Before storm season: home maintenance
Clear gutters and downspouts so rainwater can drain away from your home properly instead of backing up toward your roofline. Check that drainage paths around your property, including any swales or ditches, are clear of debris that could block water flow during heavy rain.
Trim tree limbs that hang near your roof or windows, since falling branches during high winds are a common cause of storm damage in wooded Edgewater neighborhoods. Check your roof for any loose or damaged shingles that could worsen during a storm.
Before storm season: insurance review
Take time before storm season, not during it, to review your homeowners insurance policy and understand what is and is not covered. Given Edgewater's proximity to the Indian River, check specifically whether you have flood insurance, since standard homeowners policies typically exclude storm surge and river flooding.
Take photos of your home's current condition, inside and out, and store them somewhere accessible outside your home, like cloud storage. This gives you a clear before picture if you ever need to document storm damage.
Right before a specific storm
As a storm approaches, secure or bring indoors any loose outdoor items, like furniture, planters, or decorations, that could become projectiles in high wind. Know where your main water shutoff and breaker panel are located in case you need to act quickly.
If evacuation is recommended for your area, follow official guidance rather than waiting to see how bad it gets. Property can potentially be repaired; your safety cannot be replaced.
After the storm: safety first
Once it is safe to return home, check for hazards before going inside, including downed power lines, standing water that may be electrically charged, and structural damage that could make the building unsafe. If anything seems unstable, wait for a professional assessment before entering.
Avoid using appliances or electrical systems that got wet until they have been checked, and stay out of any flood water, since it can carry contamination from outside sources.
After the storm: calling for help
Take photos of any damage before you start cleaning up or moving anything, since this documentation matters for your insurance claim. Then call for professional help right away, whether that means water extraction, emergency board-up for broken windows or roof damage, or all of the above.
The faster water is extracted and openings are secured after a storm, the less secondary damage your home will face from continued rain, humidity, or exposure while repairs are being planned.