Hurricane season is officially here, and whether you live along the coast or right here in the heart of the Sunshine State, it’s time to make sure your home is ready.
As a Florida homeowner (and as your go-to Gainesville FL realtor), I’ve seen firsthand how these storms can affect our properties — not just along the water, but deep inland too. Wind, rain, flooding, tornadoes, and extended power outages don’t discriminate. That’s why I’m sharing 10 smart, proactive tips to help protect your home, your peace of mind, and your investment.
Let’s jump in:
1. Check Your Insurance Coverage NOW
Is your hurricane deductible something you can actually afford to pay? Is your flood insurance active?
👉 Reminder: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area (and honestly, most of Florida is!), double-check this today.
2. Walk Your Property — Take Photos and Document Everything
Take clear photos of your home — both inside and out — and store them in the Cloud. If you ever need to file a claim, having visual proof of your home’s condition before the storm hits is absolute gold. Whether you own a newer home or one of the charming older homes for sale in Gainesville FL, this step is crucial.
3. Trim Trees Away from Roof and Windows
Flying branches cause major damage — they’re one of the top causes of storm-related damage. Do your trimming before the first storm even makes it into the forecast.
4. Secure Loose Outdoor Items
Patio furniture, planters, grills — even those cute garden gnomes — can become dangerous projectiles. Anchor what you can, and bring the rest indoors.
5. POOL PREP
If you have a pool, here’s what not to do: Don’t drain it! Draining it can actually make it pop out of the ground.
Here’s what to do instead:
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Lower the water level slightly (1–2 feet max)
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Turn off breakers to your pool pump before the storm
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Remove or secure poolside furniture
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After the storm, test the water and reset your equipment carefully
6. Check Doors, Windows, and Garage Seals
Storm winds push rain into every tiny gap. Now’s the time to replace weatherstripping and check for any vulnerabilities — especially around older garage doors.
7. Portable Power — Beyond Just Flashlights
We all think of flashlights, but what about power stations? Portable power stations can run fridges, fans, even CPAP machines. These are especially helpful for homeowners throughout Florida, especially inland areas where outages can last longer.
8. Fuel Up Your Car and Generator
Gas may be hard to find after a storm — fill up early, or better yet, always try to keep a pretty full tank of gas during this season. And test your generator ahead of time.
9. Prep Digital Backups
Scan and securely store your most important documents:
✅ Home insurance
✅ Flood policy
✅ Driver’s license
✅ Inventory of personal belongings
These backups can be a lifesaver if physical copies are lost or damaged.
10. Look Out for Your Neighbors
This one might be the most important. Newer residents or older neighbors might not be familiar with how quickly a storm can escalate — especially here in North Central Florida. A quick check-in can go a long way.
REMINDER:
Storms don’t just hit the coast. They can and do affect homeowners throughout Central and North Florida — in cities like Gainesville, Ocala, The Villages, Lakeland, and beyond. So whether you’re new to the area, browsing Gainesville FL homes for sale, or a seasoned homeowner, now is the time to get prepared. Proactive steps today can protect your home and family tomorrow.
Stay safe this season — and if you ever have questions about protecting your home or navigating the ins and outs of Gainesville FL real estate, I’m just a message away.
— Anna 💛
