Hurricane season in Florida brings more than just wind and rain — it also opens the door to another serious threat: home break-ins. Every year, thousands of Florida homeowners evacuate under storm warnings, leaving their homes unattended and vulnerable to both natural and human dangers.
Home security during hurricanes isn’t just about boarding up windows or checking your insurance policy. It’s about having a proactive system that protects your property from looters, burglars, and storm damage — even when you’re miles away.
Let’s explore how you can secure your Florida home with the latest technology, smart planning, and a bit of peace of mind.
What Is the Risk of Break-Ins During a Hurricane?
Believe it or not, hurricanes can create an opening for opportunistic criminals. Evacuated homes are tempting targets, especially in neighborhoods where power outages or flooding delay police response.
Here’s what makes your home vulnerable:
- No lights or signs of occupancy.
- Disabled security systems due to power loss.
- Easy access through broken windows or unsecured doors.
Studies after major hurricanes like Irma and Ian reported spikes in looting and theft, with police departments urging residents to secure their homes better before leaving.
Why Florida Homes Are Especially Vulnerable
Florida’s geography and climate put it directly in the hurricane path. Coastal towns and inland communities alike face regular storm threats. But there’s more to consider:
- Many homes have large windows or sliding doors that can be easily breached.
- Vacation homes or seasonal residences often sit empty.
- Frequent power outages disable older alarm systems.
This is why home security during hurricanes needs a different approach — one that accounts for both natural disaster and human intrusion.
Best Practices for Home Security During Hurricanes
Protecting your home starts with planning and continues with the right tech. Below are the most effective ways to defend your property — even in the middle of a Category 4 storm.
Smart Devices That Keep Working in a Storm
Smart home technology plays a crucial role in hurricane-ready security. But not all devices are created equal — look for models that:
- Have battery backups.
- Offer LTE connectivity if the Wi-Fi goes down.
- Store footage on the cloud so you can access it from anywhere.
Video doorbells, outdoor cameras, and smart alarms are essential tools that continue to function even when the power is out.
Check out our video surveillance solutions built for storm-resilience.
Secure Doors and Windows with Reinforcements
The most common entry points for intruders are your doors and windows, especially during a storm when frames may already be weakened.
To protect these vulnerable areas:
- Install impact-resistant windows or add hurricane shutters.
- Upgrade to reinforced door frames and heavy-duty deadbolts.
- Add window and door sensors connected to your security system.
When these sensors trigger during a break-in, your system can immediately notify you — and law enforcement if you’re using a professional alarm monitoring service.
Remote Monitoring While You’re Away
Whether you’re evacuating or simply traveling during storm season, remote access is key. Modern home security systems allow you to:
- View live camera feeds from your phone.
- Receive real-time motion alerts.
- Lock or unlock doors remotely.
Apps like Alarm.com allow full control over your home’s security status, helping you feel in control no matter where you are.
Need full control from anywhere? Our smart home security systems integrate seamlessly with remote apps and emergency alerts.
Automated Lighting & Deterrence
Dark, empty houses are an open invitation to criminals. That’s why smart lighting is one of the most effective tools for home security during hurricanes.
Consider installing:
- Smart bulbs that run on schedules or timers.
- Motion-triggered floodlights in key areas.
- Indoor lights are set to simulate regular activity.
These automations not only deter intruders — they make your house look occupied, even if you’ve already hit the road.
Hurricane Alert Integration with Your System
Take your protection up a notch by integrating weather alerts into your security routines. Many smart hubs allow automation rules, such as:
- Auto-locking doors when a hurricane warning is issued.
- Arming the alarm system if high winds are detected.
- Turning on all exterior lights during weather alerts.
With platforms like Alarm.com and Building 36, you can connect your security system to real-time NOAA alerts.
Vacation Rental Security During Hurricane Season
If you own an Airbnb or VRBO rental in Florida, storm prep is critical for both your property and your guests.
Install:
- Smart locks to manage guest access.
- Cameras to monitor external activity.
- Security apps that allow messaging and emergency notifications.
Our vacation rental protection services are designed to simplify storm security, even when you’re managing guests from out of state.
Power Outage Protection
Your system is only as good as its ability to stay online. Make sure your key security components have:
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
- Battery backups for alarms and cameras.
- Optional solar panels or generators for extended outages.
Even better — choose devices with LTE or cellular failover so they stay connected even when your home Wi-Fi goes out.
Preventing Break-Ins During Evacuations
Once you’re gone, your home becomes a target — unless you’ve taken precautions:
- Set your security system to “away” mode before leaving.
- Enable notifications for any triggered alarms.
- Share your plans with a trusted neighbor or hire a local watch service.
Don’t forget to double-check all entry points and secure garage doors, sheds, and backyard gates.
Should You Invest in Professional Monitoring?
Short answer: yes.
Professional alarm monitoring provides you with 24/7 peace of mind, especially when your phone may not have service. A monitoring center can dispatch police or fire services immediately, giving your home a line of defense even when you’re not reachable.
Explore our alarm monitoring services that stay active through storms, blackouts, and Wi-Fi disruptions.
Why A.L.S. Security Is Florida’s First Choice for Hurricane-Ready Security
At A.L.S. Security Solutions, we specialize in storm-hardened home security systems that are tailor-made for Florida’s unique threats. Our systems include:
- Smart tech that survives high winds and power loss.
- Fully integrated camera, lock, and alert setups.
- Local support when you need it most — before, during, or after the storm.
If you’re ready to protect your home this hurricane season, our team is ready to help.
FAQs
How can I keep my security system online during a power outage?
Use devices with built-in battery backup and a cellular (LTE) connection. You can also add a small UPS or generator to support your router and modem.
Can smart locks work without internet?
Yes. Many smart locks can still be locked or unlocked via Cellular Network or physical keypad, even without Wi-Fi.
What should I do if my home is evacuated?
Set your system to away mode, double-check all entry points, activate all alarms, and ensure you receive notifications through your security app.
Do burglars break in during hurricanes?
Unfortunately, yes. Empty neighborhoods and disabled systems are seen as opportunities by criminals during evacuation orders.
What’s the best camera for hurricane-prone areas?
Choose weatherproof outdoor cameras with battery backup and cloud storage, like those from Alarm.com, and other systems offered by A.L.S.
Conclusion
Don’t wait until a hurricane is bearing down on your town to start thinking about security. Home security during hurricanes is all about planning, the right tech, and reliable support. By combining storm safety and burglary prevention, you can enjoy peace of mind, no matter what the forecast says.
Want to talk about securing your Florida home before the next storm hits? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation or browse our full range of smart home security solutions.
