Hurricane Preparedness: Protect Your Home, Property, and Family

With Hurricane Milton on its way and hurricane season still in full swing, it’s more important than ever to be prepared. Hurricanes can cause devastating damage from strong winds, flooding, and downed power lines. From the Florida coast to inland areas, the impact of these storms can be unpredictable. This guide will help you stay safe before, during, and after the storm.

Pre-Storm Preparations

When a hurricane is on the way, getting your home and family ready ahead of time is critical. The steps you take before the storm can help protect your property and, most importantly, keep everyone safe.

Generator Safety

Gas generators are commonly used during power outages, but they can be extremely dangerous if not used properly. One of the biggest risks is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can happen if the generator is placed too close to your home or indoors. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Never place a generator inside your home, garage, or any enclosed space.
Place the generator at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.
Use it on dry ground to avoid electrical hazards. Using a canopy like structure can help keep your generator dry.
Use a heavy-duty extension cord that is suitable for outdoor use, and never plug your generator directly into a wall outlet. This can be extremely dangerous for utility workers, neighbors, and your household.
Install a carbon monoxide detector inside of your home.
Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.
Fuel should be stored in a storage can outside of living areas. Consider placing it in a locked shed.

Securing Your Property

The strong winds from a hurricane can cause items around your property to become dangerous projectiles. Here’s what you can do to prevent major damage:

Trim trees and remove dead branches to prevent them from falling onto your home or neighboring properties.
Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure rainwater flows away from your home and doesn’t pool on your roof.
Store outdoor items like patio furniture, garden tools, and toys in a safe place, like a garage or shed.

Sandbags and Barriers

Using sandbags during a hurricane can help protect your home from rising water. Follow these steps to make sure your house stays as dry as possible:

Sandbags should not be overfilled. Half full is best.
Place a plastic covering (this can even be a shower curtain liner) on the ground before placing your sandbags on top of it. Once your sandbags are situated on top of the plastic, fold the plastic over and tuck underneath the sandbags.
Lay sandbags around doorways, garages, and other areas where water is likely to enter.
Stack sandbags in a pyramid formation to create a stable barrier that won’t collapse. Make sure all gaps are covered.
Focus on areas that are the most prone to flooding, like basement windows or any ground-level openings.
Lay sandbags early to ensure you have enough time before the storm intensifies.

Insurance and Liability During a Hurricane

Storms can often raise questions about who is responsible for damages or injuries. Understanding your insurance coverage and liability during a hurricane is crucial to making sure you’re protected when disaster strikes.

Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

It’s important to know exactly what your homeowner’s insurance will cover before a hurricane makes landfall. Not all policies are the same, and you may be surprised by what isn’t included. Here are some things to look for in your coverage:

Check if your policy includes flood coverage. Many homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage, and additional coverage may be necessary.
If a tree on your property falls and damages a neighbor’s home, your insurance may be responsible for covering the costs.
Review your coverage limits to ensure there’s enough to handle repairs for your home, roof, or other structures affected by wind or falling debris.
Consider adding a separate flood insurance policy if flooding is a concern, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.

Personal Injury Insurance

Not only does your homeowner’s insurance cover property damage, but it also includes coverage if someone is injured on your property. Whether it’s a family member or a visitor, having the right coverage in place can protect you from potential legal and financial issues. Keep these details in mind:

Many homeowner policies include liability coverage for injuries that happen on your property, including for visitors.
Check your policy limits to ensure there’s enough coverage for medical bills, legal fees, or other expenses resulting from an injury.
Coverage may extend to injuries related to the storm, like if someone is hurt by flying debris or falling trees on your property.

Vehicle Insurance

Cars are often susceptible to damage during hurricanes by falling debris or flooding. In some cases, vehicles may float away due to rising waters. To protect your vehicle, make sure your auto insurance policy includes coverage for hurricane-related incidents. Here’s what you should know:

Comprehensive auto insurance typically covers damage from natural disasters, including hurricanes.
If your car is damaged or swept away during the storm, your insurance may help cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Take the time to review your auto policy before the storm hits to confirm that hurricane-related damage is included.

Safety Precautions During the Storm

Once the storm arrives, it’s crucial that you prioritize safety above all else. Whether you decide to evacuate or stay at home, knowing what precautions to take can help you and your loved ones stay safe.

Evacuation vs. Staying at Home

One of the most important decisions you will make during a hurricane is whether to evacuate or shelter in place. The right choice will depend on your location and how severe the storm is. Here are some things to consider when making your decision:

If you live in an evacuation zone, follow local evacuation orders. If officials advise you to leave, it’s usually the safest option.
If you decide to stay at home, make sure your house is well-prepared with supplies, boarded windows, and sandbags to protect against flooding.
Driving in bad conditions is extremely risky during a hurricane. Flooded roads, debris, and strong winds make it dangerous, so stay off the roads if possible.
If traffic lights are out due to power outages, treat intersections as four-way stops. This keeps traffic flowing safely and prevents accidents.

It’s important to prepare in advance. Know your evacuation route, pack essentials, and fill your gas tank well ahead of time in case you need to leave quickly.

Employee Safety

For businesses, the safety of employees should be a top priority when a hurricane hits. Companies need to be flexible and considerate of their workers. If you’re a business owner or manager, here are some steps to protect your team:

Give employees the autonomy to leave work if they feel unsafe, even before official orders come through.
If the business remains open, make sure there are safe accommodations for employees to stay overnight if necessary.
Plan for potential travel risks. If employees are required to drive home during dangerous conditions, the company could be held liable for any accidents.
Encourage remote work or early closures to avoid endangering employees.

Recovering After a Hurricane

Once the storm has passed, the recovery process begins. It’s important to take careful steps to ensure your safety and address any damage. Here’s what to keep in mind.

What To Do After a Flood

If your home has been flooded, the first priority is making sure it’s safe to re-enter. Floodwaters can cause a range of hidden dangers, like structural damage and electrical risks. Here’s what to do:

Check for damaged power lines and gas leaks before entering your home. If you notice any downed power lines, stay at least 50 feet away and assume they are live. Never attempt to move or go near them. Call 911 or, if you are a GRU customer, report the downed lines to 352-334-2871.
If there’s a power outage, you can report it by calling 352-334-2871. Be sure to have either your GRU account number or the phone number on your account ready. If you are not a GRU customer, gather your utility company information before you lose power.
If it’s safe to enter, turn off your electricity at the circuit breaker, especially if the water rises above your electrical outlets.
If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound, leave immediately and call the fire department. Put as much distance between you and the house as possible.
Take photos of the damage for your insurance company.
Start drying out your home as soon as possible by removing soaked carpets, furniture, and cutting drywall a foot above the waterline to prevent mold.

Filing Insurance Claims

After a hurricane, you’ll want to start your insurance claims process right away to get on the list for repairs and assistance. Here’s how to handle it:

Document everything. Take as many pictures as possible of the damage to your home, including both interior and exterior shots.
File your flood or homeowner’s insurance claim as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the quicker your case will be handled.
Keep a detailed list of damaged items, and if possible, include any receipts or proof of purchase.

Above all, be patient. Contractors and insurance adjusters may take time to get to you with the influx of claims and handling their own storm recovery.

Food Safety After Power Outages

Power outages during and after a hurricane can cause food safety concerns. Without refrigeration, perishable items can spoil quickly, so it’s important to know how to handle your food after the storm:

If the power has been out for more than four hours, check expiration dates on all refrigerated and frozen foods.
Perishable items, like meat, dairy, and eggs, should be thrown away if they’ve been above 40℉ for over two hours. When in doubt, throw it out. It’s not worth the risk.
Avoid eating food that’s past its expiration date, especially during emergencies when refrigeration may not be reliable.
If in doubt, use ice chests with ice or frozen gel packs to keep food cold. However, make sure to check the temperature regularly to ensure it stays safe.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Getting ready for a hurricane may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a list of essentials to have on hand before the storm arrives:

Water, at least one gallon per person per day for three days
Non-perishable food that can last for at least three days
Manual can opener for your canned goods
Flashlights with plenty of extra batteries
First aid kit, along with any prescription medications
Cash in small bills, in case ATMs or card readers aren’t working
Important documents in a waterproof container (insurance, ID, etc.)
Sanitation supplies like garbage bags, moist towelettes, and hand sanitizer
Battery powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on emergency alerts
Pet supplies, including food, water, and any needed medications

Hurricanes can be devastating to your home, property, and well-being. By taking the necessary precautions before and after the storm, you can help reduce the risks and ensure you and your family are safe.

If you or someone you love gets hurt on someone else’s property during a hurricane, reach out to the personal injury lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A.. Our team is here to help you figure out what your next steps should be and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.