Creating Your Florida Hurricane Checklist

Florida’s hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30. Whether you’re new to the the Sunshine State or you’ve weathered a Florida hurricane or two in the past, proper preparation is key to your safety and to protect your family and property. Here’s a helpful checklist that you can use to protect your loved ones and Florida home in case of a storm.

Build a Hurricane Kit

• Generator, charged and ready to go
• Cell phone with a fully charged portable charger
• Battery operated communication device
• Basic tool box with wrench or pliers
• Flashlights for everyone in your household
• Plenty of batteries in different sizes
• Maps of your local area
• Basic camping supplies — blankets, matches, garbage bags, plastic ties, duct tape, etc
• Important documents such as I.D., insurance policies, etc. in a waterproof container
• Extra clothes & rain gear

Food and Water Checklist

• Bottled water — One gallon per person, per day, for 3 to 7 days
• Bottled juice
• Two coolers — for food and drinks
• Nonperishable food items — a 3 to 7-day supply
• Kitchen supplies — Manual can opener, cups, plates, eating utensils

House Checklist

• Protect your windows - Permanent shutters are the best protection, but a lower-cost approach is to pre-cut and drill plywood panels. Label the panels so you know which panels are for which windows and have holes pre-drilled in the exterior walls for easy installation.
• Trim trees and shrubs.
• Remove all outdoor items — yard decorations, patio furniture, grills, and garbage cans can easily be blown around by strong winds.
• Move furniture away from windows — if your home has a second level, also consider moving items upstairs.
• Plastic wrap furniture.
• Take inventory of the contents in your home.
• Store important documents such as inventory lists, vehicle titles, mortgage documents, birth certificates, etc. in waterproof containers.
• Turn the fridge and freezer to the coldest settings - According to foodsafety.gov, a refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if the door is left closed and a full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours. If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power surge when electricity is restored.

Medical Checklist

• First Aid kit
• Medic-alert tags
• Insect-repellent sprays
• Sunscreen
• Hygiene items
• Medications
• Baby items — medicines, soaps, thermometer, etc.
• Bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Antiseptic solution

Pet Care Checklist

• Water — a 3 to 7-day supply
• Food — a 3 to 7-day supply
• Updated shot/medical records
• Any medications, including heartworm preventatives
• Collar and leash
• Favorite toy
• Blanket or pillow
• Calming aids
• Carrier

To view a detailed hurricane checklist, visit Ready.gov. For more information on what to do, where to go, and how to plan for the hurricane season, visit www.FEMA.gov, www.ready.gov/hurricane, and www.floridadisaster.org.

Before hurricane season rushes in, know the emergency radio stations that will broadcast storm-related information; NOAA has a helpful broadcast list on their website. FEMA has also created an app to help you know what to do before, during, and after a hurricane. The app gives you weather alerts in your area, lifesaving tips, and access to disaster resources.

As a Florida homebuilder with more than 20 years of experience building quality homes in Florida, we understand Florida's storm potential and build our homes to meet or exceed the latest building codes to help protect your family and home in case of a storm. Creating a checklist and preparing for a storm beforehand is the best way to make certain that you and your family have the opportunity to enjoy your new home for years to come. To learn more about our company and dedication to providing you a quality new home, designed for your safety and security, visit www.HighlandHomes.org.