Hurricane season is part of life in Lighthouse Point, but a clear plan turns uncertainty into confidence. If you live on or near the water, you face unique risks from wind, storm surge, and tidal flooding. This guide shows you how to prepare with local timelines, step-by-step checklists, and trusted Broward County resources. You’ll know what to do for your home, boat, insurance, and recovery. Let’s dive in.
Why Lighthouse Point needs a plan
Lighthouse Point’s canal network and coastal location put many homes and marinas at risk from high winds, surge, and heavy rain. Waterfront and low-lying areas can experience combined surge and localized flooding. Start early so you’re not racing the clock during peak season.
Stay connected with local authorities:
Your step-by-step timeline
Annual prep before June
- Review HOA or condo emergency plans and contact lists. Many waterfront communities and marinas have specific protocols.
- Verify homeowner, wind, flood, and contents coverage. Remember that new NFIP flood policies usually have a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a digital home inventory with photos or a video walkthrough. Save it to the cloud and an external drive.
- Inspect your roof, gutters, and drainage. Trim dead limbs and secure loose yard items.
4–8 weeks before a likely storm
- Purchase or check shutters or impact protection. Verify products in the Florida Product Approval database.
- Service sump pumps. If you own a boat, check bilge pumps and battery backups.
- Call your marina or boatyard to confirm their hurricane plan, haul-out options, and any forms or insurance proof required.
- If using a generator, size your needs and plan for a safe transfer switch. Permanent units need permits and a licensed electrician.
1–2 weeks before a potential threat
- Fill prescriptions and stock medical supplies.
- Top off vehicle fuel. If you’ll use a generator, buy and store fuel safely.
- Refresh your emergency kit. Confirm shutter installation timelines or buy plywood early.
- For boats, schedule a haul-out or move to a safer basin if recommended. Document the boat’s condition.
48–72 hours before impact
- Install shutters and secure all exterior doors and windows.
- Bring in or tie down outdoor items like furniture, grills, and trash bins.
- Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings. Prepare coolers and ice.
- Raise valuables and electrical devices off floors in garages or low areas.
- Pack important documents in a waterproof container and keep digital copies. If you’re in an evacuation zone, plan to leave early.
During the storm
- Stay away from windows. Shelter in an interior room on the highest safe floor.
- Use a NOAA Weather Radio and official channels for updates.
After the storm
- Wait for officials to say it’s safe before returning to evacuated areas.
- Photograph all damage before repairs. Keep receipts for temporary fixes.
- Watch for downed power lines, contaminated standing water, and structural hazards.
- Start drying flood-damaged areas quickly to reduce mold. Contact licensed contractors for repair.
Build a smart emergency kit
Plan for at least 3 days of self-sufficiency, and consider 7–14 days given coastal risks.
- Water: at least 1 gallon per person per day
- Nonperishable food and a manual can opener
- Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
- First aid kit, medications, and copies of prescriptions
- Cash, IDs, and insurance documents in waterproof packaging
- Phone chargers, power banks, and a car charger
- Pet food, carriers, leashes, and vaccination records
- Basic tools, duct tape, utility knife, bleach, cleaning supplies
Secure your home and openings
Well-fitted protection reduces wind and debris damage.
- Choose impact-rated solutions such as roll-down or accordion shutters, Bahama/hinged shutters, or impact windows and doors. Temporary plywood works in a pinch.
- Verify products through the Florida Product Approval database or your manufacturer’s Miami-Dade Notice of Acceptance.
- Install permanent systems in the off-season. If you have an older home, consider a professional evaluation of roof-to-wall connections and other wind-mitigation upgrades.
- Coordinate with your condo association for approvals and follow Broward/Lighthouse Point permitting requirements for permanent installations.
Power and generator safety
Generators can be a lifeline, but they require careful planning.
- Types: Portable units are affordable but require outdoor-only use and safe power transfer. Standby units need a licensed electrician, a transfer switch, and permits.
- Sizing: Add up wattage for essentials like the refrigerator, key outlets, medical equipment, and a room A/C if needed. Consult a pro for sizing and installation.
- Fuel: Store gasoline in approved containers away from living areas. Consider propane or natural gas when available.
- Safety: Never operate a generator indoors or in a garage. Follow CDC generator safety guidance and install battery-backed carbon monoxide alarms on each floor.
- Maintenance: Exercise standby units and follow the manufacturer’s service schedule.
Waterfront and boat prep for Lighthouse Point
If you own a boat, act early. Marina and haul-out resources fill quickly.
- Coordinate with your marina’s written hurricane plan and confirm any insurance or form requirements.
- Best protection is often to haul out to a secure boatyard. If that’s not available, move to a more protected basin if advised.
- If staying in the water, use extra storm lines, chafe protection, increased scope, and remove sails/canopies. Double-check fixed pilings and fendering.
- On trailers, secure the trailer in a higher, well-anchored location away from surge-prone areas.
- Document condition with photos/video and confirm what your policy covers on land vs. in water.
Insurance, documents, and claims readiness
Clarity now prevents surprises later.
- Flood vs. wind: Standard homeowner policies usually do not cover flood. Separate flood insurance is recommended, especially near tidal and canal areas. View your flood risk on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
- Waiting period: NFIP policies typically have a 30-day waiting period for new coverage, so do not delay.
- Hurricane deductibles: Many Florida homeowner policies use a percentage deductible for hurricane events. Check your declarations page.
- Citizens Property Insurance: If you cannot obtain private coverage, review options with Citizens Property Insurance.
- Documentation: Photograph your home and valuables, record serial numbers, and store digital copies in the cloud. After a storm, take photos before repairs and save all receipts.
- Contractor safeguards: Get multiple written estimates, verify licensing and insurance, and avoid large upfront cash payments. Confirm credentials through the Florida DBPR’s license lookup.
Evacuation and shelters in Broward
Know your zone and leave early if ordered.
- Check your property’s evacuation zone on Broward’s evacuation maps.
- If officials issue an evacuation for your zone, go as soon as possible to avoid traffic and allow time to secure boats.
- Broward opens shelters based on the event, including locations for pets and special medical needs. Review options early through county updates.
- If you rely on power-dependent medical devices, plan for a generator or pre-register for special needs sheltering through the county.
After the storm: safety and recovery
Your first priorities are safety, documentation, and timely communication.
- Safety first: Watch for downed lines, gas leaks, unstable structures, and contaminated water. Wear gloves and masks when cleaning.
- Drying and mold: Start drying within 24–48 hours if possible. Consider professional remediation after significant flooding.
- Claims: Report promptly through your insurer’s hotline or portal. Keep a log of all communications with adjusters and contractors.
- Permits and repairs: Follow local permitting rules for structural work and use licensed contractors. Verify licenses through the state.
Staying proactive is the best protection. With the right prep for your Lighthouse Point home or condo, you can reduce risk and bounce back faster after a storm. If you’d like a local perspective on protecting your property’s value and timing any pre- or post-storm real estate decisions, let’s talk. Schedule your next step with Unknown Company.
FAQs
What is peak hurricane season in Lighthouse Point?
- The Atlantic season runs June 1 to November 30, with peak activity typically August through October. Prepare well before June.
How do I find my Broward evacuation zone?
Do I need flood insurance if I have homeowner’s insurance?
- Yes. Standard homeowner policies usually don’t cover flood. Consider an NFIP policy and account for the typical 30-day waiting period.
What are the safest ways to use a generator?
- Never operate a generator indoors or in a garage. Place it outside, away from openings, and follow CDC generator safety. Install carbon monoxide alarms.
How can I verify a contractor after the storm?
