According to predictions from several national weather agencies, the 2010 hurricane season may be one of the more active on record. In fact, there have already been 13 named storms so far this season. None of the storms have made landfall in Florida, but hurricane season is not over yet, which means it is never too soon to begin preparing for a Florida hurricane. 

Preparing for a Florida Hurricane 

Preparing for a Florida hurricane means protecting your home against various threats such as: 

• strong winds;
• heavy rains;
• power outages;
• flooding; and
• disrupted water supplies.  

To prepare your home against such major threats, there are several steps that you can take. 

Steps to prepare your home for a Florida hurricane include:  

• securing your property with hurricane storm shutters;
• nailing plywood over your windows to prevent them from breaking;
• trimming the trees and shrubs that surround your home;
• clearing your yard of any small debris; and
• clearing your rain gutters and drain spouts. 

Also, when preparing for a Florida hurricane, you should stock up on: 

• batteries;
• fresh drinking water; and
• canned food (as well as any food that won’t spoil without electricity). 

Right before the storm you should fill up your bathtubs with water, in case of disrupted water supplies. You should also fill your vehicle with gas in case of disrupted gas supplies. You should charge your cell phone, and have a carefully planned evacuation route. 

When a hurricane is approaching, listen to your local news stations for updates on the storm’s location. If it looks as if the storm will hit, turn off your propane tanks. Set your refrigerator to its highest setting; that way if the power goes out, your food may keep for a little while longer. 

After a Florida Hurricane 

After a hurricane has passed, you should check your home for any damage. Once you have made sure that everything is secure, you can then call your insurance company to file a Florida hurricane damage claim. 

While checking your home for damage, you need to be careful of gas leaks, as well as any electrical wires that may have broken or become frayed. Check the roof of your home for cracks or damage, and make sure that the foundation is still safe. If you notice any cracks, or suspect a collapse, then you should leave your home immediately. 

If there is water in your home, and the appliances are wet, you should turn off the electricity. Unplug the appliances, and let them dry. If there are damaged pipes, turn off your water by shutting the main valve. 

Next, you should go through your home and document any damage. Take pictures of the damage to use as evidence in your Florida hurricane damage claim. If you need to make emergency repairs, keep your repair bills, since this should be compensated in a Florida hurricane claim. 

Filing a Florida Hurricane Damage Claim 

In a Florida hurricane damage claim, you may be compensated for: 

• structural damage to your home;
• damage to appliances, furniture, and household items;
• emergency repairs; and
• relocation costs (if you must rent or relocate while your home is repaired). 

To receive compensation, you will have to file a Florida hurricane damage claim by notifying your hurricane insurance provider. If your provider refuses to pay your claim, or cover the full amount of damage, then you may want to seek representation from a Florida hurricane attorney. 

An experienced Florida hurricane attorney can negotiate your claim with your hurricane insurance provider. If an acceptable agreement cannot be reached, then a Florida hurricane attorney can file a lawsuit to recover damages. 

Contacting a Florida Hurricane Attorney 

The Florida hurricane attorney team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need in order to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced attorney can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.