The Ultimate 2023 Hurricane Season Guide

By Alejandra Zamora

Just as summer kicks off in South Florida, residents brace for another kind of season: June to November in the United States marks the Atlantic hurricane season, the six-month period where the strongest storms of the year are the most likely to develop from the ocean. In a coastal location like Florida, it’s important to ensure you have the right safety precautions & measures in place in case a particularly strong storm hits. In this blog post, we’ll take you through everything you should be doing to prepare if you’re a homeowner, especially in South Florida. 

Why does hurricane season happen from June to November? 

Before getting into the nitty gritty of what’s needed to get your home prepared for hurricane season, let’s discuss why the summer and fall months are the prime time for these storms to form. According to the NOAA, hurricanes form over the ocean first as an area of low pressure that sucks in warm air, causing storm clouds to form. These mini storms pick up speed as more warm air is collected; A perfect recipe for a hurricane, according to the experts, includes a preexisting weather event like a tropical wave or thunderstorm, warm water, and low wind shear. June to November is the peak time for this activity because of the contrasting temperatures of the air and sea. 

Understanding the storm’s category

Rated from 1 to a 5, a hurricane’s category is the key to determining the extent of preparations needed before the weather hits. In a Category 1 storm, winds are 74-95 mph, and while the risk for property damage is low, power lines and weak trees become vulnerable to the strong winds. In a Category 2, the winds kick up to 96-110 mph, with property damage becoming a more likely occurrence. From this category and beyond, you’ll definitely want to board up windows and take other necessary precautions. During Category 3 or 4 storms, long-term power outages and property damage is most likely to occur in 111-155 mph winds, and if you’re in the direct path of a Category 4 storm, you may seriously consider evacuation. Flooding and structural damage occur in this category, too. Finally, there’s the Category 5 hurricane; with winds greater than 155 mph, the area in the direct path will most likely suffer extreme disruption in one way or another, meaning it’s probably best to evacuate. 

Preparing before & after the storm

Having both a preventative and restorative plan in case the worst happens during hurricane season is essential to ensuring you and your family’s safety, not to mention the well-being of your home. Here are some preventative measures to take to make sure you’re in the best possible shape: 

• Install or ensure that your home has storm shutters, a strong exterior door with a deadbolt lock, tempered glass, a sturdy roof, and sealed walls, among other little things. 
• Head to the grocery and hardware store as soon as possible to stock up on non-perishable foods, medicine & toiletries, batteries, flashlights, etc. 
• Fill your car up with a full tank of gas, and maybe even fill up some extra containers in case you need to evacuate. 
• Make a quick stop at your local bank or ATM machine to have some cash on hand in case the power goes out in your area. 
• Inspect your home for insurance purposes in the event that damage does happen. 
• If you have a boat, make sure its anchored or safely stored away. 

Once the storm has passed, begin to assess the damage. If you have any property damage, make sure you document it and file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible. You’ll also want to contact local hotels in the area for accommodations in case your power is out for an extended period of time. If your property was spared by the storm, start removing boards and shutters and clearing up debris so you can get back to normal as soon as possible. 

Though they’re an occasional scary occurrence, hurricanes are manageable with the right knowledge and support on your side. For more tips, questions, or general inquiries about being a homeowner in the hurricane season, look to the West Team as your go-to experts.