Build-back & recovery · RIDIS field notes

South Florida hurricane preparation should begin before a watch or warning is issued. A clear plan protects people first, reduces avoidable property damage, and makes recovery decisions easier when contractors, materials, fuel, and communications are under pressure.

Before hurricane season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The Florida Division of Emergency Management encourages households and businesses to prepare at least seven days of essential supplies.

• Know whether the property is in an evacuation or storm-surge zone and identify more than one safe destination.
• Build a seven-day supply kit for every person and pet, including water, shelf-stable food, medications, batteries, flashlights, chargers, cash, and first-aid supplies.
• Store insurance policies, identification, permits, surveys, warranties, contractor information, and emergency contacts in a secure digital location.
• Photograph the roof, exterior elevations, windows, doors, mechanical equipment, electrical panels, interiors, and valuable contents before a storm.
• Review flood, wind, and property coverage with the insurance professional; standard property policies may treat flood damage differently.
• Service generators and test shutters or panels before they are urgently needed.

When a storm is approaching

• Monitor the National Hurricane Center, local emergency management, and official county alerts.
• Install approved shutters or protection according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not improvise attachments that could damage the building or become debris.
• Bring loose furniture, tools, planters, signs, and construction materials indoors or secure them properly.
• Clear roof drains, gutters, scuppers, and accessible site drainage without climbing onto wet or unsafe surfaces.
• Charge devices, fill prescriptions, set refrigerators colder, and freeze containers of water where practical.
• Move documents, electronics, chemicals, and valuable materials above potential flood levels.
• Shut down active construction safely and document the site condition.

Generator and carbon-monoxide safety

Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, crawlspace, or other enclosed area. Follow the manufacturer’s placement and connection instructions, keep exhaust away from openings, and use a properly installed transfer method. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can be fatal.

During the storm

• Stay indoors and away from windows, skylights, and exterior doors.
• Use an interior room when sheltering in place, if local officials have determined the structure and location are safe.
• Do not go outside during the eye; dangerous winds can return quickly from the opposite direction.
• Keep phones charged and preserve battery power for official alerts and essential communication.
• Do not use candles where flashlights or battery-powered lighting are available.
• If instructed to evacuate, leave immediately using official routes.

After the storm: assess before repairing

Wait for official clearance before returning. Floodwater, downed power lines, unstable trees, damaged roofs, gas leaks, sharp debris, contaminated materials, and hidden structural damage can remain dangerous after the weather improves.

• Photograph damage before cleanup or temporary repairs when it is safe to do so.
• Contact the insurer and follow its documentation instructions.
• Use temporary measures only to prevent further damage; do not enter unsafe areas.
• Do not energize wet electrical equipment or operate damaged HVAC systems until evaluated by qualified professionals.
• Keep receipts, proposals, change orders, permits, inspection records, photographs, and payment records together.
• Confirm permit requirements with the local building department before permanent repairs begin.

Hire contractors carefully after a hurricane

Storms attract unlicensed operators and high-pressure “storm chasers.” Florida DBPR advises consumers to verify licenses, get the work and price in writing, avoid paying the full amount in cash before completion, and report unlicensed activity.

Contractor checklist

• Verify the license directly through Florida DBPR—not only a business card, tax receipt, or corporate registration.
• Confirm the contractor’s company name, license number, insurance, and contact information.
• Request a detailed written scope, price, schedule, payment terms, permit responsibility, and cleanup requirements.
• Be cautious of pressure to sign immediately, assign benefits, or make large cash payments.
• Document deposits and progress payments and make them payable to the contracted business.
• Confirm inspections and final closeout before making the final payment.

Official Florida resources

• Florida Division of Emergency Management: preparing for hurricane season
• Florida disaster supply kit checklist
• Florida evacuation-zone and preparedness maps
• Florida DBPR Hurricane Guide
• Florida DBPR license verification guidance
• Florida DBPR emergency information

Organize recovery before work begins

Clear documentation and a written scope help owners compare proposals, coordinate insurance requirements, obtain permits, and avoid rebuilding the same problem twice. When conditions are safe, RIDIS can help evaluate the construction scope and plan an organized path forward.

Build-back & recovery · RIDIS field notes

After storm, fire, or water damage, construction decisions are easier when the property condition and proposed repair scope are documented before materials are removed or concealed.

Start with safety and stabilization

Address immediate hazards, active water entry, unsafe electrical conditions, temporary protection, and access restrictions with qualified professionals. Emergency actions should be documented with dates, photographs, invoices, and the reason the work was necessary.

Create an existing-condition record

• Wide photographs showing each affected room or area
• Close photographs of damaged assemblies and finishes
• Measurements and material descriptions
• Visible moisture, staining, corrosion, cracking, or deformation
• Equipment, fixtures, cabinetry, and built-in items affected
• Areas opened for investigation or drying

Separate investigation from reconstruction

Drying, environmental evaluation, engineering, selective demolition, and rebuilding may involve different firms and different scopes. Clarify who is responsible for each phase and what documentation will be provided at handoff.

Define the repair standard

The written scope should identify what will be removed, repaired, replaced, matched, protected, tested, permitted, inspected, and excluded. It should also note unresolved conditions that may only become visible after selective demolition.

Track changes during the work

If additional damage is uncovered, pause long enough to document it. Record photographs, location, proposed response, cost impact, schedule impact, and required authorization before proceeding when practical.

Close out with organized records

Keep approved plans, permits, inspection results, product information, photographs, change orders, warranties, and a final completion record together. Good closeout documentation reduces confusion after the project is finished.

This guide provides general construction-side information and does not provide insurance, legal, engineering, environmental, or coverage advice.