Hurricane Preparedness for ATM Owners in Florida
Written by the myFloridaATM.com install team — Winter Park-based, ATM-only techs with 10 years and 75+ installs across Central Florida. Last updated October 21, 2026.
How do I protect my ATM during a hurricane?
Short answer: Before a hurricane, make sure the ATM is bolted down, remove or reduce the cash load if you are closing, unplug it or confirm surge protection, and keep it away from doors, windows and flood-prone floors. After the storm, have it checked before reopening if there was water or power damage.
The Central Florida Angle
We’ve helped owners through several hurricane seasons. What matters most locally:
- Coastal Volusia businesses face storm surge and salt spray; inland Orlando and Kissimmee stores mostly face power outages and wind.
- Low-lying plazas can flood — get the ATM off the floor’s lowest point where possible.
- After the storm, utilities like Duke Energy, OUC, FPL and KUA may restore power in stages; power surges on restoration can damage electronics.
Should I unplug my ATM during a hurricane?
If you’re closing and expect outages, unplugging protects it from surges when power comes back.
Before the Storm
- Confirm anchor bolts are tight
- Remove or reduce cash if the business will close
- Print a settlement report
- Unplug, or confirm surge protection on power and communication lines
- Photograph the ATM for insurance records
- Move nothing yourself — a bolted ATM is safer in place
After the Storm
- Do not power on if the ATM was exposed to water
- Check for physical damage and tampering
- Restart and run a test withdrawal
- Call for an inspection if anything is off
Hurricane season runs June 1 – November 30. Cash demand often rises after storms when card systems are down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I empty my ATM before a hurricane?
If your business will be closed, removing or reducing cash lowers your risk.
Is hurricane damage to an ATM covered by insurance?
It depends on your policy. Check with your agent before hurricane season.
Can you inspect my ATM after a storm?
Yes. Call us for a post-storm check before reopening.
Related: Lightning & surge protection · ATM insurance · ATM repair
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