This year’s hurricane season has been relatively quiet so far, following NOAA’s prediction earlier this year of a below-normal season. One factor behind that prediction is El Niño, which can suppress hurricane activity in the Atlantic. We’ve only experienced three named storms, with Cristobal as the third and Dolly next on the list. While fewer storms are certainly good news, a slower season can make it easy to get comfortable.
Now that we’re officially in the heart of hurricane season, it’s not the time to let your guard down. “When you have a quiet season, people tend to think they have more time,” says Betsy Delgado, Private Client Manager. “You don’t want to wait until there’s a storm coming to start thinking about your roof, your supplies, or your insurance coverage.”
So, how prepared are you really? Whether you’re new to Florida or have lived here for years, take a few minutes to work through the list below. You may find a few things you haven’t considered.
Five Things Florida Homeowners Should Review Before the Next Storm
- Read your insurance policy. Yes, actually read it. We know it’s not exactly exciting, but it includes important information about what your policy does and doesn’t cover. Take the time to understand your coverage and any limitations or exclusions that could affect you after a storm. Knowing what your policy does and doesn’t cover before a storm hits can help you avoid an expensive surprise later.
- Know the difference between homeowners and flood insurance. Don’t assume your homeowners insurance covers flooding after a hurricane. The source of the water matters. Water that comes through a damaged roof or window may be covered by your homeowners policy, depending on the circumstances. If rising water causes the damage, you’ll generally need separate flood insurance, which can be purchased in addition to your homeowners coverage. If you live in or near a flood-prone area, consider flood insurance even if it isn’t required.
- Make sure your home is insured for its replacement value. The cost to rebuild your home may differ from its market value or what you originally paid for it. Make sure your coverage reflects what it would cost to rebuild your home today, especially as construction costs change.
- Keep your hurricane supplies stocked. When a storm is approaching, everyone heads to the store, and shelves can empty quickly. If you’ve used supplies since the beginning of the season or haven’t checked your emergency kit in a while, now is a good time to make sure you have the basics on hand.
- Reinforce your home before a storm is forecast. It can be tempting to put off repairs, especially if you assume insurance will cover the damage later. But routine maintenance and preexisting damage generally aren’t covered losses, and hurricane claims can have higher deductibles. Addressing issues such as an aging roof or deteriorating shingles now may help reduce both storm damage and out-of-pocket costs later. And don’t assume a storm has to make a direct hit to cause damage. “Inland rainfall is a major cause of damage from tropical storms and hurricanes,” says Ken Graham, NOAA’s National Weather Service Director. “That’s why it’s important to prepare for every storm that’s projected to impact your area, even if it never reaches hurricane strength.”
Hurricane preparation isn’t just about having enough water and batteries on hand. It’s also about knowing what you’re protecting, understanding your coverage, and addressing potential gaps while you still have time to act.
Preparing now also means knowing what you’ll do when a storm is actually approaching. “If local authorities tell you to evacuate, leave,” advises Betsy. “Make sure you have somewhere to go, your supplies are ready, and your generator is serviced—before you need it.” For additional hurricane preparedness tips, check out our blog that covers practical steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane.
Hurricane season can sometimes be unpredictable, but your coverage shouldn’t be. If you haven’t reviewed your policy lately, now is the time. Contact us to review your coverage and make sure you understand what you have, where you may have gaps, and whether your protection still fits your needs.
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