What to Do Before Evacuating for a Hurricane: Florida Homeowner Checklist

Last updated: 2025-01-17

When a hurricane evacuation order comes down, panic often follows. But if you've prepared ahead of time with a clear checklist, you can leave your Florida home knowing you've done everything reasonably possible to protect it and your family. This guide walks you through the critical tasks to complete before heading out.

Secure Your Home's Exterior

Your roof, windows, and doors are your first line of defense against hurricane-force winds and water intrusion. Before evacuation, take these steps:

Shutter all windows and glass doors. Storm shutters reduce the risk of broken glass and wind damage by up to 90 percent. If you don't have permanent shutters, install plywood panels at least 24 hours before the storm arrives. Use lag bolts or hurricane fasteners—nails won't cut it.

Close and lock all exterior doors. Sliding glass doors are especially vulnerable to blowout, so check those carefully. If you have a garage, close the garage door but leave the entry door from the house to the garage unlocked so air pressure can equalize.

Trim tree branches overhanging your roof or near windows. Falling limbs cause more damage than wind alone. Cut back branches at least 8 to 10 feet from your home's perimeter.

Inspect your roof for loose shingles, flashing, or gutters. Missing shingles are entry points for wind-driven rain. If repairs are needed and time's tight, our services page outlines emergency prep options that can be scheduled quickly.

Protect Your Belongings Indoors

Move valuable items away from windows and secure anything that might shift:

Relocate electronics and heirlooms to an interior room, away from windows if possible. Unplug large appliances and electronics to prevent damage from power surges.

Secure or remove outdoor furniture, grills, and decorative items. Unsecured objects become projectiles in high winds. Bring patio furniture inside or strap it down with heavy-duty cable.

Close interior doors in closets and bathrooms. This creates pockets of equalized pressure and limits wind damage if a window breaks.

Turn off propane grills at the tank. And disconnect portable propane bottles—store them outside, away from your home.

Fill your bathtub with water if you don't have other fresh water stored. This water works for washing if water service gets interrupted.

Gather Important Documents and Valuables

Financial and personal documents are irreplaceable, so collect and organize them now:

Create a waterproof container holding originals or certified copies of insurance policies, deeds, wills, medical records, bank account statements, and birth/marriage certificates. A fireproof safe or waterproof plastic tub both work.

Take photos and video of your home's interior and exterior, including contents. Upload these to cloud storage or email them to yourself. This documentation is essential for insurance claims down the road.

Compile a list of serial numbers for appliances, electronics, and high-value items. Photograph items with their serial numbers visible.

Store jewelry, cash, and collectibles in your waterproof container or take them with you.

Prepare a digital backup on a USB drive: insurance documents, photos, contact numbers for your insurance agent, contractor, and emergency services.

Manage Utilities and Systems

Improper utility management can lead to fire, gas leaks, or flooding. Handle these before you leave:

Do not turn off your electricity. Turning off the main breaker risks electrical fire or equipment damage when power is restored. Leave it on so safety devices can function.

Turn off natural gas at the meter if you have time and feel safe doing so. If you're unsure how, leave it for emergency responders. Close all natural gas appliances at their individual shutoffs.

Leave doors and windows cracked slightly if you're doing a quick evacuation. This allows air pressure inside and outside to equalize, reducing structural damage. Close them as much as safely possible once you're ready to leave.

Shut off air conditioning. HVAC systems can draw contaminated air into your home if the exterior is breached. Turn it off before evacuating.

Leave a light on in one room and near your front door. This helps emergency workers locate your home if needed and shows whether power has been restored.

Prepare Your Car and Pack Essentials

Your vehicle is your lifeline during evacuation. Prepare it now:

Fill your gas tank. Gas stations close or run out of fuel as hurricanes approach. A full tank means you can reach your destination or a shelter without delay.

Pack an emergency kit in your vehicle: water, non-perishable food, medications, phone chargers, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, cash, and copies of important documents.

Have your vehicle serviced (oil, tire pressure, windshield wipers) a week before hurricane season starts. A breakdown during evacuation is dangerous and avoidable.

Bring your pets' carriers, food, and vaccination records. Many shelters accept pets, but you'll need proof of current vaccinations. Don't leave pets behind.

Chart your evacuation route ahead of time. Know which roads lead inland and away from storm surge risk. Have your route printed or written down in case GPS becomes unreliable.

Final Hours Before Leaving

Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) to reduce the load on your HVAC system. Don't turn it off entirely.

Leave exterior lighting on if it's safe and operational. Turn off any decorative outdoor lights.

Post a note inside your front door or on your refrigerator indicating where you're going and when. This helps emergency responders if they need to check on you.

Do a final walkthrough 30 minutes before departure. Check that shutters are secure, doors are locked, and gates are closed.

Leave early. Don't wait for gridlock. Evacuation routes get congested hours before the projected landfall. Aim to leave at least 12 to 18 hours before the storm arrives.

Keep your phone charged. Bring a portable power bank and USB cables for all your devices.

The difference between rushed, incomplete preparations and a solid plan is night and day. When you leave your Florida home prepared, you reduce property damage, protect your valuables, and focus your energy on your family's safety instead of worrying about what you forgot.

Ready to tackle pre-hurricane repairs or hardening tasks? Check our how it works page to schedule emergency prep services in advance, before hurricane season peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn off my water before evacuating?

Most experts recommend leaving water on. Shutting off the main supply can introduce contamination into your lines. If you have a slow leak, leaving water on won't worsen damage. If storm surge or flooding is a concern in your specific area, check with local emergency management for guidance.

How long should I wait after the hurricane passes to return home?

Wait for an official all-clear from your county emergency management office. Even after winds die down, hazards remain: downed power lines, debris, flooded roads, and aftershocks. Usually 24 to 48 hours after passage is safest, but follow local announcements.

Can I leave my pets at home during evacuation?

Never leave pets behind. Hurricanes disrupt water and food supplies, and your pet may get injured. Bring them with you or arrange boarding outside the evacuation zone. Most Florida hotels accept pets during emergencies if you call ahead.

What's the minimum preparation time before a hurricane?

Exterior hardening (shutters, roof repairs) should be done 24 hours before arrival. Document collection and packing can be done in 4 to 6 hours. Start as soon as a hurricane is forecast for your region, not when evacuation orders are issued.

Will homeowners insurance cover storm damage if I didn't evacuate?

Insurance coverage typically doesn't depend on evacuation. But if you fail to take reasonable precautions (leaving shutters open, ignoring obvious damage), insurers may deny claims. Evacuation is about safety; preparation protects your claim.

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Evacuation is stressful, but proper preparation turns anxiety into action. Start now, before the season peaks. If you're unsure about your home's readiness or need pre-hurricane repairs completed, reach out today—Hurricane Handyman can help you prepare quickly and thoroughly.

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Need help with hurricane prep, storm cleanup, or home repair in Cocoa, FL and the Space Coast? Request a quote through Hurricane Handyman — get matched with licensed, insured local pros, ready before the next storm.