When hurricane season looms in Florida, preparation isn’t optional—it’s essential. Storms can form fast and leave widespread disruption in their wake, especially when homes aren’t adequately secured. Whether you’re a long-time Florida resident or new to the Sunshine State, this hurricane check list will walk you through every step of protecting your household from potential disaster.
Understanding the Risks: Florida’s Hurricane Reality
Florida leads the nation in hurricane landfalls—and while many storms veer off course or weaken before impact, the strongest ones can devastate entire communities. From power outages to flying debris, storm surge, and even post-storm looting, the risks are broad. That’s why a structured, proactive approach to storm prep is your best defense.
Before the Storm: Must-Do Preparation Steps
Preparation should start well before a storm is on the radar. Waiting until a hurricane is days away can lead to empty store shelves, delayed service calls, and limited access to supplies. By starting early in the season—ideally in late spring or early summer—you give yourself time to gather resources, inspect your property, and plan for every possible scenario.
Here’s what to tackle early on:
Review your insurance policy:
Confirm your homeowners or renters policy includes windstorm and flood coverage, and understand your deductibles. If anything seems unclear or inadequate, now’s the time to speak with your agent.
Photograph your belongings:
Take clear photos or video walkthroughs of each room to help document your possessions in case you need to file a claim later.
Refill prescriptions and stock medical supplies:
Order extra medication for chronic conditions and ensure your first-aid kit is well stocked with essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and over-the-counter remedies.
Assemble emergency contact lists:
Include phone numbers for family, friends, local emergency services, and your insurance provider. Print a hard copy and keep it in your go-bag.
Get cash in small bills:
Power outages can disable ATMs and card readers, so having cash on hand can help you buy fuel, food, or other necessities when digital payment isn’t available.
Inspect your home for weak points:
Check seals around windows and doors, look for loose shingles or siding, and test sump pumps and drainage systems.
Designate a safe room:
Choose an interior space—preferably without windows—that can serve as a shelter during high winds or tornado warnings.
Check and service backup systems:
Have your generator inspected, test battery banks, and ensure you have fresh fuel stored properly.
Early-season preparation reduces the chance of being caught off guard and ensures you’re ready when the first advisory is issued. It’s the foundation of an effective hurricane check list, helping you respond with confidence instead of panic.
Outside the Home: Fortifying Windows, Doors & More
Your home’s exterior is the front line when it comes to hurricane defense. Preparing these areas in the 48–24 hours before a storm hits can reduce physical damage and help prevent costly repairs later.
These key tasks help minimize physical damage and reduce the risk of post-storm repairs:
Secure patio furniture, trash bins, grills, and décor items:
Anything lightweight or unattached can become a high-speed projectile in hurricane-force winds. Move these items indoors or into a garage or shed. Don’t forget to secure pool toys, planters, hanging baskets, and outdoor lighting.
Trim trees and remove dead branches:
Even healthy trees can snap under pressure, but weak limbs are especially vulnerable. Prune overhanging branches near your roof, windows, or power lines to minimize damage from falling debris.
Clear gutters and downspouts:
Debris-blocked gutters can cause rainwater to back up under your shingles or pool near your foundation. Clear leaves, twigs, and dirt to keep water flowing away from your home during prolonged downpours.
Install hurricane shutters or screens:
If you have protective systems like Armor Screen or metal shutters, deploy them at least a day before the storm hits. Don’t wait until the wind picks up—installation is safest and most effective when done early.
Reinforce the garage door:
A compromised garage door is a major structural risk during hurricanes. Use vertical braces, retrofit kits, or consult a professional to secure it. If your garage isn’t reinforced, it could become a pressure point that leads to roof failure.
Unplug outdoor electronics and equipment:
Disconnect irrigation systems, lighting timers, and anything powered that could short out during a flood or surge. Store extension cords and outlets in watertight containers where possible.
Move valuables or sensitive items to higher ground:
If your property is in a flood-prone area, items like tools, bikes, or holiday decorations stored in low sheds or garages are especially vulnerable. Elevating these belongings can help prevent damage and loss.
Charge all devices and verify emergency supplies:
Ensure all phones, power banks, radios, and even battery-operated fans are fully charged and ready. Create a central charging station so everything is easy to locate.
Turn off propane or gas lines only if instructed by local authorities:
Leaks or broken connections can pose major safety hazards during and after a storm. If advised, shut off valves carefully and mark them clearly.
Fill your car’s gas tank and move vehicles to higher ground or away from large trees:
Gas may be unavailable after a storm due to outages or supply chain interruptions. Keeping your tank full ensures you can evacuate or operate a generator safely if needed.
If you have hurricane impact windows and doors already installed, you’ve already taken one of the most effective steps in protecting your home. Still, these additional precautions help round out your home’s storm defense system.
Emergency Supplies: What Goes in a Go Bag
Whether you’re sheltering in place or preparing to evacuate, a well-packed go-bag can be the difference between comfort and chaos. Each person in your household—including kids, seniors, and pets—should have their own bag packed and ready well before a storm warning is issued. These should be stored in a readily accessible spot in case you need to leave quickly.
Here’s what each bag should include:
- Clothing for 3–5 days:
Include breathable, weather-appropriate clothing and a rain poncho if possible - Toiletries:
Travel-size items like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products - Cell phone & charger:
Preferably with a battery pack or solar charging option - Flashlight & batteries:
LED flashlights last longer—make sure each family member has their own - Medications & medical list:
Keep a current list of prescriptions, doctors, and dosages - Snacks & water:
Think protein bars, dried fruit, and at least one bottle of water per person - Cash (small bills):
In emergencies, card readers and ATMs may be down - Important documents:
Copies of IDs, insurance policies, and utility bills stored in a waterproof pouch| - First-aid kit:
Include antiseptics, bandages, and personal health essentials - Blanket or sleeping bag:
Especially important if you’re headed to a shelter - Extras as needed:
Baby formula, diapers, pet food, personal hygiene items, sanitizing wipes, and a map of evacuation routes
Having these items prepared allows for a smoother, less stressful exit and ensures your basic needs are covered even if you’re displaced for several days.
Your Printable Hurricane Check list
In the chaos of storm preparation, digital convenience only goes so far. Power and internet outages can hit without warning—making your phone useless if it’s dead or there’s no signal.
That’s why we strongly recommend downloading and printing our Hurricane check list reference sheet ahead of time. It’s a ready-to-use, easy-to-read guide you can stick on your fridge or keep with your emergency supplies. Inside, you’ll find:
- A Power Outage Prep List with essentials like LED lanterns, fuel storage tips, backup battery sources, and low-tech entertainment
- A Home Protection Prep List covering everything from storm shutter installation to where to park your car safely
- A complete Evacuation Go-Bag List so nothing important gets left behind if you’re forced to leave
Print your copy now and keep it with your storm supplies—because preparation should never depend on a battery level.
Stay Informed: Monitoring Alerts & Evacuation Plans
No matter how well you prepare your home, staying informed is crucial. Download apps like FEMA, My Hurricane Tracker, or local emergency alerts. Know your evacuation zone and routes, and be ready to leave if an order is given.
5 Practical Hurricane Prep Tips You Might Not Know
- Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets if the water supply gets cut
- Freeze a cup of water with a coin on top—if the coin sinks, your freezer lost power too long
- Photograph each room for insurance documentation before the storm
- Place documents in waterproof bags inside a plastic bin—safer than a drawer
- Use painter’s tape on interior glass doors to minimize shattering risks
Peace of Mind Through Preparedness
Florida’s hurricane season may bring uncertainty, but with the right preparation, your home can remain a haven of safety and calm. From securing the inside of your home to packing an emergency go-bag, each step you take now adds up to less stress and more protection later.
Download your Hurricane check list reference sheet today and take the first step toward a safer season.
