Hurricane Prep 2025: 5 Smart Moves to Make This Week

Most homeowners wait too long. These five quick checks can make all the difference this season.

Author

Magaly Hernandez
May 05, 2025

In partnership with

Smarter, Safer Living in South Florida

Hurricane Prep 2025

🌀3 Smart Moves to Make This Week

Hurricane season is approaching, and with Hurricane Preparedness Week underway, now is the ideal time to get ahead of the storm.

This guide will help you:

✅ Stop the most common generator failures before they happen

💰Avoid unexpected repair bills and coverage surprises

🧰 Stock up smart, with gear that actually makes a difference

If your generator hasn't been checked, your insurance paperwork is still untouched, or your supplies are missing key items, you're not behind, but now is the time to catch up.

Here are 3 practical, high-impact actions you can take this week to protect your home and reduce stress when the power goes out.

✅ 1 Generator Readiness Checklist

🔧For Portable Gasoline Generators:

  • Move it to a well-ventilated outdoor area before starting

  • Add fuel if needed

  • Check the oil level — refill or change if needed

  • Test the battery (if electric start) or inspect the pull-start cord

  • Run and test it with a small appliance (fan, lamp, etc.)

  • Inspect the exhaust and muffler for blockages

  • Check all cords and plug points

  • Restock filters and spark plugs

  • Make sure you have enough fuel on hand for several days

  • Follow all owner’s manual safety instructions

⚙️ For Automatic Standby Generators:

  • Check the oil level and air filter

  • Check the status light – green means good, red means service is needed

  • Review any error codes on the control board using your manual

  • Inspect battery and terminals for corrosion or swelling

  • Clear debris from vents, louvers, and the generator pad

  • Check propane levels to ensure you have sufficient fuel

  • Initiate a power transfer test (simulate a brief outage)

  • Follow all owner’s manual safety instructions

🧑‍🔧Rather have a pro handle it? We’ve got you covered.
Reply to schedule a full checkup.

If you're enrolled in our maintenance program, our technicians already handle these checks during your scheduled service visit.

⚠️ Real Talk: Last year, we were called to hundreds of homes where the generator wouldn’t start. Most issues were preventable, but the repairs cost homeowners 3–5 times more than routine maintenance. Don’t wait for the storm.

🛡️ 2 Insurance Check: Are You Covered?

Before the season officially kicks off, take 10 minutes to review your policies,
because once a named storm is announced, most insurers stop making changes.

Here’s what to confirm now:

✅ Check your current policy for hurricane and flood exclusions
✅ Flood insurance is separate — it’s not included in homeowners’ coverage
✅ There’s a 30-day waiting period for new flood policies to take effect
✅ Ask about your named storm deductible — it’s often higher than you expect
✅ Confirm your generator is listed as covered personal property
✅ Create a photo or video inventory of your home and belongings
✅ Keep copies of your policy documents, receipts and other vital records in a waterproof container.
✅ Back up your documents and inventory to a portable hard drive or to a secure cloud account for safekeeping.  

📞 A 5-minute call now could save you thousands later.

💬 Need help reviewing your policy?
While we’re not insurance agents, we’ve teamed up with licensed professionals who specialize in hurricane and flood coverage for South Florida homes.

Reply with “Flood Review” and we’ll connect you. No pressure.

(We may receive a small referral commission if you move forward. Just keeping it transparent.)

🧰 3. Build Your Grab-and-Go Hurricane Kit

In just 10 minutes, you can pack a bin or duffel bag with these essentials, ready to use if the power goes out or you need to evacuate:

  • 🔦 Flashlight + batteries

  • 🩹First Aid Kit - Best seller

  • 📻 NOAA emergency radio – Get One

  • 🌬️ Portable fan – Fan Pick

  • 🔋 Power bank – Link

  • 🥫 Non-perishables + bottled water (3-day supply minimum)

Disaster Supply Checklist1.55 MB • PDF File

Our team’s picks…

Anker 737 Power Bank

Power up phones, tablets, and more. Fast charging, long battery life.

https://amzn.to/3GRrmX6

STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer

Keep gasoline fresh up to 12 months. Perfect for emergency fuel storage.

https://amzn.to/3ERGa7D

Some of the links above may be affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this newsletter!

Thanks for reading all the way to the end. We appreciate you being part of the Smart Living community!

📥 Stay tuned — and forward this to your neighbor who’s always “gonna get to it.”

⚡ Next Week? Lightning Protection 101

Florida leads the country in lightning strikes. If you’ve never thought about protecting your home and generator from surges, next week’s issue might change that.

Need Help? Contact Us

Not sure where to start or have questions about your generator or storm prep?
We’re here to help.

👉 Click here to contact our team or simply reply to this email.
A member of our team will get back to you within 1 business day.

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