Insurance experts urge Florida homeowners to prepare for hurricane season despite quiet forecast

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Insurance experts say homeowners should not let their guard down despite forecasts calling for a below-average number of named storms this year. The Insurance Information Institute, also known as Triple-I, said preparation remains one of the best ways to reduce damage before a storm arrives.

That starts with the roof.

A home’s roof is its first line of defense during a windstorm. It takes the brunt of hurricane-force winds, and if it fails, damage can quickly spread to the rest of the home.

Triple-I recommends homeowners have their roof inspected each year by a licensed and bonded contractor. Homeowners can also ask about strengthening their roof with tie-downs and hurricane straps.

If a roof needs to be replaced, homeowners should ask whether the new roof can meet FORTIFIED standards, which are designed to make homes more resilient during severe weather.

Stronger roofs can do more than reduce storm damage. They may also help homeowners qualify for mitigation premium discounts, depending on the insurance policy and carrier.

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Openings around the home are another major concern.

Triple-I said a failed garage door or large window can allow wind pressure to build inside a home. In some cases, that pressure can help blow a roof off from the inside.

Homeowners should make sure garage doors are wind-rated. They should also consider installing tested and rated hurricane shutters on windows.

Plywood panels are another option. They can be fitted to windows in advance and nailed to window frames when a storm approaches.

Exterior doors should have at least three heavy-duty hinges and a deadbolt lock with at least a 1-inch throw bolt.

Flying debris can also cause major damage during a storm.

Homeowners should trim dead, diseased or overhanging branches near roofs and windows. Before a storm, patio furniture, grills, trash cans and potted plants should be moved into a garage or inside the home.

Water intrusion is another risk. Even small openings can allow heavy rain to enter.

Triple-I recommends sealing cracks and gaps around exterior penetrations, including pipes, gas lines, cable wires and electrical boxes. Gutters and downspouts should also be cleared so rainwater can drain away from the home’s foundation.

Homeowners can find Triple-I’s consumer roof toolkit here: https://www.iii.org/article/how-your-roof-influences-your-home-and-business-insurance.

Additional hurricane preparation resources are available here: https://www.iii.org/article/preparing-hurricane.