Florida Property Owners Forced to Prepare for Hurricane Milton Days After Hurricane Helene

Florida is no stranger to hurricanes, but the threat of Hurricane Milton, following closely on the heels of Hurricane Helene, is unimaginable. If you’re still dealing with the destruction of Helene or in the path of Milton, it’s crucial to take immediate and proactive steps to protect your property, family, and, most importantly, yourself.

“There are simply no words to describe the extraordinary intensification we have witnessed in this storm today,” US Stormwatch weather analyst Colin McCarthy posted on X.

Clear Debris and Secure Loose Items

After Hurricane Helene, your property may be littered with debris that can become dangerous projectiles in Milton’s high winds. Items left unattended can exacerbate damage and pose significant risks to life and property. 

Clear Your Property

If it’s safe to do so, take pictures of your property and the damage from Hurricane Helene. Remove fallen branches, shingles, and other debris from your yard to prevent them from becoming hazardous during Hurricane Milton.

Secure Loose Items

Bring in patio furniture, grills, bicycles, and any other loose items that could be lifted by the wind. Consider securing heavy items with tie-downs. 

Check Local Resources

If you have large hazardous debris, contact local waste management or disaster relief services for assistance in removal. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis “ordered all disaster debris management sites to remain open to allow 24-hour drop-off,” reported by 10 Tampa Bay.

Document the Current State of Your Property

As Hurricane Milton approaches, it’s important to document the current state of property and any damage sustained from Hurricane Helene. Given the close proximity of the storms, knowing which hurricane caused what can come in handy during the claims process. That being said, your safety is our top priority. Do not document your property if it isn’t safe to do so. 

Thorough Documentation

• • • Take Photos and Videos: Capture comprehensive images and videos of any damages.
    • Create an Inventory: Make a detailed list of everything in your home or building, including their condition, value, and any repair work already being accounted for from Hurricane Helene. 
    • Use Time Stamps: Time-stamp your photos and videos to establish when the photo was taken. This can come in handy during the claims process. 
    • Physical Copies: Keep physical copies of important documents in a waterproof container.
    • Digital Back-Up: Use a secure cloud storage service to upload essential documents like insurance policies and identification papers. 

Organize Your Records

• • • Save a Copy of Your Insurance Policy: If you haven’t already, contact your insurance carrier and request a full copy of your insurance policy. 
    • Keep All Repair Estimates: If you’ve received any repair estimates since Helene and are expecting to be hit by Milton, keep those documents handy. 
    • Compile Correspondence: Gather any emails or messages with your insurance carrier or contractors regarding damage from Helene, as these can serve as supporting evidence in your claims. 

Our team is in the field rapidly trying to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene and are prepared to do the same for Hurricane Milton. For assistance in your recovery, contact our team today!

Fortify Your Property’s Defenses

Hurricane Milton’s winds can exploit any weaknesses left behind by Helene. Now is the time to reinforce your property against further damage. The next 24 hours will be crucial. 

• • • Hurricane Shutters: Install hurricane shutters or board up windows with plywood. Secure doors with deadbolts and door braces to resist high winds. 
    • Gutter Maintenance: Clear your gutters and downspouts so they can handle heavy rainfall and direct water away from your foundation as much as possible.
    • Use Sandbags: Consider placing sandbags at the base of doors and windows to help prevent flooding from Hurricane Milton. To properly make and place your sandbags, follow the Florida Disasters step-by-step guide: Hurricane Milton Sandbag Usage.

Evacuation Plan

Hurricane Milton is projected to be a storm for the history books. It became a Category 5 storm this afternoon and is expected to maintain speed as a Category 3 or 4 when it makes landfall in Florida. If you are a Florida resident, we urge you to take the gravity of this storm seriously and protect yourself. Having a solid evacuation plan is a top priority. 

• • • Stay Informed: Monitor updates from the Florida Division of Emergency Management and your local county news outlets for evacuation orders and safety tips. 
    • Pack Essential Items: Prepare a go-bag containing necessary items such as important documents, medications, clothing for at least 72 hours, and pet supplies (if applicable).
    • Designate an Evacuation Route: Know your evacuation routes well in advance and share them with those you know outside of Hurricane Milton’s path. Plan alternative routes in case primary roads are blocked. Keep gas in your vehicle and consider a full tank before the storm hits.

Your Safety is Priority #1

With Hurricane Milton fast approaching, Florida property owners must take immediate and decisive action to protect not only their property—but, ultimately, themselves. While the thought of facing another hurricane is daunting, your preparedness can make all the difference. Above all, your safety is our priority, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way. Contact our team today for hurricane assistance.

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