Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Living in Pasco County means being prepared for storm season. Use this guide to protect your home and family before, during, and after a hurricane.
Official Pasco Resources
Access the most up-to-date information directly from Pasco County Emergency Management.
Interactive Storm Prep Timeline
72 Hours Out:Assess & Prepare
- Monitor official Pasco County updates and weather alerts.
- Review your insurance policies and locate important documents.
- Check your emergency kit and make a list of missing items.
- Clear your yard of any large debris.
Securing Your Home
Windows & Doors
Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood. Ensure all exterior doors are dead-bolted.
Roof & Gutters
Clean gutters and downspouts. Inspect roof for loose tiles or shingles before the storm.
Exterior Items
Bring in patio furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, and anything that could become a projectile.
Interactive Emergency Kit Builder
Don't wait until a storm is named to gather supplies. Use this checklist to build your kit. Your progress is saved automatically.
Preparing Your Insurance Information
The "Dec" Page
Your Declarations (Dec) Page is the most important document for an adjuster. It summarizes your coverages, limits, and deductibles. Keep a physical copy in your Go-Bag and save a PDF to your phone.
Pre-Storm Photos
Walk through your home and take photos or a video of every room, including the exterior and roof if possible. This proves the pre-storm condition of your property to the insurance adjuster.
Know Your Deductibles
Florida policies often have a separate, higher deductible for hurricane damage (usually 2%, 5%, or 10% of your home's insured value). Know this number before the storm hits.
Agent Contact Info
Save your insurance company's claims phone number and your specific agent's contact details in your phone contacts, and write them down on paper.
During the Storm
Stay indoors and away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
Keep an emergency radio tuned to local Pasco County emergency broadcasts.
If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce damage from power surges when electricity is restored.
After the Storm: Post-Storm Inspection
Once local authorities declare it safe to go outside, carefully assess your property. Follow these steps to document damage safely.
Document Before Cleanup
Take extensive photos and video of all damage BEFORE you start moving debris or cleaning up. Adjusters need to see the scene exactly as the storm left it.
Check the Roof & Exterior
Look for missing shingles, damaged fascia, or tree impacts from the ground. Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof yourself.
Inspect for Water Intrusion
Check ceilings for water stains, inspect around windows and doors, and look for pooling water in the attic or crawlspaces.
Beware of Hazards
Never touch downed power lines. Be cautious of displaced wildlife (snakes, insects) in debris piles. Do not enter standing water.