In 2017 four different hurricanes made U.S. landfall, which is the most hurricanes in one season to hit the United States in over a decade.  When living in Florida, hurricanes are an unavoidable fact of life and it always pays to be prepared.  Here are five tips to help you get ready for hurricane season.

Prepare Your Insurance Policy

Damage from flood waters isn’t covered under your homeowners insurance policy. If you want coverage for any potential flood damage you must purchase a flood insurance policy.  The National Flood Insurance Program has a 30-day waiting period, and many private flood insurance companies require a 10 to 14 day waiting period.  It’s important to make insurance decisions well before a named storm is expected to impact the area where you live.  Read more about flood insurance here.

Prepare Your Pantry

Create a kit that can be used if you have to evacuate or if you lose power. Your kit should contain a three-day supply of food and water, a first aid kit, flashlights, a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, a non-electric can opener, a lighter or matches, candles, and books, magazines and games to help pass the time.

Prepare Your Home

If a named storm is coming your way, cover any exterior facing windows on your home with hurricane shutters or wood.  Bring inside any outdoor furniture, children’s toys, lawncare tools or other items that could be picked up in heavy winds.

Prepare Your Evacuation Plan

Visit your county’s Emergency Management website to gather information regarding flood zones, evacuation zones and emergency shelter information. Plan several possible evacuation routes in case there are road closures due to flooding or auto accidents.

Prepare Early

If you wait until a named storm is projected to make landfall in your area, your local grocery stores and gas stations will be packed full of people who didn’t prepare ahead of time. Avoid the crowds and product shortages by making your hurricane kit at the beginning of hurricane season.