Hurricane Preparedness 2025: What Florida Families Need to Know
With hurricane season upon us, Florida families can’t afford to wait until a storm is on the radar. Each year, storms grow more unpredictable—and so do the costs of recovery. At Southern Oak Insurance, we want to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and coverage you need to weather the storm and protect your home, your family, and your finances.
Why Preparing Now Is More Important Than Ever
The 2025 hurricane season is expected to bring above-average storm activity. But beyond the wind and rain, there’s another storm brewing: rising prices across the board. It happens almost every year, as soon as a named is approaching, prices go up and supplies become scarce. With Hurricane Ian in 2022, Floridians saw prices soar on basic supplies. Cases of bottled water went from $5 to $8-10, the average for AA batteries went from $7 to $12 or more (if you could find them), even canned food rose 10%-20%!
Translation? If you delay preparations until a storm is a few days away, you could be left without enough supplies and financial strain when you’re at your most vulnerable.
Step 1: Get Ahead With a Solid Plan
Sit down with your household and discuss:
- Evacuation routes and storm shelter options
- A communication options in case power and cell towers go down
- A designated safe room in your home, away from windows
- Update your contact list and make sure all important numbers are written down in case your phone battery dies
Step 2: Build a Smarter Supply Kit
Don’t wait for the store shelves to empty. Your disaster supply kit should include: 
- 3–7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Canned or dry food, a manual can opener, and utensils
- Flashlights, extra batteries, and power banks
- First aid supplies and prescription medications
- Copies of important documents in a waterproof bag
- Pet food, leashes, and crates
- Cash on hand—ATMs may not work after a storm
Use our helpful checklist here to make sure you’re stocked up on essentials so you don’t need to stress later.
Step 3: Hurricane-Proof Your Property
Protect your home now to avoid major damage:
- Clean gutters and secure outdoor furniture
- Trim trees and branches that could damage your home
- Inspect and reinforce your roof, windows, and garage door
These preventative steps are helpful, especially when materials and contractor services are in short supply after a hurricane.
Step 4: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Insurance is your financial safety net, and with rising rebuilding costs, now’s the time to make sure it’s enough.
Questions to ask:
- Is your coverage limit at the right level to protect your home and valuable contents?
- Do you have flood insurance? (Remember, it’s not part of standard homeowners policies.)
- Are your deductibles manageable?
- Do you have coverage for temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable?
Your agent should be ready to help you review and update your policy. Even small adjustments today can save you thousands down the line.
After the Storm: Act Smart and Stay Safe
Once the skies clear:
- Use caution around downed lines, sharp debris, and contaminated water
- Take photos or video of any damage before beginning cleanup
- Save receipts for any repairs, hotel stays, or temporary purchases
- Report claims as soon as possible
Don’t Wait for the Next Storm Warning. Hurricanes may be a fact of life in Florida, but the best defense is preparation and that starts today. When storms hit, families who took action early have a major advantage in safety, security, and financial recovery.
Let Southern Oak Insurance be your partner in preparedness.
Contact your independent agent today to review your policy and take the stress out of storm season.
