While we all hope the 2025 hurricane season remains quiet, Florida residents know that September and October are historically the most active months for major storms. Even with the best planning, some situations may require you to evacuate your home — and when that happens, your safety should be the top priority.
However, before you leave, it’s also important to take steps that can help protect your home and ensure a smoother, more successful insurance claims process if damage occurs. A few hours of preparation can make a major difference later.
Here are the most important steps to take before evacuating:
- Take a Complete Photo and Video Inventory of Your Home:
Walk through your entire house, inside and out, and take detailed photos and videos of:- Each room, including closets and drawers
- Furniture, electronics, and appliances
- Valuables, collectibles, and high-end items
- The exterior of your home, roof, windows, garage, and landscaping
Be sure to capture serial numbers, model numbers, and receipts if possible. This documentation can serve as proof of ownership and condition, which is critical when filing an insurance claim. Store digital copies in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox) so you can access them from anywhere, even if your devices are lost or damaged.
- Secure Important Documents and Insurance Information: Homeowners should gather all essential documents and place them in a waterproof, fireproof container. These documents may include your homeowner’s insurance policy (physical and digital copies); contact information for your insurance agent or company; property deed or mortgage documents; birth certificates, passports, and Social Security cards; and medical records and prescriptions. Also, make sure you have login credentials for your insurance provider’s online portal in case you need to file a claim remotely.
- Protect the Property as Best as You Can: Insurance companies expect homeowners to take reasonable steps to protect their property from preventable damage before evacuating. Failing to do so could affect your claim. Here are a few things to do before leaving:
- Board up windows or install storm shutters
- Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations so they don’t become projectiles
- Unplug electronics to prevent damage from power surges
- Turn off the main water supply to avoid flooding in case of broken pipes
- Elevate valuables and electronics in case of water intrusion
- Clear gutters and drains to reduce water buildup
- If you have a generator, make sure it’s stored safely.
- Create a Pre-Storm Home Inventory Checklist: Keep a printed or digital checklist of everything you’ve done to secure your home. Not only will this help you stay organized under pressure, but it may also be helpful later when you’re proving you took appropriate precautions. Include dates, photos, and receipts for anything you’ve done or purchased — like plywood, sandbags, or professional shutter installation.
One Final Recommendation: Check Your Insurance Coverage in Advance
Before a hurricane is on the radar, make sure you understand:
- Your deductible (especially the hurricane deductible, which is often higher)
- Whether flood damage is covered (standard policies typically don’t cover it — flood insurance is separate)
- Your coverage limits for personal belongings, roof repairs, temporary housing, and debris removal
If anything seems unclear, contact your insurance agent before a storm is imminent.
If You Need to Evacuate – We are Here to Help
Evacuating your Florida home during a hurricane is never easy, but taking these proactive steps can protect both your property and your peace of mind. In the aftermath of a storm, clear documentation and preparation will make dealing with insurance claims less stressful and increase your chances of a fast, full recovery.
As we enter the peak of the 2025 hurricane season, preparation is key. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your home and insurance documents in order. Call Anderson & Associates Insurance Group to learn more.
