Quick Tips for Florida Storm Season

Here are a few helpful tips for before, during and after a major storm.

Please consult the Florida Division of Emergency Management or your

local authority in the event an emergency.

• To prepare in advance, you should keep detailed records about your

home, its upkeep and its contents.

• In Florida, flooding can be just as hazardous and damaging as

wind. [[Flood

insurance]](https://www.fema.gov/flood-insurance) is

separate from your typical homeowner's insurance policy. Make sure

you consult the [[flood

zones]](https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search) maps for

your area.

• You can prepare your property for a storm with impact windows and

doors, hurricane shutters, removing loose objects outside, using

sandbags to reinforce doorways and windows, unplugging unnecessary

electronic devices and using surge protectors and more. Please see

our Resources page

for more information.

• If you've suffered a loss, you need to document the loss thoroughly.

Take pictures and videos. Write down as much as you can remember

about the condition of the structure and any damaged contents.

Ideally, you will have a home inventory that you have already kept.

• Then, you need reliable professionals to estimate the value of your

loss. A public adjuster or licensed and bonded contractor are two

examples of professionals who often complete these

assessments. [[Our

firm]](https://clintco.legal/the-firm/) can help assist

you in finding and verifying trusted professionals.

• You need to notify your insurer promptly of the loss. You do have a

duty to cooperate with your insurer because of the contractual

relationship that you have together. However, you need to prepared

before you speak with an adjuster because they can make or break

your claim or case.