Hurricane season is only a few weeks away, and now is the best time for Florida homeowners to prepare. Every year, many people wait until a storm is already in the forecast before they start thinking about supplies, insurance coverage, or protecting their homes. Unfortunately, by then, it may be too late. Taking a few proactive steps now can help protect your home, your finances, and your family when severe weather arrives.

Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

One of the most important things homeowners can do before hurricane season is review their insurance policy. Start by locating your declarations page — it’s the quickest and easiest way to understand your coverage, limits, and deductibles.

Pay close attention to your hurricane deductible. Many homeowners don’t realize that their hurricane deductible is separate from their standard deductible, and it is often significantly higher. It’s usually listed clearly and prominently on the declarations page, so make sure you know exactly what your responsibility would be if a hurricane causes damage to your home.

For VYRD policyholders, reviewing your policy is simple. Customers can log into the VYRD customer portal for easy-to-read access to policy documents and coverage information.

Don’t Forget About Flood Insurance

A standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover flood damage. During hurricanes and tropical storms, flooding can cause devastating damage to homes, even in areas that don’t typically flood.

Many Florida homeowners are surprised to learn they may have no coverage for flood-related losses if they don’t carry a separate flood insurance policy. Even more important, flood insurance policies generally come with a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. That means you cannot wait until a storm is approaching to purchase protection.

If you do not currently have flood insurance, now is the time to explore your options before hurricane season officially begins.

Trim Trees and Clean Gutters

Florida experienced an unusually cold winter this year, leaving many trees, shrubs, and landscaping areas with dead limbs and excess debris. Before storm season arrives, homeowners should trim back trees and remove dead branches — especially limbs hanging near or over the roof.

Strong hurricane winds can easily turn weak or overgrown branches into dangerous projectiles that can damage roofs, windows, vehicles, and neighboring properties.

Cleaning gutters is also essential. Clogged gutters can prevent proper drainage during heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of water intrusion and roof damage.

Build Your Emergency Kit Before You Need It

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until a storm is already on the radar before buying emergency supplies. By then, stores are crowded, shelves are empty, and long checkout lines are everywhere.

Now is the time to begin building your hurricane emergency kit. Stock up on essentials like:

• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated radios
• Non-perishable food
• Bottled water
• First-aid supplies
• Medications and pet supplies

You should also think about where you will safely store important documents such as insurance policies, passports, birth certificates, and financial records. Waterproof containers or digital backups can make a major difference after a storm.

For more information on building your hurricane toolkit, click here.

Consider Investing in Hurricane Shutters

If your home does not already have hurricane shutters or impact protection, it may be worth considering the investment. While shutters can seem expensive upfront, they can help prevent major wind and water damage during severe storms — potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs.

There may also be financial benefits beyond protection. Many insurance companies offer premium discounts for approved storm mitigation features like hurricane shutters. If you install them, be sure to notify your insurance company so they can review your eligibility for potential savings.

Know Your Evacuation Plan

Every Florida homeowner should know whether they live in an evacuation zone before hurricane season begins. Florida’s Department of Emergency Management offers the “Know Your Zone” interactive map, which helps residents identify whether their home is located in an official evacuation area.

Even if your home is outside of a designated “danger” zone, it’s still smart to create an evacuation plan for your family. Flooding and storm impacts can happen well beyond coastal evacuation zones. In fact, FEMA reports that more than 25% of all flood claims come from outside high-risk flood areas.

If you do live in an official evacuation zone, your community likely has designated evacuation routes marked by blue hurricane evacuation signs. Take time now to become familiar with those routes — and identify alternate routes as well — before hurricane season intensifies.

All drivers in your household should practice the route several times without relying on GPS. Knowing key roads, landmarks, and alternate paths ahead of time can help your family stay calm and get to safety more efficiently during an emergency evacuation.

Be Careful with Contractors

Unfortunately, contractor fraud remains a major issue in Florida after hurricanes and severe storms. Homeowners should always be cautious when hiring repair contractors, especially individuals who show up unsolicited at your door offering immediate repairs or free inspections.

Before signing any agreements:

• Verify the contractor’s license and insurance
• Contact your insurance company first
• Ask about preferred or recommended contractor networks
• Never feel pressured to sign anything immediately

Remember: you hire the contractor — not the other way around.

VYRD gives policyholders access to trusted, experienced contractors backed by a 5-year workmanship warranty, helping homeowners avoid the risks that can come with unfamiliar providers during stressful situations.

Prepare Now, Not Later

Hurricane preparation doesn’t have to happen all at once, but it should happen before a storm threatens Florida. Reviewing your insurance coverage, protecting your home, and building your emergency plan now can help you avoid unnecessary stress later.

The earlier you prepare, the better positioned you’ll be to weather whatever this hurricane season may bring.