Most Floridians Unprepared For Hurricane Season

June 14--TALLAHASSEE -- A survey conducted as this year's hurricane season started -- and just six months after Hurricane Irma battered the state -- shows most Floridians are still not prepared for storms.

The survey by the FAIR Foundation, taken days after Subtropical Storm Alberto brushed the state, found that more than three-quarters of Floridians expressed concern about potential hurricanes this year yet only half have reviewed their home insurance policies to be sure they're covered.

The survey began on June 1, the start of the six-month season and covered 1,000 Floridians. It found that 76 percent feel very or somewhat concerned about the new hurricane season. Only 5 percent said they are not at all concerned.

"Hurricanes Irma and Maria last year should have been enough to convince every Floridian of the vital importance of preparing for the worst but it doesn't seem that's really happened," Guy McClurkan, executive director for the FAIR Foundation, said in a news release. "The 2018 hurricane season is already off to a fast start, so it's crucial that everyone review their family's safety and evacuation plans, check their insurance coverage and consider purchasing separate flood insurance, since floods aren't covered by a typical homeowners policy."

The survey also found that Floridians are more focused on their safety and comfort at home following a significant storm event, further emphasizing the need for home hardening and other preparations.

Asked which conveniences they would choose to have in the four days following a hurricane, most chose a refrigerator (74 percent) over a fully charged cellphone (26%) and air conditioning (77%) over a fully charged cellphone (23%). An even larger majority would prefer internet access (83%) rather than cable television access (17%) -- and that sentiment runs strongly through all age groups, from 92 percent among millennials to 88 percent among those ages 35-54 and 74 percent among those ages 55 and older.

The Florida-based FAIR Foundation works to educate and empower consumers, promote wind and flood mitigation, and reduce uninsured risk.

"You simply can't wait until the last minute as the storm approaches -- not to prepare your home, and not to secure flood insurance to cover losses your regular homeowners policy won't," McClurkan said. "Even though hurricane season has already begun, it's not too late to get ready and get yourself, your family, and your home protected."

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