Your first job during a hurricane is keeping people safe. Property cleanup begins only after official warnings, water and structural hazards have been addressed.
Before a storm
- Follow county emergency management and the National Hurricane Center for advisories and evacuation information.
- Know your evacuation zone and route. Never let a cleanup plan replace an evacuation order.
- Charge phones, prepare medications, water, flashlights, food and pet supplies, and secure essential records.
- Check your roof, drainage and AC condensate areas from a safe location; arrange preventive repairs when conditions allow.
- Move valuables off low floors if safe, and photograph property condition for your records.
During a storm
- Stay indoors, away from windows, and follow official shelter instructions.
- Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater. A familiar road can hide washed-out pavement.
- Do not use a generator inside a garage, porch or near an open window. The EPA advises placing generators outdoors at least 20 feet from buildings.
- Stay away from downed power lines and submerged electrical equipment.
After a storm: home reentry
- Check local clearance and wait for officials to declare it safe to return.
- Look for structural damage, leaking gas, overhead wires and floodwater before entering.
- Use flashlights rather than candles where gas leaks may be possible.
- If your house is wet, prioritize safe moisture control and obtain qualified help for contaminated or extensive damage.
- Keep children and health-vulnerable residents away from cleanup areas.
How to reduce moisture damage
When a building is safe to work in, begin proper drying as soon as practical. Floodwater contamination, wet insulation and standing water call for different procedures than a small clean-water leak. Avoid sealing damp walls or applying paint over potential mold.
Use trusted storm resources
The National Hurricane Center and Florida Division of Emergency Management publish official hazard information. County emergency websites provide closures, debris rules and local assistance; check those first rather than relying on viral social posts.
What ACS can do after a storm
ACS Mold Care can take service inquiries for water intrusion and storm-related property damage through ACS Air Care. Tell us your city and situation; the team will confirm whether an appropriate service provider and appointment are available. No 24/7 dispatch promise is made.
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Official guidance & reporting
These links provide additional official safety information. News reporting is identified separately. Service availability and assistance programs can change.