Tampa Bay Hurricane Prep Checklist for Homeowners

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Use this checklist from Kimberley Jade and The Jade Group to protect your home, your family and your investment in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco County, before a storm is in the forecast.

Before the season starts

• Look up your evacuation zone on your county's emergency management website and save it in your phone. Zones are based on storm surge, not flood zones.
• Review your homeowners policy: know your hurricane deductible (often a percentage of dwelling coverage), not just your standard deductible.
• Check your flood coverage. Standard homeowners policies do not cover flooding, and a new NFIP flood policy usually has a 30-day waiting period.
• Ask your insurance agent whether a wind mitigation inspection could lower your premium.
• Photograph or video every room, major appliance and valuables, and store the files in the cloud.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches near the roof, power lines and windows.
• Inspect your roof, soffits, gutters and garage door; schedule repairs early, since contractors book up fast once a storm is named.
• Confirm your shutters, impact windows or plywood panels fit, are labeled, and that you have the hardware to install them.
• If you have a generator, service it and review safe operation: never run it indoors or in a garage.

Build your hurricane kit

• Water: at least one gallon per person per day for several days.
• Non-perishable food, manual can opener, and pet food.
• Prescription medications, first aid kit, and copies of prescriptions.
• Flashlights, batteries, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and power banks.
• Cash in small bills; card readers and ATMs may be down after a storm.
• Important documents in a waterproof bag: IDs, insurance policies, deed or lease, mortgage information, and medical records.
• Tarps, duct tape, plastic sheeting, work gloves and basic tools.
• Full fuel tanks in your vehicles and extra propane if you use a gas grill.

When a storm is approaching

• Follow official forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and evacuation orders from your county.
• Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, planters and anything that can become a projectile.
• Install shutters or panels and close all interior doors.
• Move valuables, electronics and documents off the floor and away from windows; ground-floor items should go up high if you are in a surge or flood area.
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting.
• Unplug small electronics and know how to shut off power, water and gas.
• If you are in an evacuation zone and an order is issued, leave. Let family know where you are going.

After the storm

• Return only when officials say it is safe. Avoid downed power lines and standing water.
• Photograph all damage before you clean up or make repairs.
• Make temporary repairs (tarping, boarding up) to prevent further damage and keep your receipts.
• Contact your insurance company promptly to open a claim and write down your claim number.
• Be cautious with contractors who show up unsolicited. Verify Florida licenses and never pay large sums up front.
• Remove wet drywall, flooring and insulation quickly to reduce the risk of mold.

Hurricane prep FAQ

When is hurricane season in Tampa Bay?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically from mid-August through October.

Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Flood coverage is purchased separately through the NFIP or a private insurer, and NFIP policies usually take 30 days to take effect.

Is my evacuation zone the same as my flood zone?

No. Evacuation zones are set by county emergency management based on storm surge risk. Flood zones are FEMA designations used for insurance and lending. Check both.

Can hurricane features lower my insurance costs?

Often, yes. In Florida, a wind mitigation inspection documents features like roof attachment, roof shape and opening protection, which may qualify you for premium discounts. Ask your agent.