Hurricane Preparedness in Florida

Living in Florida means enjoying beautiful weather, but it also means being prepared for hurricane season. A hurricane can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, power outages, and damage to homes and property. Taking time to prepare before a storm arrives can help protect your family, your home, and your investment.

Prepare Before the Storm

Hurricane preparedness starts long before a storm is approaching. Review your insurance coverage, inspect your home, and create a family emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your household knows where to go, how to receive emergency alerts, and how to stay in contact if you become separated.

Keep an emergency supply kit that includes:

Drinking water and nonperishable food
Prescription and essential medications
Flashlights and extra batteries
First-aid supplies
Portable phone chargers
Important documents stored in a waterproof container
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Basic tools and household supplies
Pet food and supplies, if applicable

Protect Your Home

Before hurricane season, inspect your roof, windows, doors, and other areas of your home that could be vulnerable to wind and water. Clean gutters and drainage areas and make sure trees and branches near your home are properly maintained.

If a hurricane is approaching, bring outdoor furniture, decorations, grills, and other loose items inside or secure them properly. These items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds.

If your home has hurricane shutters, impact-resistant windows, or other storm-protection features, make sure they are in good working condition before a storm threatens.

Know Your Flood Risk

Heavy rainfall and storm surge can cause flooding even in areas that do not normally experience flooding. Homeowners should understand their property's flood risk and review their insurance coverage carefully. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage, so separate flood insurance may be necessary.

Make a Plan for Your Family

Know whether you live in an evacuation zone and identify evacuation routes before an emergency occurs. Decide where your family will go if you are ordered to evacuate, and make arrangements for children, older adults, people with disabilities, and pets.

Do not wait until the last minute to prepare. Supplies can become difficult to find as a storm approaches, and roads may become crowded.

After the Hurricane

Once the storm has passed, continue to use caution. Avoid downed power lines, flooded roads, damaged structures, and standing water. Take photographs or videos of property damage when it is safe to do so, and contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Remember that your home is more than a building—it is an important investment. Preparing for hurricane season is one of the best ways to protect that investment and help keep your household safe.

Prepare early. Stay informed. Protect your home. Protect your family.

Hurricane Preparedness Resources

Living in Florida means being prepared for hurricane season. Taking the time to plan ahead can help protect you, your family, and your home.

We have some helpful resources available to help you prepare. Explore our hurricane preparedness information, guides, checklists, and other resources to learn how to prepare your home, create an emergency plan, protect your property, and recover after a storm.

Whether you're a new homeowner or have lived in your home for years, preparing before hurricane season can make a big difference.

Prepare early. Stay informed. Protect your home. Protect your family