The aftermath of a hurricane is overwhelming. Between scattered debris, standing water, and potential structural damage, knowing exactly what to do — and in what order — can mean the difference between a smooth recovery and months of compounding problems. According to NOAA, Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the nation, with 120 hurricanes making landfall since record-keeping began in 1851. For Central Florida homeowners in Orlando, Sanford, DeLand, DeBary, and surrounding communities, even storms that make landfall on the coast can deliver devastating inland damage through wind, rain, flooding, and tornadoes.
This step-by-step guide covers what to do immediately after a hurricane hits your Central Florida home, how to stay safe, how to document damage for insurance, and when to call for professional help.
Step 1: Prioritize Personal Safety
Before you assess any property damage, make sure you and your family are safe.
Watch for Immediate Hazards
- Downed power lines — Stay at least 35 feet away from any downed lines and assume they are live. Report them to your utility provider immediately. According to FEMA, electrocution is one of the leading causes of post-hurricane fatalities.
- Structural damage — If your home has visible cracks in the foundation, sagging ceilings, leaning walls, or a partially collapsed roof, do not enter. Wait for a professional structural assessment.
- Standing water — Floodwater is often contaminated with sewage, chemicals, and debris. The CDC warns that floodwater can contain bacteria, viruses, and hazardous waste. Do not wade through standing water if you can avoid it, and never let children play in it.
- Gas leaks — If you smell gas, leave the property immediately and call 911. Do not flip light switches or use anything that could create a spark.
Check on Neighbors
Once your family is accounted for, check on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance, particularly in communities throughout Volusia, Seminole, and Orange counties where older residents may live alone.
Step 2: Contact Emergency Services if Needed
Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency hazards like downed trees blocking roads or flooded intersections, contact your county's emergency management office. Volusia County Emergency Management, Seminole County Emergency Management, and Orange County Emergency Services all maintain hotlines during active storm events.
If your home has sustained major structural damage — a collapsed wall, a tree through the roof, or significant flooding — contact emergency restoration services as soon as it is safe to do so. The faster emergency board-up and tarping are completed, the less secondary damage your home will sustain.
Step 3: Document Everything Before Cleanup
Insurance documentation is critical, and the steps you take in the first 24 to 48 hours directly affect your claim outcome. The Insurance Information Institute reports that the average homeowners insurance claim for wind and hail damage is $13,432 — but undocumented damage often goes uncompensated.
How to Document Hurricane Damage
- Photograph all damage from multiple angles, including wide shots and close-ups
- Video walkthrough — Record a narrated video walking through every room, pointing out damage as you go
- Save damaged materials — Do not throw away damaged items until your adjuster has seen them or you have thorough photo documentation
- Keep a written log — Note the date and time you discovered each area of damage, what the weather conditions were, and any steps you took to prevent further damage
- Photograph serial numbers on damaged appliances and electronics
Protect Undamaged Property
Your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage. This means covering broken windows, placing tarps over roof damage, and extracting standing water as soon as possible. Failure to mitigate can result in a reduced or denied claim for secondary damage like mold growth. According to the EPA, mold can begin growing on wet surfaces within 24 to 48 hours.
Step 4: Begin Emergency Mitigation
Board-Up and Tarping
If your roof is damaged or windows are broken, emergency board-up and tarping should be your first call. Every hour of exposure to the elements increases the cost and scope of your restoration. Rain entering through a compromised roof can saturate insulation, drywall, flooring, and personal belongings — turning a roof repair into a full-scale water damage restoration project.
Water Extraction
If your home has taken on water, professional water extraction should begin as soon as possible. Residential-grade fans and dehumidifiers are not sufficient after a hurricane. Professional-grade equipment is necessary to prevent structural damage and mold growth. People First Restoration offers 24/7 emergency response and can begin water extraction immediately upon arrival.
Step 5: File Your Insurance Claim
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the storm. Most policies have time limits for reporting damage, and delays can jeopardize your claim.
What to Have Ready
- Your policy number
- Photos and video documentation of all damage
- A list of damaged or destroyed personal property
- Receipts for any emergency repairs or mitigation work already performed
- Contact information for your restoration company
People First Restoration works directly with all major insurance companies and can provide detailed Xactimate estimates, moisture mapping reports, and professional documentation to support your claim. Our storm damage repair team handles the entire process from initial assessment through final reconstruction.
Step 6: Understand the Restoration Timeline
Hurricane restoration is not a one-day project. Depending on the severity of damage, the process typically includes:
- Emergency mitigation (Day 1) — Board-up, tarping, water extraction
- Assessment and documentation (Days 1-3) — Detailed damage assessment, moisture readings, insurance coordination
- Drying and demolition (Days 3-7) — Removal of saturated materials, industrial drying
- Mold prevention (Ongoing) — Antimicrobial treatment, humidity monitoring
- Reconstruction (Weeks 2-8+) — Rebuild damaged areas to pre-loss or better condition
The timeline varies based on the severity of damage and the speed of insurance approval. FEMA reports that the average hurricane causes $1.3 billion in damage nationally, and individual claims can take weeks to months to settle.
When to Call a Restoration Company vs. Emergency Services
- Call 911 for fires, gas leaks, medical emergencies, and imminent structural collapse
- Call People First Restoration at (888) 278-8054 for roof damage, water intrusion, flooding, board-up and tarping, water extraction, mold prevention, and full property restoration
The key distinction: emergency services handle life safety threats, while a restoration company handles property preservation and recovery. Both are critical, but knowing which to call — and when — saves time and reduces damage.
Preparation Makes Recovery Easier
The best time to plan your hurricane recovery strategy is before the storm arrives. Review our hurricane season preparation guide and download our storm preparation checklist so you know exactly what steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane.
People First Restoration serves homeowners and businesses throughout Central Florida, including Orlando, Sanford, DeLand, DeBary, Daytona Beach, Kissimmee, Winter Park, and Apopka. We provide 24/7 emergency response, work directly with your insurance company, and restore your property to pre-loss condition — guaranteed.
Sources
- NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) — Historical data on Florida hurricane landfalls since 1851 and tropical weather patterns affecting Central Florida.
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) — Post-hurricane safety guidelines, electrocution risk data, and average hurricane damage cost statistics.
- Insurance Information Institute (III) — Average homeowners insurance claim amounts for wind and hail damage ($13,432).
- EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) — Mold growth timelines on wet surfaces (24 to 48 hours) and indoor humidity recommendations.
- CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) — Floodwater contamination hazards including bacteria, viruses, and chemical exposure risks.