A hurricane preparedness checklist works best when it’s organized into three clear phases: year-round tasks, actions triggered by a hurricane watch or warning, and what to do after landfall; our checklist covers all three phases for homeowners in Orlando, Tampa, and Winter Park.
Most people don’t think about hurricane season until a storm shows up on the radar. By then, the plywood’s sold out, the gas lines stretch for blocks, and it’s too late to buy flood insurance.
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the highest-risk window falling between midAugust and midOctober.
- Hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions may occur within about 48 hours; a warning means that they’re expected within about 36 hours, per the National Hurricane Center.
- Florida’s emergency management agency recommends a 7-day supply kit, not the federal 3-day minimum.
- Flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period so it needs to be purchased well before a storm’s named.
- Impact windows, doors, and a properly secured roof are some of the most effective ways to reduce hurricane damage and can qualify for insurance premium discounts.
- Florida’s My Safe Florida Home Program offers free wind mitigation inspections and matching grants up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners.
Table of Contents
Hurricane Watch vs Hurricane Warning: What the Difference Means
The two terms: hurricane watch and hurricane warning sound similar, but require different responses. Knowing which one you’re under changes how much time you have left. The definitions below come directly from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).
- Hurricane watch—Hurricane conditions are possible; issued about 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds arrive. This is your cue to start working through your plan.
- Hurricane warning—Hurricane conditions are expected; issued about 36 hours before tropical-storm-force winds arrive. At this point you should be finishing your preparations, not starting them.
Year-Round Prep Checklist
These tasks feel unnecessary… until the week they’re not. Every item below’s easier and cheaper to handle in the off-season than in a last-minute scramble once a storm’s been named.
7-Day Emergency Supply Kit
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management recommends seven days of supplies per person rather than the federal three-day minimum. This is because major storms can knock out power and road access for extended stretches. Assemble your kit before the season starts while shelves are still full and prices are still normal.
Go-bag vs. Stay-at-Home Kit
Pack a separate 3-day go-bag containing documents, medications, phone charger, and cash that you can grab in under two minutes. Keep the full 7-day kit at home for sheltering in place.
48-Hour Checklist (When a Watch’s Issued)
Once a hurricane watch’s issued, you’re no longer in planning mode. This is the point where you shift from planning to action; the tasks below need to happen quickly.
36-Hour Checklist (When a Hurricane Warning’s Issued)
A hurricane warning means that conditions are expected rather than just possible. If your zone’s been called for evacuation, this is the point at which to leave, not wait to see where the storm goes.
After the Storm: First 48 Hours
More injuries happen in the two days after a hurricane than during the storm itself, largely from generator misuse, downed power lines, and floodwater driving. The steps below focus on staying safe while you assess any damage that may have occurred.
Florida-Specific Programs for Hurricane Preparedness
A few state-level programs can lower both the cost and the risk of hurricane preparation; you should check them out before a storm’s on the radar.
- My Safe Florida Home Program—Free wind mitigation inspections plus matching grants up to $10,000 for eligible homeowners installing impact windows, shutters, or roof improvements.
- Florida’s year-round sales tax exemption—Batteries, generators under 10,000 running watts, tarps, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are permanently tax-exempt.
- Wind mitigation insurance credits—Florida law requires insurers to offer premium credits for documented wind-loss reduction features.
Reference Resources
- American National Red Cross: Hurricane Safety
- Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM): What Should You Do If a Hurricane Threatens Your Community
- My Safe Florida Home Program (DFS): Are You Eligible for a $10,000 Home Hardening Grant?
- National Hurricane Center: Atlantic: 7-day Forecast
- Ready.gov: Hurricanes
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
Frequently Asked Questions about Hurricane Preparedness
Homeowners across central Florida tend to ask similar questions when hurricane season approaches.
How many days of supplies do I need in a hurricane?
Seven days per person, per Florida’s Division of Emergency Management, more than the federal three-day minimum.
What’s the difference between a hurricane watch and a hurricane warning?
A hurricane watch means that conditions are possible (approximately 48 hours out). A warning means that conditions are expected (about 36 hours out).
Do impact windows make a difference in a hurricane?
Yes. Impact windows meet Florida Building Code opening-protection requirements and prevent the pressure changes and debris intrusion that cause major structural damage.
Is flood damage covered by standard homeowners insurance?
No. It requires a separate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private flood policy, with a 30-day waiting period.
How far should a generator be from my house?
At least 20 feet, exhaust pointed away from doors and windows, per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.
Ready to Harden Your Home Before the Next Storm?
A hurricane preparedness checklist covers supplies and planning, but the condition of your home determines how much protection that plan actually provides. Impact windows, impact doors, and a well-maintained roof are what determine how much damage your home takes when a storm arrives.
FAS Exteriors serves homeowners across central Florida. We’ve earned an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Schedule your free, in-home assessment, and one of our licensed Florida professionals will come out, look at your home’s exterior, and give you an itemized, side-by-side quote with no pressure and no salesperson tricks.
