Hurricane Preparedness Before Vacation:

Summer is a popular time for vacations and travel. Whether you have your sights set on an ocean cruise, visits with friends and family, or adventure in far‑off destinations, being away from home during hurricane season calls for a few extra precautions. The good news? A little planning goes a long way—and it’s well worth the peace of mind.

Hurricane preparedness is all about protecting your home and belongings from severe weather systems, which historically become more active in the summer and early fall. In recent years, Atlantic hurricane seasons have frequently been above average, producing more named storms and major hurricanes than the long‑term norm—underscoring why preparation matters every single year.

As a Floridian, you already know the drill: hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically occurring from August through September. Even if forecasts call for a quieter season, experts stress that it only takes one storm making landfall to cause significant damage.

So what happens if you’re out of town—or even out of state—when a storm approaches? With the right steps taken before you leave, you can still secure your home and enjoy your time away.

Ways to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Before Vacation

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1. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Before you leave on vacation, take time to review your homeowners insurance policy—on your own or with a trusted insurance agent. Confirm that your coverage limits, deductibles, and exclusions still align with your needs, especially when it comes to windstorm damage. Ideally, this is done before hurricane season begins, but should absolutely be done before you leave on vacation.

It’s also important to remember that standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood coverage must be purchased separately, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.

2. Secure Your Home Before Storms Are Brewing

Whatever hurricane preparations you would normally do if you were home—do them before you leave. This includes installing or closing hurricane shutters, trimming trees and branches, and securing or bringing in outdoor furniture and décor.

While it may feel premature to prepare when no storm is on the radar, doing so can prevent damage caused by high winds and flying debris. According to NOAA, even tropical storms can generate winds strong enough to turn unsecured items into dangerous projectiles.

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3. Protect Electronics, Water, and Gas Lines

Before departing, consider unplugging valuable electronics and appliances to reduce the risk of damage from lightning‑related power surges. Some homeowners choose to shut off power at the breaker entirely.

If you’ll be away for an extended period, you may also want to turn off your main water and gas valves. This simple step can help prevent leaks or secondary damage that often occurs during or after storms.

4. Let a Trusted Neighbor or Friend Know

Let someone you trust know about your vacation plans, including when you'll be away, how you might be contacted, and any relevant details about your home security or other systems. Having a local contact can make a big difference if a hurricane develops, especially if inspections, minor cleanup, or emergency steps are needed while you’re away.

5. Ready an Emergency Kit—Even While You’re Gone

Stock up on the basics you'd rely on if you were home during a hurricane, such as flashlights, batteries, first-aid kits, nonperishable food, and an ample supply of bottled water. This hurricane preparedness will be helpful if you return home without power or access to supplies are limited. Store a small version of this kit in your car and top off the gas tank before you leave.

6. Plan for the Unexpected

If travel delays prevent you from getting home—or if your home is damaged—have a backup plan in place. Identify friends, family, or nearby accommodations where you could safely stay if needed.

Recent storms have shown that even well‑prepared communities may face delayed access due to flooding or debris, particularly after major hurricanes.

7. Stay Informed While You’re Away

Even with thorough preparation, staying informed is key. Monitor weather updates from reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.

Modern forecasting tools often provide several days of advance notice, giving homeowners valuable time to make informed decisions—even from a distance.

Be Smart: Do Your Hurricane Preparedness Before Vacation

There’s a lot to do before vacation—we get it. Just make sure protecting your home and personal belongings is part of your to‑do list. A little preparation now can mean far fewer worries later.

The professionals at Edison Insurance Company can help. For more tips about how to best protect yourself during hurricane season, call your agent. To become an Edison policyholder, get a quote now.

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