If you own a waterfront home in Tierra Verde, you know how fast a tropical system can turn. One tide cycle, one wind shift, and your dock, boat, and windows can be at risk. You want a clear plan that protects what matters and helps you return to normal quickly. In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step hurricane prep plan tailored to Tierra Verde’s surge and wind exposure, plus what to do after a storm. Let’s dive in.
Why prep matters in Tierra Verde
Tierra Verde sits on low-lying barrier islands bordered by Boca Ciega Bay and the Intracoastal waterways. Waterfront homes here face two primary hazards during tropical cyclones: storm surge and wind. Surge can push water well above normal tides, turning docks, lifts, and yards into high-energy zones with waves and floating debris.
Even if a storm’s center stays offshore, strong onshore winds can drive surge into local waterways. That combination puts pressure on pilings, lift gear, windows, roofs, and any loose exterior items. A plan you can activate in hours protects your property and speeds recovery.
Check your evacuation zone
Pinellas County issues evacuations by zone to manage storm surge risk. Many Tierra Verde waterfront addresses fall in coastal evacuation zones. Confirm yours now using the county’s evacuation zone lookup and review the county hurricane guide for shelters and routes. Sign up for county alerts so you do not miss orders or updates.
Also check your FEMA flood zone through the Flood Map Service Center. Your flood zone and elevation affect both your risk and insurance needs.
Pre-season checklist
Do these steps once a year before hurricane season.
Documentation and insurance
- Confirm your evacuation zone and identify shelter options. Plan for pets and medications.
- Review insurance. Verify separate wind and flood coverage, and confirm what is covered for docks, seawalls, and boat lifts. Flood insurance often has a 30-day waiting period.
- Create a home and vessel inventory with photos or video and serial numbers. Save copies to the cloud and keep a waterproof set of critical documents.
Docks, lifts, and glazing
- Inspect pilings, cleats, lifts, and tie-off hardware. Replace corroded parts and confirm pilings are sound.
- Service hurricane shutters or impact-rated windows. If you use panels, make sure they are labeled, accessible, and complete with fasteners.
- Plan boat storage. Know your marina’s hurricane policy, haul-out options, and pricing. Identify a hauler in advance.
Safety and supplies
- Stage an emergency kit for wind and flood. Include batteries, lights, first aid, tarps, and basic tools.
- Do a dry run of your evacuation plan. Include pet carriers, fuel plans, and where your boat will go.
7+ days out
When a named storm looks likely, start early.
- Confirm marina or haul-out plans and availability.
- Review your evacuation route and lodging options.
- Safely top up generator fuel and vehicle fuel. Store fuel containers properly.
- Take clear photos of your home’s exterior, dock, lift, and vessel. These images help with any claims.
72–48 hours out
As the track becomes clearer, move into action.
Docks and fixed structures
- Remove loose items like furniture, planters, hoses, ladders, and dock boxes. Store them inside.
- Add extra dock lines with chafing protection. Use longer lines so the boat can rise with surge without overloading cleats. Tie to multiple strong points where possible.
- Label and secure shutoffs. Disconnect shore power at the pedestal only if it is safe and consistent with marina rules. Elevate cords and protect panels from splash.
- If your dock has removable sections, remove and store them if practical.
Boat lifts and davits
- Follow the lift manufacturer’s instructions. Lifts are vulnerable to surge and wave action.
- Best option: haul the boat and store it inland or in dry-stack storage.
- If haul-out is not possible, move to a protected basin or hurricane mooring if available.
- If the boat stays on a lift, secure it exactly as the manufacturer directs. If allowed and safer, remove the boat from the lift so it can float and be secured with redundant lines.
Vessels afloat
- Use multiple lines in a figure-eight or spring-line arrangement to control movement and allow for a rise in water level.
- Add extra fenders and spread them along the hull.
- Remove electronics, cushions, and valuables. Store them below deck in sealed containers or take them ashore.
- Use additional anchors with proper scope if mooring in open water and if advised by experienced mariners. Follow marina guidance.
Windows, doors, and shutters
- Install shutters or close impact-rated systems for all exposed glazing.
- If using plywood, pre-cut and label sheets and keep fasteners together.
- Reinforce or protect garage doors and large sliders.
Inside the home
- Elevate valuables, electronics, and area rugs above predicted flood levels. Move items to higher floors when possible.
- Save digital copies of documents to the cloud. Take small valuables with you if you evacuate.
- Photograph rooms and storage areas for documentation.
48–24 hours out
When the storm is imminent or an evacuation is ordered, finalize preparations.
Docks and vessels
- Recheck every line, cleat, and attachment. Add redundancy so one failure does not cascade.
- Secure or drain fuel containers. Do not overfill tanks because fuel expands with temperature.
- Notify your marina and neighbors if you plan to leave a vessel in place. Marinas may reassign slips or restrict access.
Home securement
- Finish installing shutters and bring remaining exterior items inside.
- Shut off utilities only if instructed by local authorities. Keep refrigerators running unless directed otherwise.
Personal evacuation
- Follow county evacuation orders. Leave early if you are in a mandatory zone or are directly on the waterfront.
- Take pet supplies, insurance cards, IDs, home and vessel inventories, and essential medications.
Communication
- Share your location and plans with family, neighbors, and your insurance agent. Note where your boat is secured and how it is tied.
Right after the storm
Safety comes first. Wait for an official all clear from Pinellas County before returning.
- Document damage with photos before moving anything. This speeds claims.
- Watch for hazards like contaminated water, downed lines, gas leaks, and unstable pilings.
- Check docks and lifts carefully. Undermined footings or cracked pilings can fail even if decking looks intact.
- Report major dock failures or navigation hazards to marina operators and county officials.
- Contact your insurer promptly and follow their claims process.
Dock, lift, and boat tips
Small adjustments can make a big difference.
Docks and pilings
- Replace corroded bolts and fittings well before storm season.
- Consider modular or removable dock sections you can pull ahead of a surge.
- Treat shore power as a serious hazard. Only disconnect as directed and per marina rules.
Boat lifts
- Lifts do not perform well in strong surge and waves. Many manufacturers advise removing the boat and leaving the lift.
- If the boat must remain, also secure it independently to fixed pilings or a hurricane mooring.
Mooring strategy
- Safest: haul-out or dry-stack storage.
- Next best: move to a protected basin or hurricane hole and rig redundant lines and anchors with chafing gear.
- Do not rely on standard slip tie-ups during a hurricane. Ask your marina for its hurricane plan.
Insurance and claims basics
Understanding coverage helps you plan and recover.
Flood versus wind
- Standard homeowners policies usually cover wind but not flood. Flood coverage comes from the National Flood Insurance Program or a private policy.
- Review windstorm deductibles and exclusions. Confirm limits and endorsements for docks, lifts, and seawalls.
Documentation
- Keep pre-storm photos and videos for your home, dock, lift, and vessel.
- Save receipts and serial numbers. Track emergency repairs and estimates for claims.
Post-storm assistance
- Report downed lines and leaks to utilities. Use licensed marine contractors for salvage and repairs.
- Follow county and FEMA guidance if disaster assistance becomes available for your area.
Local resources
Save these sources for official updates and how-to guidance.
- Pinellas County Emergency Management for evacuation zones, orders, shelters, and hurricane guides.
- Pinellas County GIS maps for evacuation zones on parcel maps.
- Florida Division of Emergency Management for statewide updates and preparation.
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center to confirm your flood zone designation.
- National Flood Insurance Program for flood policy details and claims.
- NOAA National Hurricane Center for official tracks and advisories.
- US Coast Guard for boating advisories and emergency contacts.
- UF/IFAS Extension and Florida Sea Grant for practical boat, dock, and coastal guidance.
- Pinellas County Animal Services for pet-friendly shelter requirements.
Quick reference checklist
- Pre-season: confirm evacuation zone, update insurance, document property, inspect dock and pilings, service shutters or impact glass, arrange haul-out options.
- 7–3 days: confirm marina or hauler plans, remove loose dock items, photograph property condition.
- 72–24 hours: install shutters, haul or secure boat, add extra lines and chafing gear, handle shore power safely, elevate valuables.
- Evacuate when ordered. Take documents, inventory, medications, and pet supplies.
- Post-storm: wait for all clear, document damage, contact insurer and marina, beware hazards.
Preparing early gives you more choices when it counts. With a plan for your dock, lift, vessel, windows, and valuables, you reduce risk and protect your investment in Tierra Verde.
If you are planning a sale or purchase on the waterfront and want guidance on property readiness and timing, let’s talk. Melody Stang Realty offers boutique, locally rooted representation for premium waterfront homes across Pinellas County.
FAQs
How do I find my Tierra Verde evacuation zone?
- Use Pinellas County’s evacuation zone lookup and sign up for county alerts. Zones guide mandatory evacuations based on storm surge risk.
Should I haul out my boat before a hurricane?
- Haul-out or dry-stack storage is safest. If that is not possible, move to a protected basin or secure with redundant lines and anchors per marina guidance.
Do I need both flood and wind insurance in Tierra Verde?
- Usually yes. Homeowners policies typically cover wind but not flood. Flood policies often have a 30-day waiting period, so confirm details with your insurer.
When should I install shutters on my waterfront home?
- Install shutters 72 to 48 hours before expected impact, or earlier if you need more time. Complete installation before winds rise and evacuation orders take effect.
What is the most common mistake owners make before a storm?
- Waiting too long to arrange haul-out or secure the vessel and assuming a dock or lift will withstand surge without removal or extra lines.
