Hurricane Prep for Central Florida Homes: 3 Smart Moves (+ Local Extras)
Storm season here isn’t about panic—it’s about simple prep that actually helps. Start with these three quick wins from the reel, then knock out the extras below.
The 3 Quick Wins
Pool floats in ridge vents (temporary only).
If you’ve had wind-driven rain blow into the attic, you can lightly wedge foam pool noodles along the ridge vent to slow water intrusion during the storm window only. Remove them as soon as conditions clear so your attic can breathe again. (Don’t block soffit vents, and if you’ve got a powered attic fan or unusual roof design, ask a roofer first.)Frozen water bottles.
Fill, freeze, and pack them across your freezer shelves. They keep food colder longer, reduce empty air (which warms fast), and become drinking water as they thaw. Set the fridge/freezer to the coldest setting 24 hours before landfall and keep doors closed.Battery-powered lights.
Skip candles. Stock two bright lanterns and a headlamp per person, plus spare batteries. Test them now, not in the dark.
Local Extras That Matter Here
Trim + drain: Cut back oak limbs away from the roof, clear gutters and downspouts, and walk the yard for “projectiles” (umbrellas, planters, kids’ toys). If your lot holds water, stage a few sandbags by low doors/garage.
Power sanity: Test the generator today. Run it outdoors only, 20+ feet from doors/windows. Have heavy-gauge extension cords and know which circuits you’ll power. Charge battery packs and top off vehicles.
Water & essentials: Fill a bathtub (or big bin) for non-potable uses, stock a simple first-aid kit, 7–10 days of meds, pet food, and cash.
Surge + sensitive gear: Unplug non-essentials, use surge protection on the must-keeps (router, fridge, AC air handler if applicable).
Document the house: Do a slow phone video of every room, open closets, and photograph big-ticket items + serial numbers. Save to cloud and share with yourself.
Insurance ready-file: Screenshot your Declarations Page (deductible, ALE/“loss of use”, water backup), put your carrier’s claim number in your phone, and keep roof invoices/wind-mit report handy.
Neighborhood plan: Swap numbers with next-door, pick a check-in time, and identify who has a chainsaw or ladder (used safely) for post-storm triage.
10-Minute Pre-Storm Checklist
Bring in patio furniture & grills
Set fridge/freezer to coldest; pack with frozen bottles
Charge power banks; stage lanterns/headlamps
Gas up cars; grab ice and a bag of tarps + duct/roof tape
Quick yard sweep; gutters cleared
Pool noodles placed (if you’ve had attic intrusion)—remove after
—Mike Derenthal
General info, not legal/insurance advice. For roof specifics, ask a licensed roofer; for coverage, talk to your insurance pro.