The Best Time to Prepare Is Before a Storm Is in the Forecast
Living on Florida’s Space Coast means hurricane season is simply part of life. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how prepared we are.
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until a storm is approaching to begin preparing. By then, store shelves may be empty, contractors are overwhelmed, and everyone is scrambling for supplies.
Taking a little time now can help protect your home, reduce stress, and give you greater peace of mind.
Walk Around Your Property
Take a few minutes to inspect your yard for anything that could become a projectile during high winds.
Items to secure or store include:
- Patio furniture
- Potted plants
- Yard art and decorations
- Trash and recycling containers
- Garden tools
- Loose branches or debris
Prepare for Power Outages
Many Florida homeowners experience power outages during hurricanes and tropical storms. Depending on the severity of the storm, you could be without electricity for several days.
If your neighborhood is prone to losing power, a generator may be a worthwhile investment. Even a portable generator can make a significant difference during an extended outage.
If you have a gas grill, make sure you have a full propane tank before hurricane season gets busy.
Review Your Emergency Supplies
Before hurricane season is in full swing, make sure you have:
- Drinking water
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights
- Fresh batteries
- Prescription medications
- First-aid supplies
- Phone charging options
- Pet supplies, if applicable
Review Your Homeowners Insurance
Hurricane season is the perfect time to review your homeowners insurance coverage.
It’s understandable to look for ways to save on homeowners insurance, but it’s equally important to make sure you have adequate coverage.
Imagine a large tree crashes through your roof during a hurricane. The last thing you want to discover is that you’re underinsured and responsible for paying thousands of dollars out of your own pocket.
Take a few minutes to review your policy with your insurance agent. Make sure you understand your deductibles, coverage limits, and whether your current coverage is adequate to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged.
Create a Home Inventory
If you had to file an insurance claim tomorrow, could you prove what you own?
Creating a home inventory before hurricane season can make the claims process much easier.
Walk through your home and take photos or videos of every room. Open closets, cabinets, drawers, and storage areas to document their contents. For valuable items, keep receipts, appraisals, warranties, or other documentation whenever possible.
Store your inventory, photos, videos, and important documents in a secure cloud service or another safe location outside your home.
Having a complete inventory can help support your insurance claim and make the recovery process much smoother if disaster strikes.
Protect Important Documents
Keep copies of important documents, insurance policies, and emergency contact information in a waterproof container or securely stored digitally.
I also recommend taking current photos or videos of your home and valuable belongings before hurricane season. If you ever need to file an insurance claim, you’ll be glad you did.
🌻 ProAge Prep Tip
If you’re a Baby Boomer or a member of the Silent Generation, don’t wait until a hurricane is approaching to prepare your property.
Tasks like trimming trees, moving patio furniture, securing potted plants, and lifting heavy items are much easier when spread out over several weeks instead of trying to do everything in a single day.
Know your limits. If a project requires climbing a ladder, heavy lifting, or working in extreme heat, don’t hesitate to ask family, friends, neighbors, or a trusted professional for help.
Working smarter—not harder—is one of the principles of living the ProAge Smart Life™. The goal isn’t just to protect your home—it’s to protect yourself, too.
Home Buyer Tip
If you’re buying a home during hurricane season, be prepared for the possibility of a delayed closing.
When a hurricane is projected to impact the area, insurance companies may temporarily suspend issuing new homeowners insurance policies until the storm has passed. Since lenders require homeowners insurance before closing, your closing may be delayed until insurance coverage can be obtained.
Depending on the circumstances, the property may also need to be inspected after the storm to confirm there was no damage before the transaction can close.
While no one can control the weather, understanding this process can help reduce stress and set realistic expectations.
Preparation Brings Peace of Mind
Preparing for hurricane season isn’t about fear—it’s about being proactive.
A little preparation today can help protect your home, your family, and one of your largest investments.
I recently read an excellent article by Bob Vila on hurricane preparedness Bob Vila on hurricane preparedness that includes additional practical ideas. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read it as well.
Homeowner Advice with Agi Anderson
Helping homeowners make smart, practical decisions to protect their homes, preserve property value, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you found this article helpful, please share it with a friend, family member, or neighbor. You may help someone prepare before the next storm arrives.
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