Guides
These short guides cover what to do before a hurricane, the first 48 hours after it, how to photograph damage for insurance, how to dry out water damage and prevent mold, and how to spot contractor scams. Each one links to the official sources it relies on, such as Ready.gov, FEMA, CDC and EPA.
Information may be delayed or incomplete. Always verify with official sources and follow local officials.
- Before the storm: the short list. Know your evacuation zone, leave if officials tell you to, and photograph every room before the storm so you have a baseline for insurance. Tropical-storm-force winds arrive well before the eye, so finish preparing early.
- The first 48 hours after a hurricane. Stay out of floodwater, keep generators outside and at least 20 feet from the house, photograph everything before you move it, call your insurer, and start drying within 24 to 48 hours.
- Water damage and mold after a flood. Mold can start on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours. EPA says most people can clean a moldy area smaller than about 10 square feet themselves; anything larger, or a home with a lot of water damage, is a job for a professional.
- Insurance photo checklist after a storm. Before you move or throw out anything, take a wide photo of every room, close-ups of damage, the water line on the walls with a tape measure in frame, and serial numbers on damaged appliances. Keep every receipt.
- Contractor scam red flags after a hurricane. Be wary of anyone who wants full payment up front, pressures you to sign the same day, has no written estimate or license number, or claims to be FEMA-approved. Verify Florida licenses at myfloridalicense.com.