JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As hurricane season continues, it’s easy to grow complacent when the skies have been calm. But preparation now can make all the difference later. Melissa DeVriese, President of Security First Insurance, joined River City Live to share innovative and practical ways to get ready for potential storms — and to make sure you’re covered before disaster strikes.
Start with the Basics: Know Your Coverage
According to DeVriese, the first step in storm prep is understanding your insurance.
“Know what your policy covers and what it doesn’t,” she advises. This clarity can help avoid confusion and stress when you need help the most.
She also encourages homeowners to document their property thoroughly — inside and out.
“Take pictures and videos of your home’s interior and exterior,” she says. “You don’t necessarily need to label them — a visual record is often enough.”
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These images can be crucial if you ever need to file a claim after a storm.
Smart Hacks for Storm Season
Security First Insurance isn’t just about coverage — they’re also about creativity when it comes to preparation. DeVriese shared two clever household hacks that can make post-storm life a little easier.
1. The Frozen Coin Trick: Take a cup of water, freeze it, place a coin on top, and return it to the freezer. If a power outage melts your ice, the coin will sink to the bottom. When you return home after a storm, you’ll know whether your food thawed and refroze — and whether it’s still safe to eat.
2. A Pet-Friendly Indoor Potty Solution: For pet owners, DeVriese suggests creating an indoor potty area.
“Lay strips of sod in a kiddie pool,” she explains. “It gives your pets a natural spot to use the restroom when it’s too dangerous to go outside.”
This trick can help keep your pets safe and reduce messes during severe weather.
Click here to download the Hurricane Preparedness Checklist PDF from the Security First Storm Center
Communication Is Key
Beyond preparation tips, Security First Insurance stays connected with policyholders before, during, and after storms.
“We communicate through email, text, and phone calls,” DeVriese says. “Our goal is to make sure our customers have the information and resources they need to prepare and recover.”
Stay Informed, Stay Safe
For more storm-season resources — including checklists, hacks, and insurance guidance — visit securityfirstflorida.com and explore the Storm Resource Center.
Because when it comes to hurricane season, a little preparation — and a few creative ideas — can make a world of difference.
Security First Insurance, headquartered in Ormond Beach, Florida, is one of the state’s largest and most trusted homeowners insurance providers. Since its founding in 2005, the company has grown to serve hundreds of thousands of Floridians, combining over a century of insurance expertise with a team of nearly 400 professionals. Under the leadership of President Melissa Burt DeVriese and CEO Locke Burt, Security First is known for its rapid disaster response, innovative repair solutions, and commitment to protecting Florida families—today and for generations to come.