, it’s time to assess any damage and begin the recovery process. Here are key steps to take so you can get back on your feet and restore your home.
1. Assess Damage Carefully
Once the storm has passed, take a careful look around your property for damage. Document everything with photos or video – it’ll make the insurance claim process easier. When it’s safe to do so, board up any broken windows or doors and otherwise take steps to prevent further damage to your home or belongings.
2. Report Claims ASAP
Don’t delay in contacting your insurance provider to report any damage. The sooner you report, the faster the claims process can get started. If you are insured by Edison Insurance Company, you have 3 ways to submit your claim:
- Online – via Edison Insurance Company’s policyholder portal
- Call Edison’s Claims Dept. at 888-683-7971
- Contact your agent
3. Use Available Recovery Resources
There are many local, state, and national organizations offering aid after a hurricane. From the local- and statewide hurricane resources to FEMA, there’s support available if you need it.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: 800-621-3362
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), administered by FEMA:
- Report a claim: (888) 379-9531
- Questions: (877) 336-2627
- Road closures via Florida 511 or Florida Highway Patrol
- Report downed power lines, outages: 800-468-8243 (FPL)
- Report price gouging: 866-966-7226
- Disaster info hotline, available 24/7: State Assistance Information Line (SAIL): 800-342-3557
- Additional disaster relief & hurricane resources:
- Florida’s Division of Emergency Management
- Florida’s Division of Consumer Services
- American Red Cross
- Verify contractor licenses (or report contractor fraud) with Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation, or call 850-487-1395
Hurricane Resources for Florida Homeowners
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but with a little planning, you can protect your home and family. At Edison Insurance Company, we believe preparation is key.
At Edison Insurance, we’re all about helping you be ready for whatever might come your way, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and more serious but common weather events in Florida. Have questions or need to update your homeowners policy? Contact your agent. Looking for a great value on home insurance? Get a quote on our website now.
