Florida Homestead Hurricane Preparation Timeline

Before a storm exists

Use the quiet part of hurricane season for the jobs that cannot be rushed: tree assessment by qualified professionals, roof and shelter repairs, trailer service, animal identification, supply rotation, generator maintenance and insurance documentation.

Keep a seasonal calendar instead of relying on memory. A twenty-minute monthly check prevents the same long list from landing on the family at once.

When the forecast starts to matter

Review the NHC forecast and local emergency information at set times. Confirm fuel, prescriptions, destinations, transport help, feed and water. Move only the supplies your written inventory says are missing; panic buying can consume the hours needed for property work.

Finish boarding, movable-equipment securing and trailer positioning while conditions are calm. Keep roads and gates clear for departure.

• Confirm current evacuation zone and orders.
• Charge devices and test alerts.
• Top up prescribed supplies safely.
• Move feed and records above expected water exposure.
• Stop outdoor tasks at the predetermined safety cutoff.

After the all-clear is not the same as all-safe

Local officials may lift one warning while floodwater, damaged trees, carbon monoxide, heat and downed utilities remain dangerous. Re-enter only when permitted and inspect deliberately.

Record meaningful changes and corrections without pretending the plan predicted everything. The purpose of the debrief is to make the next season easier.