2026 Florida Hurricane Preparedness: Protect Your Home, Money and Identity

Hurricane preparation is about more than buying water and putting up shutters. A major storm can also interrupt income, limit access to financial services, damage important documents and create opportunities for scammers.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically peaking from mid-August through mid-October. Whether a storm is days away or the forecast is currently quiet, preparing early gives you more options and fewer last-minute expenses.

Quick Answer: How Should You Prepare Financially for a Hurricane?

Before a hurricane threatens your area:

• Build or add to your emergency savings
• Review your insurance coverage and deductibles
• Organize financial, medical, and identification documents
• Confirm how you can access your accounts remotely
• Keep a reasonable amount of emergency cash available
• Document your home and valuable belongings
• Protect yourself from contractor, charity and government impersonation scams

A strong hurricane plan protects your family, property, finances and personal information before, during and after the storm.

1. Know Your Evacuation Zone and Make a Family Plan

Start by determining whether your home is located in an evacuation or flood-prone area. Know where you would go, how you would get there, and what you would take if local officials issue an evacuation order.

Your household plan should include:

• A primary and alternate evacuation destination
• Multiple travel routes
• A plan for children, older relatives and household members with special needs
• Arrangements for pets or service animals
• A designated family contact outside the affected area
• Printed copies of important phone numbers
• The location of nearby shelters and emergency resources

Do not depend entirely on information saved in your phone. Batteries can run out, devices can be damaged, and cellular service may be unavailable, rendering your devices useless in these extreme times.

2. Prepare at Least Seven Days of Essential Supplies

The Florida Division of Emergency Management encourages residents to have at least seven days of supplies available.

A hurricane supply kit may include:

• Water and nonperishable food
• Prescription medications
• First-aid supplies
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Personal hygiene items
• Infant, senior, or pet supplies
• Manual can opener
• Basic tools
• Face coverings, gloves and cleaning supplies
• Copies of important documents
• A reasonable amount of cash in small denominations

Purchase supplies gradually when possible. Adding a few items during each regular shopping trip can make preparation more manageable and help you avoid a large last-minute expense.

3. Build a Hurricane Emergency Fund

Storm preparation, evacuation, and recovery can create unexpected expenses, including:

• Hotel stays
• Fuel and transportation
• Food and water
• Insurance deductibles
• Temporary repairs
• Lost wages
• Childcare or pet boarding
• Replacement medications
• Cleanup supplies

Even a small emergency fund can provide valuable flexibility. If you cannot save a large amount immediately, choose a realistic starting goal and contribute consistently.

A separate savings or Club Account can help keep emergency money apart from everyday spending. Consider setting up an automatic transfer after each payday, even if the amount is modest. Consistency matters more than starting with a large deposit.

4. Review Your Insurance Before a Storm Develops

Do not wait until a hurricane is approaching to review your coverage. Insurance companies may restrict policy changes once a storm has entered a designated area.

Review your:

• Homeowners or renters insurance
• Flood insurance
• Auto insurance
• Hurricane or windstorm deductible
• Coverage limits
• Temporary living expense coverage
• Personal property coverage

Flood damage is generally not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Ask your insurance provider what is and is not included in your coverage.

Keep copies of your policies, insurance company contact information, and policy numbers with your emergency records.

5. Create a Home and Property Inventory

Photograph or record a video of each room in your home, including closets, garages and storage areas. Capture valuable items, electronics, appliances, furniture and vehicle information.

For major purchases, keep copies of:

• Receipts
• Serial numbers
• Model numbers
• Appraisals
• Warranties
• Photos or videos showing the item’s condition

Store the inventory somewhere you can access even if your home or primary device is damaged. This documentation may make it easier to support an insurance claim after a storm.

6. Organize and Protect Important Documents

Gather your essential household, financial, and medical records before an emergency.

Important documents may include:

• Driver’s licenses and other identification
• Social Security cards
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Insurance policies
• Mortgage or lease information
• Vehicle titles and registrations
• Financial account information
• Medical records and prescription lists
• Wills and powers of attorney
• Pet vaccination and ownership records
• Emergency contact information

Keep physical copies in a waterproof, fire-resistant container. Store protected digital copies using a secure method you can access away from home.

Avoid saving sensitive documents in an unsecured email account, shared device or unprotected photo folder.

7. Prepare for Limited Access to Financial Services

A hurricane may cause power outages, internet disruptions, transportation problems, and temporary branch or ATM closures.

Before a storm:

• Confirm that your contact information is current
• Make sure you know your Online Banking credentials
• Download and update the Connect CU Mobile App
• Review how to check balances and transfer funds
• Set up account and card alerts
• Identify alternate ATM locations
• Charge your phone and portable battery packs
• Keep a reasonable amount of emergency cash available

Connect Credit Union members can use Online Banking and the Mobile App for many everyday transactions when internet connectivity and financial systems are available. Features include viewing balances, transferring funds, paying bills, making mobile check deposits and managing account alerts.

Never write your password or PIN on your debit card or keep it in the same place as your wallet.

8. Protect Your Information During an Emergency

Disasters create ideal conditions for fraud. Scammers know people may be stressed, displaced, and searching for immediate help.

After a hurricane, watch for:

• Fake government or disaster-assistance representatives
• Contractors demanding large upfront payments
• Requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or wire transfers
• Phony charities
• Fake rental listings
• Insurance impersonation scams
• Messages requesting account numbers, passwords, PINs or verification codes
• People charging a fee to help you qualify for FEMA assistance

Government disaster assistance agencies do not charge a fee to apply for assistance. Be suspicious of anyone who pressures you to act immediately or asks for sensitive financial information.

Before hiring a contractor, verify the business, request proof of insurance, review the contract carefully, and avoid paying the full amount before the work is completed.

9. Document Damage Before Beginning Cleanup

If your property is damaged and it is safe to enter:

1. Photograph and record the damage
2. Contact your insurance provider
3. Take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage
4. Keep receipts for temporary repairs, supplies, and lodging
5. Avoid discarding damaged property until you receive instructions from your insurer
6. Keep a written record of calls, claim numbers and conversations

Do not put yourself at risk to document damage. Follow instructions from local emergency management officials and wait until authorities say it is safe to return.

10. Review Your Plan Every Year

Household needs, insurance policies, medications and contact information can change. Review your hurricane plan at least once a year and after any major life event.

Use your annual review to:

• Replace expired food, batteries, and medications
• Update insurance and financial records
• Test flashlights and portable chargers (if you have a generator, now is the time to make sure it runs properly)
• Review evacuation routes
• Update family and emergency contacts
• Confirm your emergency savings goal
• Check your home inventory
• Review account alerts and digital access

Prepare Today for Greater Peace of Mind

No hurricane plan can prevent every disruption, but preparing early can reduce financial stress and help you respond more confidently.

Start with one manageable step. Add money to your emergency savings, organize your insurance information, update your Mobile App or begin assembling your supply kit. Small actions taken now can make a meaningful difference when a storm threatens Florida.

Connect Credit Union is here to help members prepare financially with savings options, digital banking services, account alerts and identity theft protection resources.

Explore our Savings Accounts, Online Banking and additional financial resources at ConnectCU.org.