Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and for absentee homeowners along Florida's Emerald Coast and Panhandle, preparation is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment. While owning a second home or seasonal residence in this beautiful coastal region offers countless benefits, it also comes with the responsibility of preparing for tropical storms, hurricanes, flooding, and extended power outages.
At Infinity Home Solutions, we understand the unique challenges absentee homeowners face when severe weather threatens while they are hundreds or even thousands of miles away. Having a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan in place can help minimize damage, reduce costly repairs, and provide peace of mind throughout the season.
Create Your Disaster Plan Before You Need It
Walton County Emergency Management encourages all residents and property owners to develop a disaster plan before a storm is approaching. Key elements of your plan should include:
How you will receive emergency alerts and weather updates
Your evacuation and sheltering plans
Emergency contact information for family members
Copies of insurance policies and important documents
A plan for checking on your property after a storm
A trusted local contact who can assist if damage occurs
For absentee homeowners, having a local professional available to inspect and monitor your property before and after a storm is especially important.
Prepare Your Home Before Hurricane Season Peaks
Secure Outdoor Items
Outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, planters, and decorative items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Secure or store these items whenever a tropical storm or hurricane threatens the area.
Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
A small roof issue can quickly become a major water intrusion problem during a hurricane. Inspect your roof annually and ensure gutters and downspouts are free of debris to promote proper drainage.
Check Windows and Doors
Inspect all windows and exterior doors to ensure they close securely and provide proper protection from wind-driven rain. If your home has hurricane shutters, verify they are operational and ready for deployment.
Maintain Landscaping
Trim trees and remove dead branches before hurricane season reaches its peak. Well-maintained landscaping can help reduce the risk of storm-related damage.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Take time to review your homeowner's and flood insurance policies annually. Understand your hurricane deductible and confirm that your coverage adequately reflects current rebuilding costs.
Emergency Supplies Matter
Emergency management officials recommend maintaining enough supplies for every household member, including pets, for at least seven days. Consider keeping:
Bottled water
Non-perishable food
Flashlights and batteries
First-aid supplies
Prescription medications
Phone chargers and backup power banks
Copies of important documents
For absentee homeowners, digital copies of insurance documents, home inventories, and emergency contacts should be easily accessible from anywhere.
Important Steps to Protect Your Residential Elevator
If your home is equipped with a residential elevator, additional precautions should be taken before a storm arrives.
Before the Storm
Call the elevator to the highest floor.
Turn off power to the elevator by completing one or both of the following:
Locate the home's breaker panel and switch all breakers labeled "Elevator" to the OFF position.
Locate the elevator disconnects on the front of the elevator controller and switch them to the OFF position.
After disconnecting power, you should hear a beeping sound from the battery backup system. This indicates the backup batteries are functioning properly and will continue until the batteries have discharged.
If no beeping is heard, the battery backup system may not be functioning correctly and should be inspected by a qualified technician.
After the Storm
If the property has experienced flooding, water intrusion, or storm-related damage, a qualified residential elevator technician should inspect and restart the elevator before it is returned to service. This helps ensure safe operation and identifies any hidden damage.
Additional Protection
Many residential elevator manufacturers offer automatic float switch systems that can detect rising water in the elevator pit and automatically move the cab to an upper floor. This added protection can be especially valuable for absentee homeowners who may not be present when a storm approaches.
Why Home Watch Services Are Essential During Hurricane Season
When severe weather threatens the Florida Panhandle, absentee homeowners often face a difficult reality—they cannot be here to prepare, inspect, or respond to issues in person.
That's where Infinity Home Solutions can help.
Our professional Home Watch services provide an extra layer of protection before, during, and after storm season. We help homeowners by:
Performing routine property inspections
Monitoring homes for signs of damage or maintenance concerns
Assisting with pre-storm preparation measures
Conducting post-storm assessments
Documenting issues with detailed reports and photographs
Coordinating with contractors and service providers when needed
Having a trusted local partner can make all the difference when unexpected weather impacts your property.
Peace of Mind All Season Long
While no one can prevent hurricanes, preparation can dramatically reduce their impact. By creating a disaster plan, maintaining your property, protecting critical systems such as residential elevators, and partnering with a trusted Home Watch provider, you can feel confident that your Florida home is ready for hurricane season.
At Infinity Home Solutions, our mission is to help absentee homeowners protect their investment and enjoy greater peace of mind year-round. If you'd like to learn more about our Home Watch services and hurricane preparedness assistance, contact us today.
Your home deserves attention—even when you're away.