Home Insurance Florida | It’s considered the least wonderful time of the year for Floridians – hurricane season. From June 1 – November 30, meteorologists will be on the lookout for weather disturbances that could potentially turn into tropical storms – or worse. Because Florida has the greatest hurricane exposure in the country, now is the perfect time to recheck your preparedness for a major storm.
Do you have an emergency plan in place for your family? Does everyone know the plan? Do you need to restock your emergency supply kit with water, batteries and other essentials? Do you know the evacuation routes for your area? Do you have adequate protection for your windows?
Unsettled weather here in Florida comes with a host of warnings. There are advisories, special advisories, tropical disturbances, depressions and storms, hurricane watches and warnings. They all address specific, potentially dangerous conditions, so it's good to know what the various weather terms you hear are describing.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's definitions:
Advisory: Hurricane and storm information is disseminated to the public every six hours.
Special Advisory: Information is disseminated when there is significant change in storm-related weather conditions.
Gale Warning: Sustained winds of 39-54 mph and strong wave action are expected.
Storm Warning: Sustained winds of 55-73 mph are expected.
Hurricane Watch: A hurricane may threaten, but is not imminent.
Hurricane Warning: A hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours or less, with sustained winds of 74 mph or more and dangerously high water and waves.
Tropical Disturbance: A moving area of thunderstorms is in the tropics.
Tropical Depression: An area of low pressure, rotary circulation of clouds and winds up to 38 mph is identified.
Tropical Storm: A storm characterized by counterclockwise circulation of
clouds and winds 39-73 mph is brewing.
Hurricane: A hurricane is a tropical weather system with winds that have reached a sustained speed of 74 mph or more. Hurricane winds blow in a large spiral around a relatively calm center, known as the “eye.”
FEMA suggests step-by-step storm preparations when a hurricane warning is posted, including:
- Check your emergency supplies and store fresh water
- Bring in or tie down outside furniture and other loose objects
- Turn refrigerators and freezers to their coldest setting and limit opening those appliances
- Trim dead branches from trees
- Install window protection
- Move boats to safe moorings
- Fuel up your car(s) and be prepared to evacuate immediately if officials order evacuation. Share this
Remember, your Florida homeowner insurance does not include flood coverage: Flood insurance must be purchased separately from the federal government. Even if you don't live near the coast, you still need flood insurance. All of Florida is flood prone, especially during tropical storms. It takes 30 days for the coverage to take effect, so call your independent agent today.
More Storm Resources:
- How to contact your local emergency management program.
- Make a plan for household members with special needs at flgetaplan.com
- Monitor weather and storms at www.floridadisaster.org
- Download the Red Cross's Hurricane app for valuable resources during a storm
American Integrity Insurance is committed to providing Florida homeowners with sound, comprehensive insurance coverage and an extraordinary customer experience. We strive to be a valued partner to our policyholders, agents, and community.
We offer traditional and high valued homeowners insurance, condo insurance, renters insurance, and the special coverage required for vacant homes, manufactured homes, and policies designed for those who need less coverage or are renting out their home. We also offer extra protection, including flood insurance, umbrella insurance, golf cart insurance, boat insurance, cyber coverage and identity theft protection as well as equipment breakdown coverage, to help address a broad range of needs facing Florida homeowners today.