The 2024 hurricane season left its mark on Pinellas County, with many property owners facing significant damage. As the 2025 hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to safeguard your property and ensure you’re prepared for any future storms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help Pinellas property owners brace for the upcoming season.

1. Review and Update Insurance Policies

Ensure your homeowner’s insurance policy is up-to-date and provides adequate coverage for hurricane damage. Consider adding flood insurance if you’re in a flood-prone area, as standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. Contact your insurance agent to discuss any potential gaps in coverage and update your policy accordingly.

2. Strengthen Your Property

Invest in improvements that can make your property more resilient to hurricanes. This can include:

• Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors: Install or upgrade to hurricane-proof windows and doors to withstand high winds and flying debris.
• Roof Reinforcements: Ensure your roof is in good condition and consider installing hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls of your house.
• Shutters or Storm Panels: Use hurricane shutters or storm panels to protect windows and glass doors from wind-borne debris.
• Garage Doors: Reinforce garage doors to prevent them from collapsing under pressure.

3. Create a Disaster Supply Kit

Prepare an emergency supply kit that includes essential items such as:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Medications and medical supplies
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Cash and credit cards
• Personal hygiene items
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio

4. Develop an Evacuation Plan

Know your evacuation zone and have a plan in place for where you will go if an evacuation order is issued. Share this plan with all family members and ensure everyone knows what to do. Consider multiple routes and keep your car’s gas tank full during hurricane season.

5. Maintain Your Property

Regularly trim trees and shrubs around your property to reduce the risk of branches falling on your home during a storm. Clear gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of water damage.

6. Secure Outdoor Items

Before a storm hits, secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, decorations, or other items that could become projectiles in high winds. This includes things like:

• Patio furniture
• Garden tools
• Trash cans
• Potted plants

7. Install a Generator

Consider installing a generator to provide backup power in case of an outage. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines when using a generator, including proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

READ: It’s Not Just Carbon Monoxide, Generators Pose Other Hidden Dangers

8. Stay Informed

Stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and hurricane warnings through reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center. Sign up for local alerts and ensure you have a way to receive emergency notifications even if the power goes out.

9. Document and Protect Your Property

Take photographs or video of your property and belongings to document their condition before any potential damage. Store these records in a secure, accessible location along with receipts or appraisals for valuable items. This can help with insurance claims if your property is damaged.

10. Engage with Community Resources

Take advantage of community resources and programs aimed at hurricane preparedness. Attend local meetings or workshops, and stay connected with neighbors to share information and support each other.

By taking these steps, Pinellas property owners can better prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a quicker recovery if a storm does hit. Stay proactive, stay informed, and stay safe.

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(Image credit: DRI International)