Hurricane Preparedness Guide for 30A & South Walton Homeowners

Living along Scenic Highway 30A means enjoying sugar-white beaches, coastal dune lakes, and one of Florida's most beautiful communities. It also means preparing for hurricane season each year.

The good news? A little planning before a storm develops can make a tremendous difference. Whether you're a full-time resident, own a second home, or manage a vacation rental, taking a few simple steps now can help protect your family, your property, and give you greater peace of mind.

At Davis Properties, we've called South Walton home for more than 30 years. We've weathered our share of storms and know that preparation is always the best defense.

Before Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically increasing from mid-August into October. Before the season ramps up, take time to prepare your home and review your emergency plans.

Consider completing these tasks before a storm is ever on the radar:

• Review your homeowners and flood insurance policies.
• Photograph your home and valuable belongings for insurance records.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches around your property.
• Inspect your roof, gutters, and drainage systems.
• Test hurricane shutters or confirm storm panels are easily accessible.
• Service generators and replace old fuel if needed.
• Know your evacuation zone and identify several evacuation routes.
• Save important phone numbers, including your insurance company and utility providers.

A few hours of preparation today can save days—or even weeks—of stress later.

Build a Hurricane Supply Kit

Don't wait until store shelves are empty. Build your hurricane kit before it's needed and replenish supplies each year.

Essentials

• One gallon of water per person, per day (minimum three days)
• Non-perishable food
• Manual can opener
• First-aid kit
• Prescription medications
• Personal hygiene items
• Pet food and supplies

Electronics

• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable power banks
• Cell phone chargers
• NOAA Weather Radio

Important Documents

Store copies in a waterproof container or digitally in secure cloud storage.

Include:

• Insurance policies
• Identification
• Medical records
• Property deeds
• Financial information
• Emergency contacts

When a Storm Is Forecast

Once a tropical storm or hurricane begins tracking toward the Gulf, it's time to move from planning to action.

72–48 Hours Before Landfall

• Fill your vehicle with fuel.
• Charge phones and backup batteries.
• Withdraw cash.
• Refill prescriptions.
• Stock up on food and drinking water.
• Freeze bottles of water to help keep food cold if the power goes out.

48–24 Hours Before Landfall

• Secure or bring inside patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, and decorations.
• Close shutters or install storm panels.
• Move vehicles to higher ground if flooding is possible.
• Set refrigerators and freezers to the coldest settings.
• Review evacuation plans with your family.

Never wait until the last minute if local officials issue an evacuation order.

Hurricane Preparedness for Second Home Owners

Many homes along 30A serve as vacation homes or investment properties. If you won't be here during hurricane season, a little extra planning goes a long way.

We recommend:

• Having a trusted local contact inspect your property after severe weather.
• Installing smart security cameras and leak detectors.
• Turning off the water supply when the home will be vacant for extended periods.
• Storing or securing outdoor furniture before leaving town.
• Keeping alarm codes, gate codes, and emergency contacts updated.
• Reviewing your insurance coverage annually to ensure it reflects your home's current value.

These simple precautions can help minimize damage and speed recovery if a storm impacts the area.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

If local officials issue an evacuation order, don't wait.

Leave early, follow designated evacuation routes, and monitor updates from Walton County Emergency Management and the National Hurricane Center.

Helpful Resources:

• Walton County Emergency Management
• National Hurricane Center
• Florida Division of Emergency Management

Bookmark these websites before hurricane season so you can access reliable information when it matters most.

Local Tip from Davis Properties

One of the biggest lessons we've learned over the years is that preparation is easier than recovery.

If you're away from your home during hurricane season, consider asking a trusted neighbor, property manager, or maintenance company to inspect your property after a storm. Catching a roof leak, broken window, or plumbing issue early can prevent much larger repairs later.

Living Along the Emerald Coast

Hurricane season is simply part of life along Florida's Gulf Coast. Fortunately, with thoughtful preparation and a solid plan, there's no reason it has to be overwhelming.

At Davis Properties, we believe being a local expert means more than understanding the real estate market. It means helping homeowners protect one of their most valuable investments and sharing the knowledge that comes from living and working in South Walton for more than three decades.

Whether you're purchasing your first beach home, caring for a vacation property, or preparing to sell, we're always here to help.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy everything that makes life along 30A so special.

Need a printable checklist for your home or rental? We've put one together for you!