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.

Hurricane Milton Resources

For a county-by-county guide on what to do with debris before Hurricane Milton makes landfall, read the following guide: DEBRIS CLEANUP: Here’s a county-by-county guide on what to do with debris ahead of Milton.

We’ve created a state-by-state guide for those affected by Hurricane Helene and those preparing for Hurricane Milton. Our team will continue to update the guide as more resources become available. To find the resources in your state, read our complete guide: Hurricane Emergency Resources.

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.

Protect Your Property Before Hurricane Helene

With Hurricane Helene looming, it’s easy to focus solely on securing supplies and preparing for the storm. However, one of the most important steps you can take is documenting the current condition of your property. Having this documentation can be invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim after the hurricane passes. After all, the last thing you want to deal with in the aftermath of a storm is the stress of proving your losses to your insurance carrier.

Why Documenting Your Property’s Condition Is Crucial

After a natural disaster like a hurricane, proving the extent of the damage to your insurance carrier can become difficult. If you don’t have clear evidence of your property’s pre-storm condition, the insurer may question how much damage is directly related to the hurricane. By showing the property’s condition before the storm, you can avoid delays or disputes in getting the compensation you need for repairs.

How to Document Your Property Before Hurricane Helene

Take Clear Photos and Videos

Start by photographing and recording your entire property, both inside and outside. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to damage, such as the roof, windows, and doors. Ensure your images are high-quality and well-lit. For video documentation, provide a verbal description as you walk through each area of your property, pointing out specific details like recent renovations or the condition of older structures. This extra effort can go a long way in showcasing your property’s integrity.
Capture Key Areas of Potential Damage

Focus on areas of your property that could be most affected by Hurricane Helene, such as:
- Roofing and Gutters: Photograph the current condition of the roof to prove there was no existing damage.
- Windows and Doors: These areas are often the first to suffer damage during a hurricane. Capture their current state, including any protective measures like storm shutters.
- Exterior Landscaping and Fencing: Document trees, fences, and any outdoor structures that could be affected by high winds.
Create a Property Inventory

We recommend creating a list of your personal belongings and their estimated value. This inventory should include everything from electronics and appliances to furniture and valuables. Keep receipts and proof of purchase alongside your inventory for expensive items, like jewelry or high-end electronics. Keeping a digital copy of this inventory is in your best interest when it comes time to submit your claim efficiently. These items may hold sentimental value as well as financial investment, so documenting them is a key step in protecting yourself.
Store Your Documentation in a Safe Place

Once you’ve gathered all your documentation, make sure it’s stored safely. Opt for cloud storage services or a backup drive to ensure your data is not lost, even if your property sustains significant damage. Physical copies should be kept in a waterproof and fireproof container. Taking these precautions can give you a sense of security, knowing you have what you need in case the unexpected happens.

Why Is This Important?

When filing a claim after a hurricane, your insurance carrier will typically assess the damage to determine how much you should be compensated. If you’ve documented your property’s condition beforehand, you can quickly provide evidence that supports your claim, helping you avoid disputes about pre-existing damage.

Insurance adjusters appreciate policyholders who can show clear before-and-after comparisons. These records can fast-track the claims process, allowing you to receive payments more quickly. Moreover, it helps prevent disputes over whether certain damages were caused by the hurricane or pre-existing issues, reducing the stress of navigating your recovery.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

It’s important to document your property well before Hurricane Helene reaches your doorstep. Once a storm warning is issued, there’s often too little time to create comprehensive documentation. Make property documentation a regular part of your annual maintenance to stay prepared for unexpected events like Hurricane Helene.

Be Prepared, Stay Safe, and Protect Yourself

With hurricanes becoming more frequent and severe, it’s essential to prepare your property physically and administratively. Properly documenting your property’s condition is one of the best ways to protect your financial interests and those you love. Taking these steps before the storm can make the claims process smoother and more efficient, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time.

At Premier Claims, we understand preparing for a hurricane can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team is here to support you throughout the entire process, from beginning to end. We’ll help you navigate the critical steps in pre-hurricane preparation, including how to document your property effectively. You don’t have to do this alone—reach out to our team today to create a solid foundation for your post-storm recovery.

Hurricane Milton Hits Category 5 Status—Prepare Yourself