The beginning of hurricane season is a time when Floridians begin to prepare, before the hurricane warnings and watches begin to post. If you are new to Florida, review the Florida hurricane preparation list below and make sure you have what you need to make it through the power outages that always accompany hurricanes in Florida, even when the eye is miles away. Even a near miss can shut down ATMs and gas stations for days. And when a watch or warning is issued for your area, expect the staples like bottled water, breads and batteries to rapidly disappear from store shelves.
This Florida hurricane preparation list includes many actions you can take and items you can make sure you have on hand long before a hurricane watch or warning is issued in your area. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. And if you purchase the non-perishable items and prepare your home and outdoor areas listed below, it will be much easier to be ready if hurricane conditions are expected near your area.
Florida Hurricane Preparation List
IMPORTANT ITEMS THAT CAN BE PURCHASED BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON
- Flashlights
- Extra Batteries – AA, AAA, C and D. Make sure you have the sizes you need.
- Cell Phone Charger and Battery Banks. Make sure they are all fully charged before weather conditions begin to deteriorate.
- Waterproof Matches
- Duct Tape
- Fire Extinguisher
- First Aid Supplies
- Work Gloves
- Generator
- Multiple Full Gas Cans. Remember that if the power is out, gas pumps will not pump gas.
HOUSE PREPARATIONS
- Place outdoor furniture, potted plants and outdoor decorations in your garage.
- Trim branches that could fall on your roof.
- Board up, (don’t tape) exterior windows and glass doors.
- Move important documents into waterproof container(s) to protect them and so they can be easily taken if you have to evacuate.
- Lock all windows and deadbolt exterior doors.
- Move computers and electronics off of the floor to prevent water damage.
- Move vehicles into your garage.
PERSONAL NEEDS
- Have 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day.
- If you do not have a generator, prepare multiple coolers for food, drink and refrigerated medicines before weather condition begin to deteriorate.
- Before hurricane season, stock up on canned foods that can be eaten cold. And store a manual can opener with your supplies.
- Stock up on non-perishable protein snacks.
- Make sure you have enough prescription medications to last for a week or two after the storm passes.
- Stock up and have a two week supply of baby wipes, diapers and dry formula that your baby tolerates well and likes.
Before hurricane season is also a great time to review your homeowners, flood, and wind damage insurance coverage. If you have any concerns about your existing insurance coverage, one of our experienced Florida Property Damage Attorneys will be happy to provide a courtesy review of your policy. Free virtual consultations are available by calling us at (904) 358-3300. Or use the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
