Part of life in Southeast Florida is hurricane season. Preparations may include long-term tasks like installing hurricane shutters and securing insurance coverage and short-term tasks like watching the storm forecasts and evacuating.

After years of living in Southeast Florida and helping homeowners with home inspections related to hurricanes, we’ve learned a few tips. As always, Kenco Home Inspections is here to serve you with your property inspection needs.

10 Things To Do To Prepare for Hurricane Season

1.     Have important contact names and numbers available in case of an emergency. Include family members, neighbors, emergency services, utilities, family members’ places of work, children’s school, and any other important numbers. 

2.     Have your home checked and videoed before and after any hurricanes. Check for roof leaks. Also, seal and repair all visible cracks in windows, doors, the structure, and the foundation to minimize outside penetration. Take a video of your belongings and property before and after hurricanes or storms to help with the insurance claim process.  

3.     Check your insurance coverage and be sure it includes replacement coverage. The right insurance coverage is critical, especially for renters.

4.     Secure your important documents, like your government identifications, Social Security card, birth certificates, wills, insurance cards, property documents and deeds, vehicle documents and titles, and other important documents. Also, make a list of your doctor’s names and contact information and prescribed medications. Put all these items in a waterproof envelope in a safe in an accessible location that doesn't require power for access. You may also want to save your lists of important information in a file on your phone, along with photos of your important documents.

5.     Secure all valuables, including jewelry, weapons, cash, credit cards, etc., in a fireproof and waterproof safe that doesn't require power for access. You may also want to take photos of these items.

6.     Establish an evacuation plan with your family and rehearse your evacuation plans beforehand.

Assign someone in your home to check the weather every day during the hurricane season and provide an update to the family. Develop an emergency communication plan in case family members become separated during the hurricane. This plan will help everyone know how to communicate and find each other.

It's best to have an out-of-state point of contact if you find yourself in a disaster-declared area. Ensure every household member has the assigned out-of-state contact person's name, address, and phone number.

7.     Make arrangements for your pets. The evacuation centers will only accept pets that are service animals for people with disabilities.

8.     Water is essential for hydration. It’s advisable to have one gallon of water per person per day. Also, have a supply of nonperishable food available to cover several days.

Here’s a valuable tip. Your water heater stores several gallons of fresh water that you can use if there is no water pressure. This applies to high-rise buildings that may lose power during a disaster.

9.     Keep an emergency travel bag for each family member with essentials like clothes, medicines, and toiletries. Include family activities like board games, cards, puzzles, coloring books and crayons for entertainment. Remember to be kind and love one another. Encourage each other as we all work through the disaster together.

10.  Stay tuned to the weather stations and proceed as directed when directed to do so!

Stay Prepared for Hurricane Season

With planning, you can feel confident heading into hurricane season. We wish you all safety and health!