Tori Andrews is the founder of Hurricane Home Prep, which offers a number of services to help homeowners faced with a hurricane threat.
Tell us about Hurricane Home Prep and its mission.
Hurricane Home Prep is dedicated to helping people protect what matters most, before, during and after a storm. Our mission is simple: to reduce the heartbreak and costly damage we’ve seen so many families experience by providing proactive inspections with storm-readiness strategies, home watch services, claims consulting and a trusted contractor network. We bring peace of mind by ensuring our clients know their properties and their families are better prepared.
What inspired you to start Hurricane Home Prep? As an independent catastrophe adjuster, I saw again and again how devastating it is when people aren’t prepared for storms, and the pitfalls and scams that follow in the aftermath. After working in communities like Fort Myers Beach following Hurricane Ian, I witnessed how even small preventative steps could have spared families from enormous losses. With less than 24 hours to prepare for a 10-15 foot storm surge, most residents faced the storm without real plans or strategies in place. That experience pushed me to shift my focus, from showing up after the storm to helping people prepare before it. We all deserve better than the desperation I saw on far too many faces after storms.
What is a typical day like for you? No two days are alike! Some days I’m in the field inspecting properties, walking homeowners through vulnerabilities, or coordinating medically assisted evacuation plans. Other days I’m networking with local professionals, building partnerships, or sharing storm-prep education in the community. It’s a mix of hands-on property work, client support and raising awareness about the importance of preparedness.
Tell us about your background, especially as it applies to your career. I’ve been an independent insurance adjuster for more than 15 years, licensed in multiple states and focused primarily on catastrophe and large-loss claims. That background has given me a deep understanding of both property vulnerabilities and the complexities of the insurance recovery process. My career has really been about serving as a bridge between homeowners, contractors and insurance companies. Now I use that experience to help people safeguard their properties. Whether they are there or not, we will be, and we’ll be ready.
Are you from this area originally, or did you settle here from somewhere else? If the latter, what brought you to this community? I’m originally from just north of Atlanta, but I fell in love with Florida while here for work. The coastal lifestyle, historic charm of St. Augustine, and the warm, connected community made it the perfect place to build both a home and a business. There is something special about life in St. Augustine that drew me in.
What do you like best about living here? The people. Northeast Florida has such a welcoming and connected community. I also love the mix of coastal living, rich history and small-town feel with big opportunities. And of course, there’s nothing like being near the water.
How do you like to spend your free time? I’m passionate about movement, wellness and food, so you’ll often find me doing yoga or Pilates, or out surfing (even if I’m still learning!). Afterwards, you might catch me at some of my favorite restaurants like Juicy, Asado Life or Black Molly. I also love spending time with my nieces and nephews, volunteering locally and staying connected with the wonderful people I’ve met here. My dog, Bear, is the absolute love of my life. I rescued him almost 10 years ago now, and he has probably been to over 20 different states doing storm response with me, too. He’s our mascot.
What tips can you give readers to prepare for hurricane season? Start early. Don’t wait until a storm is in the forecast to make a plan. Simple steps like reviewing your insurance coverage with your local agent or documenting your home’s condition with photos and videos can make all the difference. And if your home has a history of flooding or wind damage, talk to a professional about mitigation strategies, sometimes small improvements can save you thousands in repairs.
Is there anything else you would like to share? Hurricane Home Prep is more than just a business. It’s a passion project built on years of experience and a genuine desire to help people avoid the heartache we’ve seen too often after storms. Whether you’re a full-time resident, a seasonal homeowner, or part of an HOA, we’d love to be a resource for you. Preparedness isn’t about fear, it’s about peace of mind.
