Hurricane Center

Hurricane Milton Resources

Hurricane Milton is the latest hurricane to ravage the Florida coastline – use these resources to help keep you and your family safe during these challenging times. We keep this page updated with all the latest evacuation information, announcements, and resources for Hurricane Milton

Resources

Evacuation Routes Interactive Evacuation Map Hurricane Shelters Shelter Shuttle Services Hillsborough Evacuation Zone

Pre-Storm Preparation Checklist

1. Take Photos of Your Property: Capture images of both the interior and exterior of your home, including the roof, pool, pool area, fencing, trees, front yard, and backyard. If you’re unable to take new photos before the storm, gather the most recent images you have.
2. Document Your Belongings: With proper documentation, you may be able to recover expenses for damaged or lost home contents and personal property. Consider keeping receipts or having appraisals for the following items:
   • Televisions
   • Furniture
   • Jewelry
   • Artwork
   • Appliances
   • Computers
   • Antiques
   • Beds
   • Decks
   • Other electronics
3. Review Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy:
   • Ensure you know what’s covered and have records of your property’s current condition to support any future claims.
   • Review mold and flood coverage (usually separate policies).
   • Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, debris removal, law and ordinance, and additional living expenses.
   • Check your hurricane deductible, which is often higher than your standard deductible.
4. Prepare an Evacuation Plan:
   • Plan how to move yourself and your family, especially if anyone has special needs.
   • Locate your nearest shelter and know the routes to get there.
   • Make arrangements for pets, as many emergency shelters do not allow animals.
5. Gather Emergency Supplies:
   • Have a portable radio, TV, or NOAA weather radio to stay informed.
   • Homeowners using well water should store an emergency supply.
   • Withdraw cash or carry travelers’ checks in case banks or ATMs are unavailable.
   • Ensure all electronic devices are fully charged.
6. Organize Important Documents: Store important paperwork in a waterproof container.
7. Fuel Up: Fill your vehicle with gas or fully charge your electric vehicle.
8. Emergency Power: If you have a backup power source, ensure you know how to use it properly.

Safety Precautions After a Storm:

1. Be Aware of Outdoor Hazards:
   • Watch for dangling power lines, broken tree limbs, and debris that could pose a danger.
   • Stay clear of fallen electrical wires as they may still be live.
2. Avoid Flood Waters:
   • Flood waters may contain harmful contaminants like bacteria and chemicals, as well as hidden sharp objects or debris.
   • Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters for your safety.
3. Wear Protective Gear:
   • When cleaning up debris or entering damaged areas, wear protective clothing such as gloves, long sleeves, boots, and masks.
   • This will protect you from sharp objects, mold, and other hazardous materials.
4. Watch for Wildlife and Pests:
   • Be cautious when moving debris, as animals or insects may have taken shelter in your home or yard.
   • Check for snakes, rodents, or stinging insects before proceeding with cleanup.

Property Protection and Damage Mitigation:

1. Prevent Further Damage:
   • Board up broken windows and secure exposed areas to prevent vandalism and additional weather-related damage.
   • Use tarps to cover areas vulnerable to rain or falling debris.
2. Monitor Electric Vehicles for Fire Risk:
   • If your electric vehicle (EV) was submerged in floodwaters, the battery could be damaged and pose a fire risk.
   • Do not attempt to start or charge the EV until it has been inspected by a professional.
   • Keep the EV away from buildings or other structures until it’s deemed safe.
3. Document Damages:
   • Keep an inventory of damaged property, noting the description, brand, manufacturer, age, and purchase details if known.
   • Take photos or videos of all damages and use any pre-existing inventories to help with documentation.

Financial and Insurance Management:

1. Save All Receipts:
   • Keep receipts for all immediate repairs, temporary housing, food, and other evacuation-related expenses to support your insurance claim.
2. Track Conversations and Claims:
   • Maintain a journal of all conversations with insurance representatives, contractors, and others involved in your claim.
   • Record the date, time, and key details of each conversation to stay organized.

Tips for Boat Owners:

As boat owners, we understand how vital your vessel is, whether for leisure or livelihood. After a hurricane, assessing and documenting damage is crucial for the safety of your boat and your potential insurance claim. Here are some essential steps to follow:

1. Safety First
   Before approaching your boat, ensure it’s safe to do so. Check for any downed power lines, debris, or hazardous conditions in the water. Wear protective gear when accessing damaged areas.
2. Document Damage Thoroughly
   Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage before beginning any cleanup or repairs. This documentation will be essential when filing your insurance claim. Don’t forget to include hull, electronics, and interior damage.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
   Contact your boat insurance provider as soon as possible to report the damage. Be prepared to provide them with the photos, videos, and a detailed description of the damage to expedite the claims process.
4. Mitigate Further Damage
   After documenting everything, take steps to prevent further damage. This may include removing water, securing tarps over openings, or hauling the boat out of the water if necessary. Most policies require owners to take reasonable steps to mitigate additional loss.
5. Consult with a Marine Surveyor
   It may be necessary to hire a licensed marine surveyor to assess the extent of the damage. Their report can help substantiate your insurance claim and provide an accurate estimate for repairs.
6. Know Your Policy
   Understanding your insurance policy, including what’s covered and any exclusions or deductibles, is critical. Some policies may not cover damage from storm surge or flooding, so reviewing your policy annually is always wise.

Hurricane Helene Resources

Access important information and resources for Hurricane Helene at the click of a button below. We keep this page up to date on all the latest evacuation routes, announcements, shelters, and other resources for the latest hurricanes.

Before the Storm

Updates from the Governor Interactive Evacuation Map Florida Panhandle Shelters Red Cross Shelters

After the Storm

Red Cross Help FEMA Resources USA.gov Links

After Hurricane Tips for Homeowners

1. Beware of outdoor hazards, such as dangling power lines and broken tree limbs

2. Avoid flood water, as it may have harmful contaminants and dangerous debris

3. Once flood water is gone, immediately clean and repair damages to avoid mold—and wear protective gear

4. Protect your property from further damage by boarding up broken windows to help deter vandalism or additional weather damage

5. Keep an inventory of any damaged property. Create a list of any damaged contents, including a description of the item, name of the manufacturer, brand name, age, as well as the place and date of purchase, if known. Include photographs, videotapes or personal property inventories you may already have available.

6. Save all receipts for all immediate repairs made, incurred hotel or other housing, along with food or other expenses incurred due to evacuating your area

7. Keep a journal of every conversation with insurance representatives and others involved in your hurricane damage claim

Call The Morgan Law Group before you call your insurance company. Our attorneys are experienced in insurance claims and will prepare your claim to ensure the limits are properly reflected in the submission, thus maximizing your coverage!