Hurricane Preparedness for Florida Homeowners

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If you own a home in the Tampa Bay area, hurricane preparedness isn't optional - it's part of the deal. I'm Barrett Henry with REMAX Collective, and I've helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate the realities of homeownership in our part of Florida. One of the first conversations I have with every client is about hurricane readiness. Whether you just closed on a house in Brandon or you've lived in Riverview for twenty years, having a plan matters. This guide covers everything you need to know - from supply checklists and home hardening to insurance details and post-storm recovery - so you can protect your family and your investment when a storm heads our way.

When Is Hurricane Season in Florida?

Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30 every year. That's a six-month window, but not all of it carries equal risk. Here's how the season typically breaks down for Tampa Bay homeowners:

• June and July - Season is underway but activity is usually limited. Tropical storms are more common than hurricanes during these months.
• August and September - This is peak hurricane season. The warm Gulf waters and favorable atmospheric conditions make this the most dangerous stretch. The majority of major hurricanes form during these two months.
• October - Still active. Some of the most damaging storms in Florida history have hit in October, so don't let your guard down.
• November - Activity tapers off, but late-season storms can still develop. The season isn't over until it's over.

Tampa Bay has historically been fortunate compared to South Florida and the Panhandle, but that luck isn't a guarantee. Hurricane Ian in 2022 was a serious wake-up call for our area, and Hurricane Helene and Milton in 2024 reinforced that storms can and do impact the Tampa Bay region directly. The bottom line: prepare every single year, regardless of what the forecasts say in May.

Hurricane Categories and What They Mean for Your Home

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale classifies hurricanes into five categories based on sustained wind speeds. Understanding what each category means for your property helps you make better decisions about preparation and evacuation.

Category	Sustained Winds	Typical Home Damage
Category 1	74-95 mph	Damaged roof shingles, vinyl siding, downed tree limbs, power outages lasting days
Category 2	96-110 mph	Major roof and siding damage, shallow flooding near coast, extended power outages (1-2 weeks)
Category 3	111-129 mph	Significant structural damage to roofs and walls, inland flooding, water and electricity outages for weeks
Category 4	130-156 mph	Severe structural damage, roof removal, major flooding miles inland, area uninhabitable for weeks to months
Category 5	157+ mph	Catastrophic damage, complete roof failure and wall collapse on many homes, total infrastructure destruction

A critical point most people miss: storm surge is often more dangerous than wind. A Category 1 hurricane with significant storm surge can cause more damage to a coastal Tampa Bay home than a Category 3 that passes quickly with minimal surge. Always factor in your property's elevation and flood zone when assessing risk.

Essential Hurricane Supply Checklist

I tell every client the same thing: build your hurricane kit before June 1 and check it every year. Waiting until a storm is in the Gulf means you're competing with everyone else for bottled water and batteries. Here's the comprehensive list I use for my own family:

Water and Food

• One gallon of water per person per day - minimum 7-day supply (a family of four needs 28 gallons)
• Non-perishable food for 7 days: canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars, dried fruit
• Manual can opener (you'd be surprised how many people forget this)
• Baby formula, pet food, and any specialty dietary items
• Cooler with ice packs for perishables if you lose power

Medical and Personal

• Prescription medications - at least a 14-day supply
• First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any needed medical supplies
• Hygiene items: hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wet wipes, garbage bags
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes get aggressive after storms)
• Sunscreen

Power and Communication

• Flashlights - multiple, plus extra batteries (LED lanterns are great for whole-room lighting)
• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
• Portable phone chargers - fully charged before the storm
• Car chargers for phones
• Extra batteries in common sizes (AA, AAA, C, D)

Documents and Money

• Cash - at least $500 in small bills. ATMs and card readers don't work without power.
• Copies of insurance policies (homeowners, flood, auto) in a waterproof container
• Photo IDs, Social Security cards, and passports
• Property deed or lease agreement
• Recent home inventory photos or video - store digitally in the cloud and on a USB drive
• Emergency contact list on paper (don't rely solely on your phone)

Tools and Safety

• Plywood, screws, and a drill if you don't have permanent shutters
• Tarps and heavy-duty plastic sheeting for emergency roof repair
• Duct tape
• Fire extinguisher
• Rope, bungee cords, and zip ties
• Work gloves and closed-toe shoes for post-storm cleanup
• Whistle (to signal for help if needed)

Preparing Your Home Before a Storm

Supplies are only half the equation. The physical preparation of your home can mean the difference between minor repairs and catastrophic damage. Start these tasks well before a storm is in the forecast.

Windows and Doors

• Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows (more on costs below)
• If using plywood, pre-cut panels and label them for each window so installation is fast when a storm approaches
• Reinforce your garage door - this is one of the most vulnerable points on a Florida home. A garage door failure can cause pressure buildup that lifts your roof. Bracing kits cost $100-$300 and are worth every penny.
• Check all exterior door seals and weather stripping

Yard and Exterior

• Trim dead branches and weak limbs from all trees, especially those near your roof and power lines
• Bring inside or secure all outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, trampolines, and decorations - anything that can become a projectile in 100+ mph winds
• Clear gutters and downspouts so water drains properly
• Secure your fence - replace weak posts before the season
• Store your pool cage screen panels if you have them (some homeowners remove them before major storms to prevent structural cage damage)

Protecting Your AC Unit

Your outdoor AC condenser is expensive to replace - typically $3,000 to $7,000 in the Tampa Bay area. Here's how to protect it:

• Turn off your AC at the breaker before the storm to prevent electrical damage from power surges
• Secure the unit with hurricane straps or tie-down kits if it sits on a pad
• Do not cover the unit with a tarp during the storm - it can trap moisture and cause more damage
• After the storm, have an HVAC technician inspect the unit before turning it back on

Generator Prep

• If you have a portable generator, test it before the season starts and stock up on fuel
• Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows - carbon monoxide poisoning kills people every hurricane season
• Keep the generator on a dry, level surface at least 20 feet from your home
• Use heavy-duty outdoor extension cords rated for the wattage you need

Hurricane Shutters and Impact Windows - Cost Breakdown

One of the most common questions I get from buyers is about hurricane protection for windows. Here's a realistic breakdown of costs for a typical 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in the Brandon or Riverview area with approximately 10-12 window openings:

Protection Type	Cost Per Opening	Whole-Home Estimate	Pros	Cons
Plywood Panels	$10-$30	$100-$400	Cheapest option, widely available	Labor-intensive to install, must store panels, not attractive
Steel Storm Panels	$50-$150	$600-$1,800	Affordable, strong, reusable	Require track installation, heavy to handle, storage needed
Aluminum Storm Panels	$75-$200	$900-$2,400	Lighter than steel, good protection	Still need manual installation and storage
Accordion Shutters	$150-$350	$1,800-$4,200	Permanently mounted, fast to deploy, one person can close them	Visible when open, may affect home aesthetics
Roll-Down Shutters	$300-$700	$3,600-$8,400	Easiest to operate (some motorized), clean look, added security	Most expensive shutter option, motor maintenance
Impact Windows	$500-$1,200	$6,000-$15,000+	No deployment needed, 24/7 protection, noise reduction, insurance discounts, adds home value	Highest upfront cost, professional installation required

My take: if you're buying a home and plan to stay for more than a few years, impact windows are the best long-term investment. They increase your home's resale value, qualify you for significant insurance discounts through a wind mitigation inspection, and you never have to scramble to put up shutters when a storm is approaching. For shorter-term homeownership, accordion shutters offer the best balance of cost and convenience.

Do You Need a Generator?

After every hurricane, the number one complaint from homeowners is losing power - and in Florida's heat, that becomes a health issue fast. Here's a practical breakdown of generator options for a typical Tampa Bay home.

Portable Generators

• 3,000-5,000 watts - Runs essentials: refrigerator, a few lights, phone chargers, and a fan. Cost: $400-$1,000
• 5,000-7,500 watts - Adds a window AC unit or well pump. Cost: $800-$1,500
• 7,500-10,000 watts - Can handle a small central AC unit on a typical Brandon home. Cost: $1,200-$2,500

Whole-Home Standby Generators

• 16-22 kW - Powers most of a 2,000-3,000 sq ft home including central AC. Cost: $5,000-$8,000 installed
• 22+ kW - Full home backup for larger properties. Cost: $8,000-$15,000+ installed
• Run on natural gas or propane - no fuel runs needed
• Turn on automatically when power goes out

Fuel Considerations

• Gasoline - Most common for portable generators. Store safely in approved containers. Gas stations may be closed after a storm, so fill up early. A typical portable generator burns 12-20 gallons per day at half load.
• Propane - Longer shelf life than gasoline, available in tanks. Good backup option.
• Natural gas - Best for standby generators. Unlimited fuel supply as long as gas lines are intact (they usually are).
• Solar/battery - Options like the Tesla Powerwall ($10,000-$15,000 installed) or portable solar generators ($1,500-$3,000) are growing in popularity. They're quiet and require no fuel, but have limited capacity.

For a typical 3-bedroom home in Brandon with central AC, I'd recommend at minimum a 7,500-watt portable generator if you're on a budget. If it's in your financial plan, a whole-home standby generator is one of the best upgrades you can make - it adds real value to your home and gives you peace of mind every season.

Flood Zones and Hurricane Risk in the Tampa Bay Area

Understanding your property's flood zone is just as important as knowing its hurricane shutter situation. Many Tampa Bay homeowners are surprised to learn that flooding is the most expensive type of natural disaster damage, and standard homeowners insurance does not cover it.

I've written a detailed guide on this topic: Flood Zones in Brandon, FL - What Homeowners Need to Know. Here's a quick summary of the key points:

Flood Insurance Basics

• If your home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (zones A or V), your mortgage lender will require flood insurance
• Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers
• NFIP policies typically cost $700-$2,500 per year in Tampa Bay, depending on your zone and property elevation
• There is a 30-day waiting period for new flood insurance policies - you can't buy it when a storm is approaching
• Even if you're in a low-risk zone (Zone X), flooding can still happen. Over 25% of flood claims come from outside high-risk zones.

Evacuation Zones vs. Flood Zones - They're Not the Same

This is a common source of confusion. Hillsborough County assigns evacuation zones (A through E) based on storm surge risk, not rainfall flooding. Your evacuation zone tells you when to leave based on an approaching hurricane's projected storm surge. Your FEMA flood zone determines your flood insurance requirements and is based on long-term flood risk from all sources.

• You can be in Evacuation Zone A (first to evacuate) but not in a FEMA high-risk flood zone
• You can be in a FEMA flood zone but not in a mandatory evacuation zone
• Know both for your property - check Hillsborough County's Know Your Zone tool and FEMA's flood map service

Homeowners Insurance and Hurricanes

Florida's homeowners insurance market is complicated, and hurricane-related coverage is where most of the confusion lives. Here's what every Tampa Bay homeowner needs to understand:

Hurricane Deductible vs. Regular Deductible

Your policy has two separate deductibles, and this catches a lot of people off guard:

• Regular deductible - A flat dollar amount (e.g., $1,000 or $2,500) that applies to non-hurricane claims like fire or theft
• Hurricane deductible - Usually a percentage of your home's insured value, typically 2%, 5%, or 10%. On a $400,000 home with a 2% hurricane deductible, you're paying the first $8,000 out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
• A 5% hurricane deductible on that same home means $20,000 out of pocket. Make sure you know your number and have savings to cover it.

Wind Mitigation Inspection - Save 15% to 50% on Premiums

This is one of the most underutilized money-saving tools for Florida homeowners. A wind mitigation inspection costs around $75-$150 and documents your home's wind-resistant features. Your insurer then applies discounts based on what the inspector finds:

• Roof shape (hip roofs get the best discounts)
• Roof covering type and age
• Roof deck attachment method (clips vs. straps - straps are better)
• Roof-to-wall connections
• Opening protection (shutters or impact windows)
• Secondary water resistance (SWR) - a peel-and-stick barrier under your roof covering

I've seen clients save $800-$2,000 per year just from getting a wind mitigation inspection on a home that already had qualifying features. If you recently bought a home or made upgrades, get this inspection done. It pays for itself in the first month.

Additional Insurance Tips

• Review your policy every year before hurricane season - make sure your coverage amount reflects your home's current replacement cost
• Consider additional living expense (ALE) coverage, which pays for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable
• Document your belongings with photos and video - store copies in the cloud
• Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance - you need both
• Ask about your policy's loss assessment coverage if you're in an HOA or condo association

What to Do After a Hurricane

The storm has passed, but your work isn't done. The decisions you make in the first 24-72 hours after a hurricane can significantly affect your recovery timeline and insurance outcome.

Immediate Safety

• Wait for the all-clear from local authorities before going outside
• Watch for downed power lines, standing water, and structural damage
• Do not enter your home if you suspect structural damage - wait for an inspection
• If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911
• Use bottled water until local authorities confirm tap water is safe

Documenting Damage

• Photograph and video everything before you clean up or make any repairs. This is the single most important step for your insurance claim.
• Document all rooms, exterior damage, roof damage (if safely accessible), and any personal property damage
• Keep all damaged items until your insurance adjuster has seen them
• Write down a detailed description of the damage with dates and times
• Save all receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, meals, and any other storm-related expenses

Filing Your Insurance Claim

• Contact your insurance company as soon as possible - most companies have 24/7 storm hotlines
• File your claim promptly. Florida law gives insurers specific timelines to respond, but delays in filing can complicate your claim.
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (tarp the roof, board up broken windows) - your policy covers these costs
• Do not make permanent repairs until the adjuster has inspected the damage
• Keep a log of every conversation with your insurer - date, time, name of representative, and what was discussed

Hiring Contractors - Avoid Storm-Chaser Scams

After every hurricane, unlicensed contractors flood the area looking to take advantage of desperate homeowners. Protect yourself:

• Never pay a large deposit upfront - a legitimate contractor will not ask for 50%+ before starting work
• Verify the contractor's Florida license at myfloridalicense.com
• Get at least three written estimates before committing
• Be wary of door-to-door solicitors offering immediate roof repairs
• Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) without fully understanding what you're giving up - AOBs transfer your insurance rights to the contractor
• Ask for local references and check reviews. Contractors who were here before the storm and will be here after are your best bet.
• If a deal sounds too good to be true, it is