How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and coastal communities like Clearwater and Tampa Bay know the drill: early preparation is the key to safety. From reinforcing doors and windows to creating a family communication plan, every step you take now can reduce damage and stress when a storm approaches. Use this step-by-step guide to get your property—and your loved ones—storm-ready.
1. Secure your windows and doors
Install hurricane shutters
Rolling, accordion, or storm-panel shutters create a tough barrier against high winds and flying debris. Professionally installed shutters meet Florida Building Code impact standards and can close in minutes when a warning is issued.
Upgrade to impact-resistant windows and doors
If your windows are aging or you’re planning a remodel, consider laminated impact glass. It withstands debris strikes, resists burglars, dampens noise, and boosts energy efficiency—making it a year-round upgrade, not just a storm defense.
Reinforce garage doors
Because of their size, traditional garage doors often buckle first. Install a steel or aluminum garage-door bracing system to prevent blow-in failures that can cause catastrophic pressure changes inside the home.
2. Protect your roof
Inspect and repair shingles or tiles
Hire a licensed roofer each spring to replace lifted shingles, reseal flashing, and check underlayment. Small fixes now can prevent major leaks later.
Install hurricane straps
Metal hurricane straps tie the roof structure to wall framing, preventing uplift. They’re standard on new Florida homes but can be retrofitted in many cases.
Clean gutters and downspouts
Clog-free drainage routes water away from fascia boards and your foundation. Add gutter guards if tree litter is a constant issue.
3. Secure outdoor items
Bring in patio furniture
Chairs, grills, planters, and décor can become projectiles. Store them in a garage or tie them down with hurricane-rated straps.
Trim trees and shrubs
Cut back weak or overhanging branches twice a year. Have an arborist inspect mature trees for disease or hidden cracks that could cause failure in high winds.
Latch or store loose yard items
Pool toys, garden tools, and decorative lights should be boxed or stowed in a shed. Even small objects can shatter windows when airborne.
4. Prepare your home’s interior
Choose a safe room
Select an interior room on the lowest level—preferably with no windows. Stock it with a three-day supply of water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first-aid kit.
Protect important documents
Place insurance policies, IDs, deeds, and medical records in a waterproof/fire-proof safe. Back up digital copies to secure cloud storage.
Install backup power
A portable generator or whole-house standby unit keeps critical appliances running. Always operate generators outdoors, 20 feet away from doors and windows, to avoid carbon-monoxide poisoning.
5. Create an emergency plan
Develop a family communication plan
Designate an out-of-area contact everyone can call. Agree on meeting points if cell service is disrupted.
Know your evacuation route
Pinellas County publishes annual evacuation maps—review yours and identify the nearest shelters. Keep your gas tank at least half-full during hurricane season.
Stay informed
Sign up for National Hurricane Center email alerts or local text notifications. Pay attention to watches and warnings, and follow evacuation orders promptly.
6. Review your insurance coverage
Check homeowners policy details
Standard policies often exclude flood damage. Consider separate National Flood Insurance Program coverage if you live in Zone AE or VE.
Document your property
Take photos or videos of each room, major appliance, and expensive item. Store receipts or serial numbers in your safe or cloud folder.
Understand windstorm deductibles
Many Florida policies include a separate hurricane deductible (usually 2-5 % of dwelling value). Knowing this number helps you plan post-storm expenses.
Frequently asked questions
Do hurricane shutters replace plywood?
Yes. Code-approved shutters outperform plywood and can be closed quickly without leaving nail holes.
How soon before a storm should I brace my garage door?
Permanent bracing is ideal, but removable braces should be installed 24–36 hours before landfall to avoid wind-gust dangers during setup.
What items belong in a hurricane go-bag?
Three days of prescriptions, clothing, flashlights, phone chargers, cash, copies of IDs, pet supplies, and basic toiletries.
When should I file an insurance claim?
Report damage as soon as conditions are safe. Provide photos and your pre-storm inventory to speed up processing.
Contact RollShield for a free consultation
Hurricane season doesn’t wait—why should you? Strengthen windows, doors, and garage openings now and rest easy when storms appear on the radar.
➡️ Schedule your free in-home consultation today.
📞 Call (727) 451-7665 | 🌐 Visit RollShield.com
Related links
- Hurricane Shutters – RollShield
- Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors – RollShield
- Custom-manufactured Security Screens – RollShield