Living on the Gulf Coast is a dream, sunny days, salty air, and beach days in your small town that feel like a vacation. But if you’re buying a property in South Alabama, especially along the Gulf Coast, one thing you can’t afford to ignore is hurricane preparedness.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or adding to your investment portfolio, here’s what you need to know to protect your home (and your peace of mind) when storm season rolls around.

Understand the Risk (and Don’t Panic)

Let’s be real… hurricanes are a part of life here. That doesn’t mean you should avoid buying a home in South Alabama, it just means you should buy smart. Working with a local expert (hi, that’s me 👋) helps ensure you’re looking at properties with storm safety and structural integrity in mind.

Look for Hurricane-Resistant Features

When house hunting, keep an eye out for these storm-smart features:

• Impact-rated windows & doors

• Metal roofs or hurricane-related shingles

• Storm shutters or panels

• Elevated foundations in flood-prone areas

• Reinforced garage doors

Not sure what’s code or what’s a bonus? I’ll help you break it down when we walk properties.

Know the Flood Zone + Insurance Requirements

Flood zones matter – a lot. A property in a high-risk zone (like Zone VE or AE) will likely require flood insurance, and that cost needs to be factored into your budget. I always recommend getting a quote early, so there are no surprises at closing.

Pro tip: FEMA maps get updated, and coverage is changing under the Risk Rating 2.0 system. Let’s chat about how it could affect your purchase.

Make a Storm Prep Plan

Once you’re in your own piece of paradise, be ready before hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 30):

• Create an evacuation plan

• Stock up on essentials (batteries, water, first aid, pet supplies)

• Keep insurance docs and a home inventory saved in the cloud (digital file storage is the modern day safe)

• If you have a rental property, consider a property manager who can handle prep while you’re away (hi again, that’s me with Sun N Sand)

Bonus: Peace of Mind = Strong Resale

A hurricane-ready home isn’t just about safety – it’s also a solid investment. Buyers love knowing a home is built to handle what Mother Nature throws at it. It can help boost resale value and reduce insurance premiums.

Let’s Find Your Safe Piece of Paradise

Buying a home along the Gulf Coast doesn’t mean you have to cross your fingers every storm season. With the right guidance, a little prep, and a whole lot of local expertise, you can enjoy everything beach life has to offer (without the stress).

Have questions about flood zones, storm-resistant homes, or navigating insurance?

I’ve got you covered. Let’s connect and make sure you’re ready before you ever sign the dotted line.

➡️ Contact Kristina by Call or Text: (251) 233-6695

📲 Or shoot me a message on Instagram @kristinasellsparadise