Before the storm hits — here's how to prepare your home.

Most Florida homeowners don't fully understand their homeowner's insurance policy until they need to file a claim — which is the worst time to discover gaps. Before hurricane season, pull out your policy and review it carefully. Know your coverage limits, your deductible structure, and what is explicitly excluded.

Florida homeowner policies often have a separate wind deductible — typically a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a fixed dollar amount. A 2% wind deductible on a $350,000 home is $7,000 out of pocket before insurance pays. Knowing this before a storm hits — not after — changes how you plan and prepare.

If you have flood risk, confirm whether you have flood insurance — standard homeowner policies do not cover flooding from outside the home. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program typically has a 30-day waiting period before it takes effect — so it cannot be purchased once a storm is approaching.

A home inventory — created before any damage occurs — is one of the most valuable tools a Florida homeowner can have. If your home is damaged, your insurer will ask you to document everything that was lost or damaged. Having that documentation ready before a storm makes the process faster and significantly more complete.

Walk through your home room by room and video everything — furniture, electronics, appliances, artwork, jewelry, tools, and outdoor equipment. Open closets and cabinets. Note serial numbers for high-value electronics. Store this video in cloud storage — not just on your local devices — so it survives even if your home does not.

Photograph the exterior of your home from all four sides. Document your roof, fencing, driveway, landscaping, and any outbuildings. These pre-storm photos establish baseline condition and become critical evidence if you need to show what existed before damage occurred.

Florida Building Code requires homes built after 2002 to meet enhanced hurricane standards — but older homes may have significant vulnerabilities. A licensed inspector can assess your home's wind resistance and identify improvements that may both protect your home and reduce your insurance premium.

• Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles
• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup
• Check roof for loose or missing shingles before storm season begins
• Inspect and seal any gaps around windows and doors
• Know where your main water shutoff is located
• Know where your electrical panel is and how to turn off circuits
• Secure or store outdoor furniture, decorations, and equipment before storms
• Consider hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows for high-risk openings

Florida emergency management recommends homeowners maintain supplies for at least 72 hours of self-sufficiency — and ideally 7 days — in the event of a major hurricane. Power outages after Florida storms can last from days to weeks in severely affected areas.

• Water — one gallon per person per day for at least 7 days
• Non-perishable food — 7-day supply for all household members
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• Medications — 30-day supply if possible
• Cash — ATMs may not work after a storm
• Important documents in waterproof container (insurance policy, IDs, medical records, deed)
• Portable phone charger — fully charged before storms
• Generator — with fuel stored safely outside the home
• Tarps, rope, and basic tools for emergency repairs
• Roof Roof Members: confirm access to hurricane emergency supply benefits through getroofroof.com

Our assistance is provided at no cost to Roof Roof Members.

Have an evacuation plan before you need one. Know your local evacuation zone — Florida counties publish zone maps online — and identify where you would go if evacuation is ordered. Plan your route in advance and identify a meeting point for family members if you are separated.

Know who to call after a storm. Have your insurance company's claims number saved in your phone. Have Roof Roof Direct's number saved — (888) 876-6364 — so you have a trusted resource to call before making any contractor or claim decisions.

The homeowners who navigate storm recovery most successfully are almost always the ones who prepared before the storm — not just physically, but informationally. Knowing your coverage, having your documentation, and knowing who to call puts you in control of the process when it matters most.