Florida homeowners know that hurricanes can and do happen. Some only cause minor damage, while others have caused utter devastation over wide swaths of the state. 

So how can you prepare your house or apartment for a hurricane? What can you do before, during, and after the storm to stay safe? And if your home is damaged by a hurricane, what should you do and how can your Florida independent insurance agent help?

What to Do Before, During, and After a Hurricane

The most important thing that Florida homeowners can do is to be prepared. Hurricanes and tropical storms are simply part of life in Florida, so knowing what to do before and after a storm is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your home. 

From an insurance perspective, there are several actions you should take to make sure you are ready for Florida hurricane season. Start by preparing a detailed home inventory and becoming familiar with your Florida home insurance coverage now, so if a storm hits, you will have plenty of time to take care of other preparations and evacuate if necessary. 

Before the Storm: Preparing a Home Inventory

Preparing a home inventory before a hurricane might seem like overkill, but in reality, it is the best thing to do to ensure you are properly reimbursed for your belongings if you have a loss. If you have a home inventory, you will be able to verify your losses for tax purposes and your claim will likely be settled faster with less red tape. 

You can put together your inventory on your own, or you can hire a professional or use specialty software. You can also create a handwritten list or a spreadsheet on your computer. Many insurance companies offer software or apps that help with inventory preparation. 

As you prepare your inventory, think of the information you will need if you have to file a claim with your insurance company. The goal is to speed up the claims process and provide complete information so that you can be properly reimbursed. Go room to room, carefully recording items as you go.

 Pay special attention to high-value items, and don’t forget to list the items in your garage, attic, basement, sheds or other buildings on your property. Provide a brief explanation of each item, including the brand name, model or serial number, as well as receipts or photographs if possible. Also include professional appraisals for jewelry and other high-value items. 

When you inventory is completed, make several copies and be sure to keep at least one set away from your home in a secure location. Remember to update your inventory every year before hurricane season. This is also a great time to renew your homeowners insurance coverage with your independent insurance agent. 

Other Hurricane Preparation Tips

You should also gather all of your important documents, insurance cards, and policies and store them in a safe place. If you must evacuate for a storm, be sure to take these important documents with you. Be aware of all of your home insurance details, such as coverage limits and deductibles and whether you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. 

It is a good idea to know if your home insurance provides coverage for “additional living expenses” in case you are forced to live somewhere other than your home if it is damaged in a storm. 

After the Storm

You will also need to do a damage inventory if your home sustains damage from a hurricane or tropical storm. When the storm passes, photograph or videotape any damage that your home has sustained, if possible. 

Don’t throw away damaged items or make any repairs until your insurance adjuster has reviewed them. You can, however, make any repairs that are necessary to protect your home and personal property from sustaining any additional damage (e.g., cover broken windows). If you must make some temporary repairs, be sure to record your expenses and save receipts. 

How to Prepare Your House for a Hurricane

Preparing before the storm hits is one of the best ways to prevent or minimize the damage. 

Fortify Your Roof

Roof damage is the biggest reason for insurance claims after hurricanes. If your roof is damaged, water can get in and soak the insulation, which can lead to ceiling collapse and damage to your furniture and other belongings. If your roof blows off entirely, the likelihood of your walls collapsing and complete destruction of your home is greater. 

Here are some things you can do to help fortify your existing roof:

• Nail or caulk loose roof tiles or shingles
• Check for rust and loose anchoring on metal roofs
• Install hurricane straps
• Brace the ends of all gables
• Install a backup water barrier under the roof cover

Fortify Windows and Doors

Broken windows and doors allow the wind and rain inside, damaging the interior of your home. In addition, once the wind gets inside it will apply upward pressure on the roof, increasing the likelihood of it blowing off. 

Hurricane-resistant window and door coverings can include various types of shutters, screens, panels and sheeting as well as impact resistant windows and doors. You need to protect windows, sliding patio doors, entry doors and garage doors. 

For windows, permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. If that is not the right option for you, simply taping the windows will not work. Use 5/8-inch thick marine plywood cut to fit and ready to install to board up your windows in advance of a storm.

Prepare Your Yard

Much of the damage caused by a hurricane is from flying debris. Common outdoor items can be picked up and thrown by the wind, so don’t forget to prepare your yard. 

• Keep trees and shrubs well trimmed
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down

How to Prepare Your Florida Apartment for a Hurricane

Living in an apartment presents some unique challenges. You not only have to prepare your own living space, but in some ways you’re equally reliant on your landlord and your neighbors to work together to make sure that everyone takes the necessary precautions. 

Your apartment home should be in good condition and should be a safe place for you to shelter. The following tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will help you prepare your Florida apartment for a hurricane. 

• Bring in any outdoor furniture, planters, and other items from patios and balconies
• Get hurricane shutters or panels for your sliding glass doors and windows
• Identify your safest room (often an interior bedroom, bathroom, or hallway) and use that for your shelter 

Additional steps that Florida apartment residents can take to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane include:

• Stock up on supplies
• Steer clear of windows
• Get to know your neighbors
• Establish an emergency fund
• Park your car in a safe area

It’s important for renters to regularly evaluate their renters insurance policies in order to understand their hurricane coverage and make any necessary changes. 

How to Stay Safe at All Times During a Hurricane in Florida

If you can’t evacuate before the storm or stay in a public shelter, there are a number of steps you can take to stay safe while you shelter in your home. 

• Remain indoors in a small interior bedroom, bathroom, closet, or hallway on the lowest level of your home
• Stay away from windows and glass doors
• Close all interior doors, and brace external doors
• Keep your curtains and window blinds closed
• Lie under a table, mattress, or another sturdy object
• If your home is in danger of flooding, do not ride out the storm in a storm cellar or a basement
• Minimize hazards by turning off propane tanks and unplugging small appliances

It’s also important to listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service. Monitor local TV and radio announcements for instructions, and be sure to have a battery-operated radio. 

What If My House is Damaged by a Hurricane?

Florida residents know that hurricanes can leave significant damage in their wake. What should you do if your house sustains damage? 

• After the water recedes, clean and repair damage as much as possible to reduce mold. 
• Be sure to wear protective equipment when cleaning mold and other contaminants.
• Throw out any spoiled or contaminated food.
• Turn on your utilities after it is safe to do so. 
• Take photos of any damage before doing any cleanup or repairs. 
• Perform temporary repairs that are necessary to prevent further damage (e.g., pump and dry water out of your basement or any area that is flooded). 
• Call a professional cleaning service for help with cleaning water and mold damage. 

You’ll need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. You’ll work with a claim representative on getting repairs made, as well as coordinating any other coverage that you have (e.g., temporary housing). Most insurance policies will cover the damage after you've paid your deductible. 

Remember that flood damage is not covered by your regular insurance policy. If you have Florida flood insurance, contact your flood insurance company, as well. 

You may also need to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA provides assistance to individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially declared disaster. By law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.  

While some housing assistance funds (grants that don’t have to be paid back) are available, most disaster assistance from the Federal government is in the form of low interest disaster loans administered by the Small Business Administration. 

How Can an Agent Help Me Prepare My House for a Hurricane

Insurance experts recommend that you undergo a complete insurance checkup every year before hurricane season. Chances are your homeowners insurance contains a separate hurricane deductible that is a percentage of your home’s insured value, rather than a flat dollar figure like your primary insurance deductible.

Your Florida independent insurance agent can help you review your policy, understand your coverage and your deductibles, and can even help you prepare a home inventory before the storm hits. A local independent agent understands Florida residents and how to help before and after a hurricane hits.