Hurricane Season Resources

Florida Homeowners' Hurricane Preparedness

HURRICANE HELENE We pray that you are safe, unharmed, and free of danger and damage to your residence and your community. The aftermath of Hurricane Helene have been felt throughout our entire service area and the storm surge and coastal flooding has been devastating.

QPM continues to operate under Hurricane Protocol, prioritizing requests related to Hurricane Helene, assessing damage, and helping report claims and coordinate recovery and restoration efforts. At present power to our Pinellas County, Pasco County, and Citrus County offices is down. Additionally, our answering service is down and are working quickly to restore emergency telephone services. In the meantime, please report any storm related damage that would be covered by Association insurance or is of Association responsibility to: disasters@qualifiedproperty.com

For other damage that is the responsibility of the owner, please contact your personal insurance agent. For all other routine requests, please utilize the QPM Community Portal.

Our staff of dedicated Community Association Managers will be working closely with your Board of Directors, QPM's Catastrophic Events Department, Emergency After Hours Services, Association Insurance Agents, and Emergency Response Vendors to help ensure the safety and operation of your community.

We thank you for your patience as we will handle all return calls and emails in a prioritized manner.

As always, for more information on Hurricane Preparedness and Resources, please visit: QPM Hurricane Season Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Be proactive. Be prepared.

When is hurricane season in Florida?

Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st to November 30th each year. This is the period when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to form in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea.

What should I do to prepare my home for a hurricane?

Preparing your home for a hurricane involves several steps:

Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, plants, and other objects that could become projectiles in strong winds.
Protect Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. Reinforce doors, especially garage doors, to withstand high winds.
Check Roof and Gutters: Ensure your roof is in good condition and clear gutters of debris to prevent water damage.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim any overhanging branches and remove dead or weak trees that could fall during a storm.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock up on essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.

What should be included in my emergency preparedness plan?

Your emergency preparedness plan should include:

Evacuation Route: Know your evacuation routes and have a plan for where you will go if you need to evacuate.
Communication Plan: Establish a way to communicate with family members during and after the storm, including an out-of-state contact.
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of important phone numbers, including local emergency services, your insurance company, and QPM's emergency line.
Pet Care: Make arrangements for your pets, including where they will go if you need to evacuate and what supplies they will need.
Home Preparation: Plan how you will secure your home and what steps you will take to protect your property.
QPM's Hurricane Preparedness Guide: download here

What should I do if a hurricane warning is issued?

If a hurricane warning is issued, take immediate action to protect yourself and your property:

Follow Evacuation Orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave the area immediately. Do not wait until the last minute.
Finalize Home Preparations: Ensure all windows and doors are secured, and unplug appliances to prevent electrical fires.
Move to Safety: If you’re staying in your home, move to an interior room or a small, windowless area like a hallway, closet, or bathroom.
Stay Informed: Keep a battery-powered radio or a fully charged phone handy to receive updates and emergency instructions.

What should I do after a hurricane has passed?

After the hurricane has passed, take the following steps:

Assess Damage: Carefully inspect your home and property for any damage. Be cautious of downed power lines, flooded areas, and structural damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company: Report any damages to your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
Document Damage: Take photos and make a list of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.
Be Careful Returning Home: If you evacuated, only return home when local authorities have declared it safe to do so.
Report Issues to QPM: If there is damage to common areas or shared community facilities, report it to QPM so repairs can be coordinated.

How can I stay informed during a hurricane?

tay informed by:

Monitoring Local News: Keep track of weather updates through local news channels, radio, or reliable weather apps.
Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to local emergency alert systems and QPM notifications to receive real-time updates.
Stay Connected: Keep your phone charged and have backup power sources available to ensure you can receive updates and communicate with others.

What role does QPM play during hurricane season?

QPM plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and preparedness of the community:

Communication: We provide regular updates and instructions to homeowners before, during, and after a storm.
Community Preparedness: We work to secure common areas, facilities, and shared resources to minimize damage.
Post-Storm Recovery: After a hurricane, QPM's Catastrophic Events Department helps coordinate claim, cleanup, and restoration efforts for common areas and assists homeowners with damage assessment and recovery.

What are the common mistakes to avoid during hurricane season?

Avoiding these common mistakes can help keep you safe during a hurricane:

Ignoring Evacuation Orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, don’t delay. Evacuate as instructed to ensure your safety.
Failing to Secure Your Home: Don’t underestimate the power of strong winds. Secure windows, doors, and outdoor items well in advance.
Waiting Too Long to Prepare: Start your preparations early in the season. Don’t wait until a storm is imminent to gather supplies or secure your property.
Neglecting to Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure your insurance policy is up-to-date and includes adequate coverage for wind and flood damage.
Relying Solely on One Source of Information: Monitor multiple trusted sources for updates, including local news, weather apps, and emergency alerts.
Driving Through Flooded Areas: Never drive through standing water; just a few inches can cause your vehicle to lose control or stall.

How should I prepare my emergency kit for hurricane season?

An emergency kit is crucial for your safety during a hurricane. Your kit should include:

Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
Non-perishable Food: A three-day supply of canned goods, granola bars, and other easy-to-store items.
Medications: A week’s supply of prescription medications, along with a first-aid kit.
Important Documents: Copies of insurance policies, identification, and bank account records stored in a waterproof container.
Tools and Supplies: Flashlights, extra batteries, a multi-tool, duct tape, and a manual can opener.
Personal Items: Clothing, toiletries, and blankets for each family member.
Special Needs: Supplies for infants, pets, or elderly family members, as needed.
Communication Tools: A battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a portable charger for your phone.

Should I have flood insurance?

Yes, flood insurance is strongly recommended, especially in Florida where heavy rains and storm surges are common during hurricanes. Standard homeowners insurance typically does not cover flood damage, so it’s important to have a separate flood insurance policy.

How can I help my community after a hurricane?

After a hurricane, community support is essential:

Check on Neighbors: Ensure that your neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities, are safe and have what they need.
Volunteer: If it’s safe to do so, volunteer to help with community cleanup or assist those in need.
Share Resources: If you have extra supplies or equipment, offer them to neighbors who may need them.
Stay Positive: A positive attitude and a helping hand go a long way in helping the community recover and rebuild.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Subscribe to real-time alerts and updates, via the QPM Community Portal to keep you informed during hurricane season. Knowledge is your best defense against the storm.

TAMPA BAY WEATHER

Hurricane Season Resources

Florida Homeowners' Hurricane Preparedness

Frequently Asked Questions

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

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