How to Actually Prepare Your Florida Home for Hurricane Season

Protect Your Windows and Doors

Here’s what happens: a tree branch or piece of debris breaks a window during the storm, and suddenly wind and rain are inside your house. Now you’ve got interior damage on top of everything else.

Some ways to help prevent it:

• Install impact-resistant windows or permanent storm shutters
• Reinforce your garage door with a bracing kit (garage doors are surprisingly vulnerable)
• Seal any gaps around door frames and windows
• Consider temporary plywood covers if you can’t afford permanent solutions

Even small openings can lead to catastrophic interior damage once the storm gets inside. Don’t give it an entry point.

Clear Your Yard Before the Wind Does It for You

That cute patio furniture? Those decorative planters? Your kid’s trampoline? In 100+ mph winds, they all become potential projectiles that can punch through windows, dent cars, or worse, cause an injury.

Before storm season kicks off:

• Trim overhanging tree branches and remove dead limbs
• Bring everything movable inside such as furniture, grills, toys, decorations
• Anchor anything that stays outside like sheds, playsets, pool equipment
• Check your fence for weak posts or loose boards

A clean yard isn’t just about protecting your stuff, it’s also about not being the house that accidentally destroys the neighbor’s car with a flying lawn chair!

Prep the Inside Too

Don’t just focus on the exterior. Inside your home, a few smart moves can prevent a lot of heartache:

• Move valuables, electronics, and important items to higher shelves (especially if you’re in a flood zone)
• Store critical documents—insurance policies, IDs, medical records—in waterproof, fireproof containers
• Test your sump pump if you have one
• Check for leaks around windows and doors before the storm tests them for you
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is

If you live in a flood-prone area, consider elevating major appliances or installing temporary flood barriers. Even a few inches of water can destroy thousands of dollars in belongings.

Actually Read Your Insurance Policy (Seriously)

Most people don’t look at their homeowners insurance until after damage happens. By then, it’s too late to fix coverage gaps.

It’s good to check these things now:

• Your coverage limits—are they still accurate for your home’s current value?
• Whether you have flood insurance (it may be that your standard policy probably doesn’t cover flooding)
• What your hurricane deductible is (it’s often higher than your regular deductible)
• When your policy was last updated

If you’re confused about what’s covered or think you might have gaps, talk to a public adjuster before hurricane season starts. They can review your policy, identify weak spots, and help you understand what you’re actually protected against. It’s way better to find out now than after a tree is sitting in your living room.

Know What to Do After the Storm

If your home does get damaged, the first 24-48 hours are truly important:

1. Document everything – Take photos and videos of all damage before you touch anything
2. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (tarps, boarding up windows), but photograph first
3. Save every receipt for emergency repairs, hotel stays, meals—everything
4. Contact your insurance company to report the claim
5. Get professional help – A public adjuster can handle the claims process while you focus on getting your life back to normal

Don’t try to navigate a major insurance claim by yourself when you may be already stressed and exhausted. That’s exactly when insurance companies hope you’ll accept a lowball settlement just to move on.