Last year, Hurricane Ian wreaked havoc on Florida’s southern Gulf Coast. After making landfall as a Category 4 storm, Ian damaged approximately 35,000 homes, with about 5,000 of these homes being completely destroyed. Overall, Ian caused an estimated $112 billion in economic loss, about half of which resulted from damage to housing and infrastructure.
Hopefully, we won’t experience a similar storm this year. But as forecasters are predicting approximately seven hurricanes during the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season, we cannot ignore the possibility of another major storm causing similarly devastating effects. With this in mind, here are some tips Florida gulf coast residents can use to prepare for the months to come:
5 Tips to Prepare for the 2023 Hurricane Season
1. Make Sure Your Home is in Good Repair
Now is an excellent time to ensure your home is in the best condition possible to weather any storms that may come our way. If you’ve been putting off any home maintenance items or repairs, consider getting them done now so your home will be as storm-ready as possible.
2. Stock Up on Supplies Before the Rush
Stocking up on supplies now can help you act quickly (and avoid long lines and product shortages) in the event that a hurricane makes landfall in Florida. Bottled water, non-perishable foods, plywood, sandbags and gas for your home’s generator are all good items to have on hand during hurricane season.
3. Make an Evacuation Plan
Evacuating is one of the best ways to stay safe if a hurricane makes landfall. But, it can also be difficult to make decisions about evacuating in a hurry. With this in mind, it’s a good idea to have an evaluation plan in place. For example, make a list of hotels you can call for reservations (or identify friends or family members who will take you in), make sure you’re ready to travel with your pets and your vehicle is ready for the journey.
4. Record a Walk-Through Video
If your home or business gets hit by a hurricane, making the necessary repairs and replacing your damaged property will involve dealing with your insurer. It is a good idea to record a walk-through video to prove that the damage is storm-related and not pre-existing. If you have a video you can provide to your insurer showing your home or office’s condition and contents before the storm, it can make the insurance claim process much smoother.
5. Stay Up-to-Date on the Latest Storm Developments
During hurricane season, Southwest Florida residents should stay up-to-date on the latest storm developments. Here are a few good resources from the federal government:
- FEMA Mobile App (with storm alerts, tips and more)
- National Hurricane Center (NHC) Storm Forecasts
- NOAA Weather Radio (broadcasts from your nearest weather station)
Contact Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A.
We hope that you never have to deal with the devastating effects of having your home or business severely damaged in a major storm and the corresponding hiring of contractors to rebuild as a result. But if you do, we’re here to help. To speak with an attorney at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, P.A., please call 239-649-6555 or inquire online today.
Related post: Home Remodeling In a Flood Zone After Hurricane Ian: The 50% Rule