As temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia, local homeowners are reminded that even Florida can feel wintry, and that means preparation matters. While we may not see deep snow like other parts of the country, freezes and chilly nights still pose real risks to your home and belongings.
We want to help homeowners stay safe and, with help and advice from Security First Insurance, reduce the likelihood of costly insurance claims. That’s why we promote the 5 P’s of Cold Weather Preparedness — a simple way to remember what needs protection when cold air moves in:
The 5 P’s of Cold Weather:
- People — Protect the health and safety of everyone under your roof.
- Pets — Bring furry (and feathered) family members indoors and ensure they have warm shelter.
- Plants — Tropical and subtropical plants can suffer damage or die in freezing temperatures — cover them or move them inside.
- Pipes — Water pipes exposed to cold air can freeze and burst, leading to major water damage.
- Pools — Check pumps, pipes, plugs, protective covers, and proper procedures (like running the pump/filters) to prevent freezing, maintain flow, and avoid costly damage during freezes. The goal is to keep water moving in plumbing and equipment to stop ice from forming and cracking them.
Related: Weather Ready: Cold weather means a higher risk of power surges. Are your appliances covered?
Even a mild freeze can bring expensive headaches if you’re not prepared. Here are expert tips from Security First Insurance on how to winter-proof your home before the cold worsens:
❄️ 6 Easy Florida Winter Home Fixes That Can Prevent Costly Claims
As shared on the Security First Florida blog, winter’s cool weather (although brief) is an excellent time to check off a few maintenance tasks that protect your home, prevent water damage, reduce mold risk and minimize future insurance claims.
1. Check Your Roof
Walk around your house to spot lifted or missing shingles, clogged valleys, or debris that could allow water in later. Early fixes help avoid leaks.
2. Clean Gutters (Yes, Even in Florida)
Clearing out leaves and debris ensures water drains properly instead of backing up and damaging fascia or foundations.
3. Inspect Window & Door Seals
Old or cracked caulking and weatherstripping lets moisture — and cold air — in. A few minutes with a tube of sealant can save much more later.
4. Give Your AC Some Love
Even in winter, it’s a good time to clean or replace filters, clear space around the condenser, and schedule a maintenance check. It keeps humidity in check when seasons shift.
5. Outdoor Walk-Through
Look for loose fence panels, cracked pavers, damaged pool screens, or tree limbs touching your roof. These small issues can turn into big claims if left unresolved.
6. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Winter is a calm moment to make sure your policy reflects home improvements, coverage limits and appropriate deductibles — before heavy weather arrives.
A Thoughtful Approach to Home Protection
Winter may be mild here, but cold weather can still impact pipes, plants, pets and people if we’re unprepared. Applying the 5 P’s and these simple home fixes now can help you avoid the stress, damage and claim costs that surprise too many Floridians each year.
Keeping Your Home Running Smoothly All Winter
As colder air settles into our region, remember: cold weather = higher risk of power surges.
Security First Insurance is committed to helping homeowners stay protected from unexpected equipment failures that traditional policies may not cover.
To explore the Equipment Breakdown coverage included with their Premier (HO5) policy, or to review your existing protection, visit Security First Insurance online or contact your agent.
Check Security First Insurance’s Equipment Exposure Handout for more information. And stay tuned to News4JAX for continued updates, local forecasts, and seasonal safety tips.