The Ultimate Hurricane Prep Checklist for Homeowners

Living in Central Florida means living with hurricanes. It's not a question of if, but when. The difference between a stressful week and a genuine disaster often comes down to preparation — and you can't prepare when the storm is already spinning in the Gulf.

This checklist breaks down exactly what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. Print it. Save it. Don't wait until June to read it.

Before the Season

April – May

• Review insurance: Confirm your homeowner's policy covers wind damage. Flood insurance is separate — if you don't have it, get it now. There's a 30-day waiting period.
• Document everything: Walk through your home with your phone. Video every room, every closet, every valuable. Upload to cloud storage.
• Tree trimming: Dead branches become missiles in 100 mph winds. Trim anything within 10 feet of your roof or power lines.
• Locate shutters/plywood: Know exactly where they are. Test that shutters still fit and hardware isn't rusted.
• Generator prep: If you have one, test it under load. If you don't, decide now if you want one — they sell out fast.

When a Storm is Coming

5-7 Days Out

• Gas up vehicles: Fill all cars. Stations run dry when everyone waits until the last minute.
• Cash on hand: ATMs and card readers don't work without power. Get $300-500 in small bills.
• Medications: Refill all prescriptions. Pharmacies may close for days.
• Stock supplies: Water (1 gallon per person per day × 7 days), non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, first aid kit.
• Charge everything: Phones, laptops, portable batteries. Every device.

48 Hours Before

Final Preparations

• Install shutters: Don't wait. This takes longer than you think, especially in the heat.
• Outdoor furniture: Bring in or secure everything — chairs, grills, potted plants, decorations. If it can fly, it will.
• Pool: Lower water level slightly. Do NOT drain it — an empty pool can pop out of the ground.
• Freezer: Turn to coldest setting. Fill empty space with water bottles — they'll help keep food cold if power goes out.
• Important documents: Put in waterproof container or take with you if evacuating.
• Photograph exterior: Take timestamped photos of your home's exterior before the storm.

During the Storm

Stay Safe

• Stay inside: The eye of the storm is not the all-clear. Winds return violently from the opposite direction.
• Interior room: Stay in a windowless interior room on the lowest floor. Bathroom or closet works.
• Don't use candles: Flashlights only. House fires during hurricanes are tragically common.
• Turn off AC: If you lose power and it comes back on, a surge can damage the unit. Keep it off until power is stable.
• Fill bathtub: Extra water for flushing toilets if water pressure drops.

After the Storm

Recovery & Documentation

• Wait for the all-clear: Downed power lines, debris, and flooding make immediate post-storm exploration dangerous.
• Document damage immediately: Photos, videos, written descriptions. Do this BEFORE any cleanup or repairs.
• Contact insurance: File your claim quickly. Adjusters are overwhelmed after major storms.
• Temporary repairs: You can tarp a roof or board a window to prevent further damage — save receipts, insurance may reimburse.
• Beware of scams: Unlicensed contractors flood the area after storms. Get multiple quotes. Verify licenses. Don't pay upfront.
• Check food safety: If power was out 4+ hours, toss refrigerated food. Freezer food is safe if ice crystals remain.

The Hurricane Supply Kit

Keep This Stocked Year-Round

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day (7-day supply minimum)
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, crackers
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights + extra batteries (multiple sets)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (7-day supply)
• Cash in small bills
• Phone chargers + portable battery packs
• Important documents in waterproof bag
• Basic tools: wrench, pliers, screwdriver
• Tarps and plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Work gloves
• Bug spray and sunscreen

Hurricane prep isn't glamorous. It's tedious, it's inconvenient, and half the time the storm veers away and you feel like you overreacted. But the one time it doesn't veer away, you'll be grateful for every item on this list.

Prepare early. Prepare once. Then you can relax while everyone else is fighting over the last case of water at Publix.