Living in Florida means being prepared for hurricanes, but evacuations can also result from wildfires, flooding, hazmat incidents, or other emergencies. As home inspectors who understand home systems and have lived through Florida's hurricane seasons, we've developed comprehensive guidance for securing your home quickly when evacuation becomes necessary.
Why Florida Homeowners Need Evacuation Plans
Florida's location and climate create multiple evacuation scenarios. Hurricane season runs from June through November, with peak activity in August and September. Storm forecasts can change rapidly, sometimes giving only 24-48 hours warning before landfall. Coastal storm surge can flood areas miles inland. Wildfires, while less common than in western states, do occur in Florida, particularly during dry seasons. Flooding from heavy rain can happen with little warning. Industrial accidents or hazmat situations can require immediate evacuation. Power outages and infrastructure damage can make returning home impossible for days or weeks.
As Board Certified Master Inspectors who have lived through multiple Florida hurricane seasons and helped homeowners prepare for and recover from storms, we understand what works and what doesn't when securing a home for evacuation. The key is having plans and preparations in place before you need them—when evacuation orders come, you won't have time to figure things out.
Pre-Season Preparation: Do This Now
The time to prepare for evacuation is before emergency threatens, not when a storm is days away:
Create Your Evacuation Plan
Know your evacuation zone—check your local emergency management website to determine if you're in a mandatory evacuation zone. Identify primary and alternate evacuation routes. Decide in advance where you'll go—family, friends, or inland hotels. Make arrangements for pets—many shelters don't accept animals, so plan accordingly. Establish communication plans with family members. Keep important phone numbers and addresses written down—don't rely solely on your phone which may die or be lost.
Prepare Your Emergency Kit
Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days). Non-perishable food for 3-7 days. Medications (keep at least a week's supply on hand and bring prescription bottles). First aid kit. Flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers including car chargers and battery packs. Important documents in waterproof container (insurance policies, identification, bank records, property deed, etc.). Cash (ATMs may not work after disasters). Pet supplies including food, water, medications, leash, carrier, and veterinary records. Change of clothing and personal hygiene items.
Document Your Property and Belongings
Create video or photo inventory of your home's contents, room by room. Document serial numbers and purchase information for expensive items. Take photos of your home's exterior from multiple angles. Store copies of documentation in cloud storage or with family outside the area. Update your home insurance policy and keep a copy in your emergency kit. Review your coverage annually to ensure it's adequate—many Florida homeowners are underinsured.
Prepare Your Home Infrastructure
Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows—measure and label each piece for specific windows. Ensure you have materials and tools to deploy shutters or board windows. Trim trees and remove dead branches that could become projectiles in high winds. Secure or have plan to secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations. Know where your main water shutoff is and ensure it works. Know where your electrical panel is and how to shut off power if needed. Clear gutters and drains to prevent water backup. Inspect your roof annually and repair any damage before storm season.
When Evacuation Becomes Likely: 48-72 Hours Out
When forecasts indicate you may need to evacuate, start preparations even before evacuation orders are issued:
Secure Outdoor Items
Bring inside or secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, grills, and planters—even small items become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds. Store pool equipment and accessories. Remove or secure trampolines—they cannot be adequately anchored for major storm winds. Bring in garbage cans and recycling bins. Secure or remove anything that could blow away or through a window.
Prepare Your Vehicles
Fill gas tanks in all vehicles—gas stations may run out or lose power. Check tire pressure and fluid levels. Put emergency kit in car if you're planning to evacuate by vehicle. Clear space in vehicles for emergency supplies and important items you're taking. Charge all electronic devices.
Stock Up on Supplies
Purchase water if you don't have adequate supply. Stock up on non-perishable food. Fill prescriptions if you're running low. Get cash from ATM—banks and ATMs may not work for extended periods. Acquire batteries, flashlights, and phone chargers. Fill gas cans if you have a generator (and store safely outside). Ice to keep refrigerated items cold if power fails and for drinking water if needed.
Prepare Your Home's Interior
Move furniture away from windows. Bring outdoor furniture and items into garage or inside. Unplug electronics to protect from power surges. Elevate valuable items if flooding is possible. Place important documents in waterproof, elevated location or take with you. Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings—they'll keep food cold longer if power fails.
When Evacuation is Ordered: Final 12-24 Hours
When evacuation orders are issued, you need to act quickly and systematically:
Secure Windows and Doors
Install storm shutters or board windows with pre-cut plywood—don't waste time measuring and cutting now. Close and lock all windows. Close all interior doors to minimize wind damage if windows break. Reinforce garage doors from inside if you have bracing system. Lock all exterior doors.
Protect Against Water Damage
Turn off water at main shutoff to prevent flooding from broken pipes if your home is damaged. Turn off power at main breaker if flooding is anticipated—water and electricity are lethal combination. Move electronics and valuables to upper floors if you have them and flooding is expected. Place sandbags if you have them and flooding is expected. Close all drains and weight them down (fill sinks/tubs with water then seal drains) to prevent backup from overwhelmed sewer systems.
HVAC and Appliances
Turn off air conditioning and heating systems. Turn off water heater or set to vacation mode. Empty refrigerator of perishables if you'll be gone more than a few days. Leave freezer closed and full as possible—it will keep food frozen for 48 hours if unopened. Turn off ice maker and water dispensers.
Final Interior Preparations
Take photos or video of your home's condition for insurance purposes. Close all interior doors to create compartments that can resist wind damage. Remove items from high shelves that could fall. Turn off automatic sprinkler systems. Place towels at base of doors if driving rain is expected.
What to Take With You
Important documents (insurance, identification, bank information, property records). Medications and medical supplies for at least a week. Valuables that can't be replaced (family photos, jewelry, heirlooms). Electronics including laptops, chargers, external hard drives. Irreplaceable items that fit in your vehicle. Sufficient clothing for a week. Pet supplies and records. Emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, etc. Phone chargers and battery packs.
Special Considerations for Different Home Types
Single-Family Homes
Responsibility for all preparations rests with you. Secure all outbuildings, sheds, and detached garages. Ensure pool equipment is secured or brought inside. Know where outdoor shutoffs are for water and gas. Have plan for generator if you own one (never run indoors or in garage).
Condominiums
Secure your individual unit according to condo association rules. Know what preparations the association handles vs. your responsibility. Communicate with condo management about their preparation timeline. Understand if the building will remain locked during evacuation and how you'll get back in. Bring in balcony furniture and items—they're your responsibility and become projectiles.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are extremely vulnerable to high winds—evacuate when advised, don't try to ride out major storms. Turn off all utilities at connections. Secure skirting and any tie-downs. Remove all exterior items. Know where you're going—have arrangements made in advance. Don't return until officially cleared—damage assessment is critical before re-entry.
Rental Properties
Follow same preparation steps as for owned homes. Document pre-evacuation condition for landlord. Communicate with landlord about your preparations. Understand your lease obligations regarding evacuation and damage. Ensure you have renter's insurance—landlord's insurance won't cover your belongings.
For Vacation Rental Owners
If you own vacation rental properties, you have additional responsibilities:
Guest Safety First
Monitor forecasts constantly during guest stays. Communicate clearly with guests about evacuation recommendations or requirements. Have written evacuation procedures available in the property. Assist guests in understanding evacuation routes and shelter locations. Consider canceling incoming bookings if severe weather is forecast. Have plan for securing property after guests evacuate.
Property Protection
Follow all standard preparation steps. Consider hiring property management to secure property if you're not local. Ensure you can access property remotely to check security systems or cameras. Have emergency contacts for contractors who can assess damage and make emergency repairs. Document pre-storm condition thoroughly for insurance purposes.
After Evacuation: What Not to Do
Don't Return Too Soon
Wait for official all-clear from emergency management—roads may be impassable, utilities may be down, or structural hazards may exist. Understand that re-entry may be phased—emergency personnel first, then residents. Be prepared for checkpoints and required identification to prove residency. Don't drive through standing water—it may be deeper than it appears or hide dangerous debris.
Don't Endanger Yourself
Assume all downed power lines are live. Watch for structural damage including sagging roofs, leaning walls, or damaged foundations. Be aware of mold growth if the property was flooded. Watch for wildlife that may have taken shelter in your home. Wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes when inspecting damage.
Returning Home: Assessment and Recovery
Initial Assessment
Before entering, walk around exterior looking for obvious damage. Check for gas leaks—if you smell gas, leave immediately and call gas company. Look for electrical hazards including downed lines, damaged panels, or water contact with electrical systems. Assess structural integrity—if you see serious damage, don't enter until professional assessment. Take photos of all damage for insurance claims.
Utilities and Systems
Don't turn on power if there was flooding—have electrician inspect first. If power is off, keep refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible. Check water for contamination before drinking—boil water if advised. Document utility outage times for possible insurance claims. Test sump pumps and drainage systems. Inspect HVAC systems before operating—they may have debris or damage.
Damage Documentation
Photograph and video all damage before making any repairs. Make list of damaged items with estimated values. Contact insurance company immediately to start claims process. Make emergency repairs to prevent further damage but document everything. Keep receipts for all emergency repairs and supplies. Don't throw away damaged items until insurance adjuster has seen them.
Health and Safety
Use generators outside only—never in garage, basement, or near windows (carbon monoxide kills). If you must use candles, never leave them unattended. Be alert for mold growth—begins within 24-48 hours after flooding. Watch for pest issues—flooding and debris displace wildlife and insects. Throw away any food that was in an unpowered refrigerator for more than 4 hours.
Insurance Considerations
Before Disaster
Review your coverage annually and understand what's covered. Flood insurance is separate from homeowners insurance and has 30-day waiting period—buy it before you need it. Document your property and belongings with photos and videos. Keep policy documents in waterproof container or cloud storage. Understand your deductibles—hurricane deductibles are often percentage of home value, not flat amounts. Consider increased coverage for specific valuable items.
After Disaster
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Document everything with photos and written lists. Make necessary emergency repairs to prevent further damage and keep receipts. Don't make permanent repairs until adjuster has assessed damage. Keep damaged items until adjuster sees them. Get multiple estimates for repairs. Understand your rights if you disagree with insurance company assessment. Consider public adjuster for major claims.
Special Situations
Medical Needs
If you or family members have medical equipment requiring power, register with your electric utility for priority restoration. Have backup power plan for essential medical equipment. Ensure you have adequate medication supplies before evacuation. Know locations of special needs shelters in your evacuation destination. Keep medical information and records with you during evacuation.
Pets and Livestock
Never leave pets behind—if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them. Know which hotels along evacuation routes accept pets. Have carriers, leashes, food, water, and medications ready. Ensure pets have ID tags and microchips are registered with current contact information. Keep vaccination records with you. For livestock, have evacuation plan or plan for food, water, and shelter if evacuating them isn't possible.
Important Papers and Valuables
Keep originals or copies of birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies, bank account information, property deeds, vehicle titles, marriage certificates, wills, and medical records in waterproof, portable container. Consider safety deposit box for irreplaceable documents and valuables. Store digital copies in secure cloud storage. Keep list of account numbers and contact information for financial institutions. Have copies of family photos backed up digitally.
Building an Evacuation Network
Before You Need It
Connect with neighbors to help each other prepare and secure properties. Join community Facebook groups or NextDoor for local updates and information. Know which neighbors are staying vs. evacuating. Share phone numbers for communication during and after events. Consider helping elderly or disabled neighbors with preparations.
During Evacuation
Stay in contact with neighbors who evacuate to same area. Share information about road conditions, shelter availability, and home status. Check on each other's homes if possible and safe. Share resources and assistance.
After the Event
Share information about property conditions and neighborhood damage. Coordinate contractor recommendations and share resources. Help each other with cleanup if safe to do so. Warn each other about scams and fraudulent contractors that target disaster areas.
Long-Term Preparation
Home Hardening
Consider permanent storm shutters—they're more convenient than plywood and safer. Install impact-resistant windows and doors—expensive but reduce insurance and eliminate boarding-up. Upgrade roof to meet current wind standards—may reduce insurance. Install backup generator with transfer switch for essential systems. Consider whole-house surge protection. Upgrade garage door to wind-rated model. Seal openings where wind or water could enter.
Financial Preparation
Maintain emergency fund equal to 3-6 months expenses. Keep adequate homeowners and flood insurance. Review coverage annually—rebuilding costs increase over time. Set aside funds for deductibles—hurricane deductibles can be substantial. Consider extended replacement cost coverage. Don't let insurance lapse—gaps in coverage can create problems.
Conclusion
No one wants to evacuate their home, but being prepared makes the process safer, faster, and less stressful. The key is preparing now, before you need to evacuate, so when orders come you can act quickly and confidently.
Living in Florida means accepting that evacuation may occasionally be necessary. But with proper preparation, you can protect your home, your belongings, and most importantly, your family. The time you invest in preparation and the money you spend on proper equipment and insurance are investments in your safety and peace of mind.
At Good News Home Inspections, we're part of the Sarasota community and we've weathered Florida's storms ourselves. We understand the unique challenges Florida homeowners face and we're committed to helping you protect your investment. Our comprehensive home inspections identify vulnerabilities in your home's envelope, roof, and systems that could become serious problems during severe weather.
If you're buying a home in Florida, let us assess its storm-readiness and identify improvements that will protect you and reduce insurance costs. If you already own your home, consider a maintenance inspection before storm season to identify and address vulnerabilities. We can help you understand your home's systems and how to secure them for evacuation.
For comprehensive home inspections and storm-readiness assessments, contact Good News Home Inspections at (941) 315-7075. We serve Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and surrounding Florida counties. Let us help you protect your investment and your family.
Remember: hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. When it comes to evacuation, preparation isn't paranoia—it's responsible homeownership. Start your preparations today, and you'll never regret being ready.