Living in Florida means sunshine, beaches, and—like it or not—hurricane season. At On the Spot Restoration, we’ve helped countless home and business owners recover from water damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms. And while we’re always here to help after the storm, we’d much rather help you before it hits. Preparation is the best defense when it comes to protecting your property, your family, and your peace of mind.
In this guide, we’re sharing real, practical tips from restoration professionals who’ve seen the worst storms up close. From water intrusion to power outages and everything in between, here’s how to get ahead of the next big one.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity from August to October.
- Build an emergency hurricane kit with essentials like water, food, and documents.
- Protect your home by sealing windows, inspecting your roof, and cleaning gutters.
- Use sandbags and water barriers to reduce flood risks.
- Stay informed using trusted sources like NOAA and the National Hurricane Center.
- Digitally back up your insurance policies, ID, and important documents.
- Have a reliable restoration company (like On the Spot Restoration) on call before the storm hits.
- Schedule home maintenance and roof inspections early in the year.
- Act fast after a storm to limit water damage and mold growth.
Understand the Risks of Hurricane Season
Before you start prepping, it’s important to know what you’re up against. Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity usually between August and October. During this time, residents may face:
- High winds that can tear off roofs or uproot trees
- Heavy rainfall leading to severe water intrusion or flooding
- Storm surges that can devastate coastal properties
- Power outages that last for days or even weeks
- Structural damage that can leave buildings uninhabitable
Understanding these threats helps guide the actions you need to take now, not when a storm is already on your doorstep.
Create a Family Hurricane Plan
Having a solid plan in place is step one. Sit down with your family or household and talk through:
- Evacuation routes: Know where to go, how to get there, and where you’ll stay.
- Communication strategy: Designate a group chat or an out-of-state contact everyone can check in with.
- Pet prep: Don’t forget furry family members. Find out which shelters and hotels accept pets, just in case.
Make sure everyone knows the plan and go over it once a year.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit
When storms hit, supplies disappear fast. Beat the rush by having your hurricane kit ready to go. Your kit should include:
- At least three days’ worth of water (one gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Phone chargers or backup power banks
- First aid kit
- Medications and copies of prescriptions
- Important documents in waterproof bags (ID, insurance, deeds)
- Cash (ATMs and card machines may be down)
- Hygiene items
- Masks and hand sanitizer
Keep this kit in a waterproof container and store it somewhere you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate.
Protect Your Home from Water Damage
Water damage is one of the most common (and expensive) issues we see after hurricanes. Fortunately, there are a few key steps you can take to protect your property:
Check for Roof Leaks and Seal Openings
Start by having your roof inspected. Small leaks turn into big problems during a storm. Also, seal windows, doors, vents, and any other openings where water can sneak in.
Clean Out Gutters and Drains
Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and overflow, sending water directly into your home. Make sure your drainage system is clear and flowing away from your foundation.
Install Storm Shutters or Plywood
Cover all windows and glass doors. If you don’t have storm shutters, use 5/8-inch plywood that’s cut to fit each opening.
Elevate Electronics and Valuables
Move furniture, electronics, and important items off the ground, especially if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Sandbags and Water Barriers
If you’re in a low-lying zone, keep sandbags on hand. They can help redirect water away from doorways and garage entries.
Know When to Turn Off Utilities
In some situations, turning off your utilities can help prevent serious hazards:
- Electricity: Shut off the power if flooding is imminent or has already begun. Water and electricity don’t mix.
- Gas: If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn it off and leave immediately.
- Water: If advised by officials, shut off the main water valve to avoid contamination.
Only do this if you know how. If not, call a licensed professional.
Backup Your Documents Digitally
In today’s digital age, there’s no reason not to have cloud backups of your most important paperwork. This includes:
- Insurance policies
- Deeds, titles, and contracts
- Medical records
- Family photos
- Identification documents
Having access to these files can speed up the recovery process after a storm.
Stay Informed Before, During, and After the Storm
Use reliable sources like the National Hurricane Center, local emergency management agencies, and NOAA Weather Radio to get accurate, up-to-date information. Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone. Don’t rely on social media alone. Misinformation spreads fast in a crisis.
Have a Restoration Plan in Place
One of the smartest things you can do ahead of time is to have a trusted restoration partner on standby. When disaster hits, time is everything. At On the Spot Restoration, we offer:
- 24/7 emergency response
- Water removal and drying services
- Storm damage assessments
- Structural repairs
- Mold prevention and remediation
We’re local, licensed, and experienced. If you ever find yourself in need after a hurricane, just know that our team is ready to respond quickly and help you put your life back together.
Don’t Wait, Take Action Right Away
The biggest mistake we see homeowners make is waiting too long to prepare. Once a storm is named, stores start running out of supplies and long lines form at gas stations. Don’t wait for a warning to start taking action.
- Trim trees and remove loose yard debris well before peak season
- Schedule roof inspections and make repairs early in the year
- Restock your emergency kit every May
- Review your insurance coverage and make updates if needed
Early action saves time, money, and stress when the pressure is on.
What to Do After the Storm
Even with the best prep, property damage can still happen. Here’s what we recommend you do immediately after a storm:
- Stay safe—don’t enter a flooded property until it’s been cleared.
- Take photos of all damage for insurance purposes.
- Call your insurance provider as soon as possible.
- Contact On the Spot Restoration for emergency cleanup and repair.
The faster you act, the more you can minimize long-term damage like mold, structural issues, and electrical hazards.
Final Thoughts from On the Spot Restoration
At the end of the day, hurricane season doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With a little planning and the right support team, you can ride out the storm knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your home and loved ones.
If you do experience water damage after a hurricane, don’t hesitate to give us a call. At On the Spot Restoration, we’re ready 24/7 to help Florida homeowners recover quickly, safely, and with as little stress as possible. We’ve seen it all, and we’re here to guide you through every step of the restoration process.
Stay safe, stay ready—and know we’ve got your back. Call us right away if you need our help.