Living on Singer Island means enjoying beautiful beaches, ocean breezes, and incredible waterfront views. It also means living in South Florida, where hurricane preparedness is simply part of coastal living.
For condo owners and buyers, preparing for a storm involves more than stocking up on water and batteries. Your residence, building, and condominium association all play a role in how well you are prepared.
After more than 27 years of selling real estate on Singer Island, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for buyers to understand not only the view and the amenities, but also the construction, storm protection and overall preparedness of the building they are considering.
Start With the Windows and Doors
One of the most important features to look for in a Florida condominium is hurricane-rated impact glass.
Impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors are designed to withstand significant wind and flying debris. Rather than shattering into dangerous shards when struck, the glass is designed to remain held together by its protective interlayer and frame.
For a condo owner, this provides an important layer of protection—and considerable peace of mind, particularly when your home has the ocean views that make Singer Island so special.
But impact glass doesn't mean a residence is completely protected from water intrusion. During a major storm, wind-driven rain can find its way through doors, windows, and other vulnerable areas. That's why overall building construction and maintenance matter just as much as the glass itself.
Understand Your Building's Hurricane Preparedness
When buying a condo on Singer Island, don't stop at the individual residence. Take time to understand how the entire building prepares for a storm.
Here are several questions worth asking:
Does the building have a hurricane plan?
Your condominium association should have procedures for storm preparation, communication, evacuation, and post-storm access.
Find out how residents are notified before and after a storm and who is responsible for securing common areas.
What happens to the elevators?
Elevators may be taken out of service before or during a storm, and power outages can leave them unavailable afterward.
Know where the stairs are located and understand your building's procedures. If you have mobility concerns or require assistance, communicate with your association well before a storm approaches.
Does the building have backup power?
Ask whether the building has emergency generators and, importantly, what those generators actually power.
Backup power may support certain life-safety systems, common areas or other essential building functions, but it does not necessarily mean every system inside your residence will continue operating normally.
How does the association communicate with owners?
Make sure your contact information is current with your condominium association and that you know how emergency announcements are distributed.
During a storm, reliable communication can be just as important as physical preparation.
Preparing Your Condo Before a Storm
Once a hurricane or tropical storm is approaching, preparation should begin well before conditions deteriorate.
A few important steps include:
- Secure or bring inside balcony furniture, plants, and other loose items that could become projectiles.
- Move valuable belongings away from windows and exterior doors.
- Charge phones, tablets and other essential devices.
- Unplug electronics and appliances when appropriate.
- Set refrigerators and freezers to colder settings before a potential power outage.
- Have several days of food and drinking water available.
- Keep flashlights, batteries and other emergency supplies accessible.
- Photograph or video your residence and valuable belongings for insurance documentation.
- Review your condominium, homeowners and flood insurance policies so you understand what is—and isn't—covered.
- Keep important documents, identification and proof of ownership in a secure location.
- Have necessary medications readily available.
- Know where your building's main water and electrical shutoffs are and follow your association's instructions regarding their use.
- Know your evacuation zone and evacuation route.
- If you plan to leave, do so early rather than waiting for conditions to deteriorate.
Don't Forget Your Balcony
For Singer Island condo owners, balconies deserve special attention.
Anything left outside during a hurricane can become a hazard. Patio furniture, umbrellas, planters and decorations should be secured or brought inside well before the storm arrives.
Your condominium association may also have specific rules about when balconies must be cleared, so make sure you understand those requirements before hurricane season.
Protect Your Investment
Your condo isn't just your home—it's a significant investment.
Before hurricane season, take a few minutes to review your insurance coverage, document your belongings, and make sure you understand the distinction between your individual policy and the condominium association's master policy.
If you're purchasing a condo, this is also something worth investigating before you make a decision.
Ask about the building's insurance, recent storm history, assessments, reserves, maintenance of the exterior, and other factors that could affect ownership costs and peace of mind.
These details aren't always as exciting as an ocean view, but they are an important part of understanding the property you're buying.
If You're Buying a Condo on Singer Island
Hurricane preparedness is one of the many reasons experience matters when purchasing oceanfront real estate.
When you're looking at condos on Singer Island, I encourage buyers to look beyond the finishes, the floor plan, and the view. Understand the building. Understand the association. Understand the construction. And understand how the property has been maintained over time.
After 27+ years of selling on Singer Island, I know that every building—and every residence—has its own story.
The right questions can help you make a more informed decision and feel confident about where you're investing.
Prepare Early. Stay Informed. Stay Safe.
Hurricane season is part of life in South Florida, but preparation can make a significant difference.
For current storm information, evacuation zones and emergency-preparedness guidance, always rely on official local, state and federal emergency-management resources and follow evacuation orders from authorities.
And if you're considering buying or selling a condo on Singer Island, I'm always happy to share what I've learned from decades of working in the buildings and neighborhoods that make up this unique island.
Thinking about buying on Singer Island? Let's talk about what to look for—not just in the residence, but in the building behind it.
