Living in Volusia and Flagler Counties means enjoying beautiful weather most of the year, but it also means preparing for hurricane season. As a homeowner in our coastal communities, taking proactive steps before a storm arrives can protect your family, your home, and your long-term housing stability.

At Mid-Florida Housing Partnership (MFHP), a HUD-approved nonprofit housing agency serving Daytona Beach, Palm Coast, DeLand, Deltona, and surrounding areas, we know that safe, stable housing includes being prepared for life’s challenges. A little planning now can make a big difference when severe weather strikes.

Understand Your Risk

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Storms can bring high winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding. It’s important to understand your home’s vulnerability — including whether you live in a flood zone — and which hazards are most likely in your area. Knowing your property’s risk is an important step in protecting your investment and maintaining long-term housing stability.

Create a Hurricane Plan

A clear plan ensures your family knows what to do when a storm approaches. Consider the following steps:

• Identify safe rooms or areas in your home where you can shelter during high winds.
• Designate evacuation routes and a meeting place if your household becomes separated.
• Keep important documents — such as insurance policies, identification, mortgage paperwork, and property records — in a waterproof, easy-to-access container.

Review and Update Your Insurance

Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy is current and provides adequate coverage. Standard policies often do not cover flood damage, so consider purchasing flood insurance if you do not already have it. Since policies may take time to go into effect, avoid waiting until a storm is imminent. Review your deductibles and make sure you understand what is and is not covered.

MFHP housing counselors can help guide homeowners through insurance questions, budgeting for premiums, and accessing foreclosure prevention resources if a disaster affects your financial stability.

Protect Your Home

Strengthening your home before hurricane season can reduce storm damage. Consider these steps:

• Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood.
• Secure outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, and gardening tools.
• Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches.
• Check your roof, gutters, and downspouts to ensure they are in good condition and clear of debris.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Build an emergency supply kit with essentials to sustain your family for at least 72 hours:

• Water (one gallon per person per day)
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First-aid supplies
• Medications and prescriptions
• Cash in small bills
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio

Having these supplies ready in advance can reduce stress and help keep your family safe during power outages and disruptions.

Know Where to Get Help

During and after a hurricane, community resources may be available, including shelters, food distribution sites, and disaster recovery programs. Keep a list of emergency contacts and local agencies that provide support in Volusia and Flagler Counties.

As part of the MFHP community, you also have access to housing counselors who can assist with insurance questions, financial planning, and programs that support housing stability — including budget counseling, credit counseling Florida services, and mortgage delinquency counseling.

Stay Informed

Follow local news and weather updates throughout hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center and the Florida Division of Emergency Management offer accurate storm tracking tools and preparedness information for residents of Volusia and Flagler Counties.

Planning ahead helps ensure that your home remains a source of comfort and safety, even during challenging weather events.

Visit www.mfhp.org to learn more about homeowner resources, housing counseling Daytona Beach FL services, financial literacy workshops, and how Mid-Florida Housing Partnership supports residents year-round.