Hurricane Ian Storm Relief

Plumbing prep before a hurricane hits

Central Florida's storm season runs June through November, and most storm plumbing damage is preventable with an hour of prep. Do these before the weather arrives, not during.

• Find and test your main water shutoff now - in an emergency is the wrong time to learn it is seized
• If you evacuate, shut off the main so a storm-damaged line cannot flood the house while you are gone
• Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets in case service is interrupted
• Strap or secure your water heater per code, and consider shutting off its breaker or gas if flooding threatens
• Clear yard drains, gutters, and downspouts so the water that falls has somewhere to go

After the storm: the first 48 hours

If your home takes on water, safety first: do not enter standing water while power is on, and assume flood water is contaminated. Then document everything with photos before you move or discard anything - insurers pay on evidence. Wet drywall, insulation, and flooring need professional drying started within the first day or two; mold does not wait for the adjuster's schedule.