The Dos and Don’ts of Hurricane Prep – Tips from Restoration Experts - Dry Out Pro Plus

Florida is no stranger to hurricanes. Every year, we brace ourselves for the possibility of high winds, heavy rains, storm surges, and power outages. At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we have seen first-hand what can go wrong when homes and businesses aren’t properly prepared. We also know that with a little planning and smart decision-making, you can greatly reduce the risk of serious damage. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you get ready before the next big storm rolls in.

Here are the dos and don’ts of hurricane prep, straight from the experts who clean up the aftermath for our neighbors and community.

• DO have a solid plan, including where to go and what to bring
• DON'T wait until the storm is near to prepare
• DO protect windows, doors, and outdoor items
• DON'T tape windows—it doesn’t help
• DO stock up on essentials and backup power options
• DON'T assume you’ll have power or cell service
• DO document your belongings and store key info digitally
• DON'T underestimate the impact of water damage
  

Before anything else, have a clear plan in place. Know where you and your family will go if you need to evacuate. Identify multiple routes in case roads are blocked. If you have pets, make arrangements for them too. Not all shelters accept animals.



Why it matters: When a storm is on the way, panic sets in fast. Having a plan keeps you calm and helps you act quickly.

We can’t stress this enough. Don’t wait until the shelves are empty to get supplies or until the wind picks up to start boarding your windows.



Common mistakes:

• Shopping the day before landfall
• Filling your gas tank too late
• Waiting until it’s raining to seal leaks or move valuables
• By then, it may be too late to do anything safely.
  

Board up windows with plywood or install hurricane shutters. Trim trees and remove anything outside that could become a flying hazard, like patio furniture, garden tools, or potted plants. Reinforce garage doors, as they’re a weak spot for wind intrusion.

Bonus tip: Check your roof for loose shingles and secure them if needed.

We still see this all the time, but taping your windows doesn’t prevent them from breaking. In fact, it can make things worse by creating larger, more dangerous shards if the glass shatters.

Better solution: Invest in proper window protection like shutters or impact-resistant glass.

Make sure you have enough water, food, medications, and essentials to last at least 3 days—preferably more. Don’t forget flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a phone charger with backup power.

Items people forget:

• Manual can opener
• Baby supplies
• Pet food
• Personal hygiene items

Keep everything in one easily accessible place.

After a storm, you could be without electricity or cell signal for days. That means no AC, no fridge, no internet.

Be ready by:

• Charging all devices in advance
• Having backup batteries or solar chargers
• Printing out emergency contacts and directions
  

If your property is damaged, having clear before-and-after photos makes it easier to file insurance claims.



What to document:

• Rooms from multiple angles
• High-ticket items (electronics, appliances, furniture)
• Exterior and roof

Store photos in a cloud folder or email them to yourself so you can access them even if your phone is damaged.

Now is the time to review your policy. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Many homeowners don’t realize that flood damage typically isn’t included unless you have separate flood insurance.

Call your agent and ask:

• Do I have wind and flood coverage?
• What is my deductible?
• What documentation will I need to file a claim?
  

Keep insurance papers, IDs, passports, deeds, medical records, and other critical documents in a waterproof container. Better yet, make digital copies and store them securely online.

Why it matters: Replacing documents after a disaster can be a huge hassle and delay your recovery.

DON'T: Underestimate Water Damage

Water is sneaky. A small leak can turn into a major mold problem within days. After the storm, check for signs of moisture or water intrusion.

Look for:

• Stains on walls or ceilings
• Damp smells
• Warped wood or peeling paint

If you spot anything suspicious, call a restoration pro right away (like us!).

DO: Know How to Shut Off Utilities

You might need to shut off your water, gas, or electricity before or after a storm. Make sure every adult in your home knows how to do this safely.

Why it matters:  Preventing electrical fires or gas leaks can save your home.

If you evacuate, wait until authorities say it’s safe to return. Going back too early can put you in danger from downed power lines, flooding, or unstable structures.

Pro tip: Have a re-entry plan with a checklist of things to inspect before settling back in.

Storms don’t end when the winds die down. That’s often when the real mess begins. Know who to call to inspect your home and start cleanup quickly. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours.

At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we:

• Offer 24/7 emergency response
• Provide water extraction, drying, and mold remediation
• Help you document damage for insurance claims
  

We get it—you want to protect your home. But some things are better left to professionals. Whether it's water removal, mold cleanup, or structural drying, we have the tools and training to do it right.

Why it matters: DIY efforts often lead to missed damage or improper drying, which can cause bigger issues down the road.

Keep up with the latest weather alerts, evacuation orders, and safety recommendations. Follow your local emergency management on social media or sign up for text alerts.



Bonus tip: A battery-powered NOAA radio is a great backup if the internet goes down.

At DRYOUTpro PLUS, we’re more than just a restoration company, we’re your neighbors, and we’re always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether it's emergency water extraction, mold removal, or full-scale property restoration, our team is trained, certified, and ready to respond 24/7.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

If you're preparing now or recovering later, give us a call.