Floridians survived another brush with meteorology gone wild last week. For most of us, it barely qualified as a exercise in speculative thinking. The storm, which was given the top-of-the-list name of Alex, soaked a corridor of South Florida but otherwise didn’t do much.

Still, it was startling to see Florida hit by a named storm just a few days into its 2022 hurricane season. And experts say this season’s weather patterns share elements that played roles in storm seasons such as 2004, which saw four big storms buzzsawing their way across Florida, and 2005, the year of killer hurricanes Katrina and Rita. These are predictions that can strike a deep sense of trepidation in those who have lived through a “big one.”

Though it may be hard to imagine, there are hundreds of thousands of Florida residents who probably haven’t lived through the worst of it. The state has grown tremendously, adding more than 1.3 million residents since its last big storm — 2018′s Hurricane Michael, a Category 5 hurricane that nearly erased the Panhandle tourist town of Mexico Beach from the map. The year before that, Irma raged through the Keys before hitting the peninsula, at one point leaving nearly three-quarters of the state without power and claiming dozens of lives across four states.

So while anyone who owns a home or business knows about the current challenges of finding and paying for property insurance, many newcomers might not know all the ways they can prepare for the possiblity of a major storm. And even veteran residents, distracted by a pandemic and weary of watching hyper-partisan politicians warring with each other, might not have placed as high an emphasis on storm prep as they might have in previous years.

If the 2022 season is as active as predicted, that could lead to a lot of regrets. Properly executed, storm preparation can do a lot to mitigate property damage and make the aftermath less harrowing. Beyond that, it’s the responsibility of everyone who lives in a storm zone to do what they can to ensure their needs are met. Those who expect FEMA or state emergency management agencies to ride to their rescue might find themselves going without comforts or even necessities.

Among the things to consider:

It’s easy to be knocked off-balance by the bottom-line figure on a property insurance quote, and the Legislature’s last-minute attempt to stabilize the market won’t benefit consumers nearly as much as it does insurance companies. But focusing on the price — especially for mortgage holders who only shoot for the bare minimum coverage their lenders will accept — could lead to unpleasant surprises in the aftermath of a big storm or other catastrophe.

First, make sure your policy (or policies) cover all the damage you might see from a big storm. You might need three separate policies: one for wind, one for flooding and one that’s generally referred to as “all perils.” Each policy will specify deductibles and exclusions; be aware that discounts for high deductibles could leave you on the hook for very expensive repairs. Ask about discounts for storm-proofing features like shatter-resistant windows. And don’t wait too long to update your coverage; some changes don’t kick in immediately.

Taking a video of your home or business and its contents, focusing on expensive electronics and appliances as well as furniture — can make insurance claims easier.

Finally, renters should remember that their landlords’ insurance doesn’t cover their own belongings or costs — and that standard renters’ insurance doesn’t usually cover floods.

Insurance discounts are one big incentive to protect your property. Rates can drop significantly for houses constructed to new standards that mitigate loss, roofs that are inspected and storm-safe and aftermarket improvements like storm shutters.

Look over your property with critical eyes. That lovely laurel oak that’s been shading your lawn for the last few decades would be much less pretty with part of it crashed through the kitchen roof. It’s a good idea to have an accredited tree specialist check your trees every few years — and be prepared for bad news if some of your favorites turn out to be damage risks due to disease or age. However, healthy, big trees can also be an extra buffer of protection against storm damage. It’s best to let a professional make the call. In the meantime, make plans to move or stow big pots or lawn ornaments before they become deadly projectiles in a high wind.

There are plenty of guides offering advice on what to buy when a storm is looming, but many storm veterans have learned that long-term preparation beats panic buying every time (though a last-minute trip to Publix for pudding and potato chips is mandatory). Ordering items such as rechargeable power banks, portable fans and light sources can save a considerable amount of money and time. A weather radio is also a worthy purchase; though we’ve learned to rely on cellphones, networks might not always be reliable.

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As for food, medication and other supplies, it doesn’t hurt to build a storm buffer into routine reprovisioning. For example, keep a few weeks’ worth of pet food on hand — but rotate it so that it never becomes expired. The same goes for bottled water.

If you choose to invest in a generator, make sure you know how to operate and maintain it. Otherwise, it’s more of a hazard than a help. The same goes for power tools like chainsaws.

The best thing you can invest in is knowledge — but if you’re not a seasoned storm survivor, avoid information overload. Sources like the Orlando Sentinel (which keeps its website updated and active in emergencies) should give you the information you need.

But if you develop a plan now, before the watches and warnings start flashing, you’ll have the advantage of calm forethought. Most residents of inland counties won’t be called upon to evacuate, but if the order comes, know where you are going and the best ways to get there. If you plan to report to a local shelter, get a list of items to bring. If your chosen sanctuary is a friend or relative outside a storm zone, prepare directions now and store them in your phone. Better yet, print them out along with a list of critical phone numbers, copies of prescriptions and other information. Keep copies of important documents in a central file as well so you can grab them and leave. Finally, remember to make plans for all your pets as well.

And make sure everyone else in your family knows the plan as well.

None of this is fun to think about, in fact. And there’s no way to make the aftermath of a major storm any less than miserable. But the process of doing an annual checkup could save time, money, even lives …. and give you priceless peace of mind that you’re as ready as you can be to weather the storm.

The Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board consists of Opinion Editor Krys Fluker, Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson, Viewpoints Editor Jay Reddick and El Sentinel Editor Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio. Contact us at insight@orlandosentinel.com.