Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and on the Treasure Coast the question is rarely if a storm will come, it's when. The work you do before a storm forms decides how well your home holds up and how smoothly any claim goes afterward. Here's a practical checklist to run through now.
1. Review your insurance before the storm
Pull out your homeowners policy and confirm what's covered, and just as important, what isn't. Remember that flooding from rising water usually requires a separate flood policy. The time to discover a coverage gap is now, not after the water is in your living room.
2. Photograph your home and belongings
Walk through your home with your phone and record video of every room, plus close-ups of valuable items. Store it in the cloud. If you ever file a claim, this 'before' record is one of the most powerful pieces of documentation you can have.
3. Protect your roof and openings
Your roof is your first line of defense. Have it inspected for loose or aging shingles, make sure shutters or window protection are ready to deploy, and trim back tree limbs that could fall or become projectiles. A small repair now can prevent a catastrophic opening later.
4. Prepare for water intrusion
Clear gutters and drains so water flows away from the house, know where your main water shut-off valve is, and have a plan for low-lying or flood-prone areas of your property. Move valuables off the floor in vulnerable rooms.
5. Build an emergency kit and plan
Water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, chargers, and important documents in a waterproof container. Agree on a family communication and evacuation plan before you need it.
6. Know who to call after the storm
After a hurricane, restoration crews are in high demand and the homes that recover fastest are the ones that get help first. Save the number of a local 24/7 restoration company now. If your roof is compromised, a same-day tarp or synthetic wrap can stop the next rain from turning a roof problem into a whole-home water loss.