What Every Florida Family Should Do Before the Next Storm - The 7-Day Hurricane Countdown
Living in Florida means hurricanes are part of life - but panic doesn’t have to be.
One of the biggest mistakes I see isn’t homeowners lacking insurance; it’s waiting until a storm is already headed our way to prepare. Once a hurricane enters the forecast, insurance companies often place binding restrictions that can prevent new policies or coverage changes.
A little preparation today can save tremendous stress tomorrow.
7 DAYS OUT
Review your insurance. Confirm your homeowners and flood insurance are active, understand your hurricane deductible, and ask questions now—not when a storm is approaching.
Review your insurance. Confirm your homeowners and flood insurance are active, understand your hurricane deductible, and ask questions now—not when a storm is approaching.
5 DAYS OUT
Document what you own. Walk through your home with your phone and record each room, valuables, and important documents. Save everything securely in the cloud.
Document what you own. Walk through your home with your phone and record each room, valuables, and important documents. Save everything securely in the cloud.
3 DAYS OUT
Protect your home. Bring in outdoor furniture, locate storm shutters, fuel your vehicles, and test your generator if you have one.
Protect your home. Bring in outdoor furniture, locate storm shutters, fuel your vehicles, and test your generator if you have one.
48 HOURS OUT
Prepare for life without power. Charge phones and battery packs, gather medications, flashlights, batteries, important documents, food, and water.
Prepare for life without power. Charge phones and battery packs, gather medications, flashlights, batteries, important documents, food, and water.
24 HOURS OUT
Stay informed. Follow official forecasts and local emergency management updates. If evacuation orders are issued, don’t wait—your family’s safety comes first.
Stay informed. Follow official forecasts and local emergency management updates. If evacuation orders are issued, don’t wait—your family’s safety comes first.
AFTER THE STORM
Photograph all damage before cleanup, keep receipts for emergency expenses, and contact your insurance company as soon as it’s safe.
Photograph all damage before cleanup, keep receipts for emergency expenses, and contact your insurance company as soon as it’s safe.
As neighbors here in RiverTown, my wife Anilis and I prepare our own home every hurricane season just like many of you. We hope these simple steps help your family stay safe, protect what matters most, and provide peace of mind throughout hurricane season.