Navigating Hurricane Season: How to Prepare Properties for Storm Damage in Florida

As Florida braces for another hurricane season, property managers, insurance professionals, and homeowners face the daunting task of preparing for potential storm damage. With the Atlantic hurricane season running from June to November, peaking in August and September, proactive preparation is critical to minimizing property damage, streamlining insurance claims, and ensuring swift recovery. At All Claims Repairs, with over 40 years of experience in disaster restoration, we’ve helped thousands of clients across Florida navigate the aftermath of storms.

Here’s how public adjusters, insurance agents, carriers, and property managers can work together to prepare properties and reduce the impact of hurricanes.

Why Hurricane Preparation Matters

Florida’s unique climate and geography make it a hotspot for hurricanes, which can cause devastating wind, water, and structural damage. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Florida has experienced over 120 hurricanes since 1851, more than any other state. Unprepared properties face higher repair costs, prolonged downtime, and complex insurance claims. By taking proactive steps, stakeholders can mitigate losses, protect occupants, and expedite restoration—a mission All Claims Repairs has championed through 7,658 cases and counting.

Key Steps to Prepare Properties for Hurricane Season

Here are practical, actionable steps to safeguard properties and streamline recovery, tailored to the needs of insurance professionals and property managers:

• Conduct Pre-Storm Property Assessments
  Property managers should inspect buildings for vulnerabilities, such as loose roofing, clogged drainage systems, or weak windows. Reinforce windows with storm shutters or impact-resistant glass and ensure trees are trimmed to prevent debris damage. Public adjusters and insurance agents can advise clients to document these preparations, as pre-storm photos and receipts can strengthen insurance claims. At All Claims Repairs, our licensed general contractors (CGC1517916) can assist with pre-storm inspections to identify risks and recommend solutions.
• Secure Proper Insurance Coverage
  Insurance agents play a critical role in ensuring policyholders have adequate coverage for wind, flood, and water damage. Encourage clients to review policies early, as flood insurance typically has a 30-day waiting period. Public adjusters can help clients understand coverage limits and exclusions, ensuring no surprises during claims. All Claims Repairs collaborates with carriers and adjusters using industry-standard tools like Xactimate to provide accurate, transparent estimates that align with policy terms.
• Develop an Emergency Response Plan
  Property managers should create a clear plan for tenants, including evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and procedures for securing units. Insurance carriers benefit from clients who have response plans, as they reduce secondary damage from delays. Our team at All Claims Repairs offers rapid-response services, including water extraction and structural drying, to minimize damage post-storm. Our 24/7 availability ensures we’re ready when disaster strikes.
• Partner with a Trusted Restoration Contractor
  Choosing a certified, experienced contractor before a storm hits can save time and reduce claim disputes. All Claims Repairs, with certifications like MRSR299 and MRSA687 for mold remediation and IICRC training for water and fire restoration, ensures high-quality repairs that meet insurance standards. Our expertise in coordinating with public adjusters and carriers streamlines the claims process, reducing stress for property managers and homeowners.

The Cost of Waiting

A $5,000 water damage claim can balloon to $20,000 if mold spreads or structural damage worsens. For example, a 2024 Orlando residential claim escalated from a pipe leak to extensive mold remediation due to a one-week delay, doubling the carrier’s payout. Litigation risks also rise, as policyholders may sue for “bad faith” if delays lead to denials.

How All Claims Restoration Prevents Escalation

• 24/7 Rapid Response: Our team arrives within hours to conduct physical inspections with advanced tools like moisture meters and thermal imaging, stopping mold before it spreads.
• Certified Expertise: As IICRC-certified professionals, we follow industry standards for defensible documentation, reducing disputes.
• Technology-Driven Efficiency: Our on-site inspections use tools like Xactimate and moisture sensors for accurate assessments, speeding approvals. A recent Miami claim was resolved 30% faster due to our thorough inspections.
• Collaboration: We provide real-time updates to Adjusters and Carriers, ensuring alignment on scope and costs.

How All Claims Repairs Supports Your Hurricane Preparedness

With over four decades of experience and a team of certified professionals, All Claims Repairs is your partner in hurricane preparation and recovery. Our services include:

• Pre-Storm Consulting: Assessments to identify vulnerabilities and recommend protective measures.
• Emergency Restoration: 24/7 response for water, wind, and mold damage, with advanced equipment like Matterport for precise documentation.
• Claims Expertise: Accurate estimates and collaboration with adjusters and carriers to expedite settlements.

By preparing now, property managers can minimize tenant disruptions, insurance agents can enhance client trust, public adjusters can secure better outcomes, and carriers can reduce claim costs. Together, we can weather the storm.