Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season: A Checklist

Hurricane Season Runs June 1 – November 30

Every year, South Florida homeowners face the same question: is my home ready? This checklist covers everything from quick DIY tasks to professional upgrades that protect your biggest investment.

Exterior Checklist

Roof

• Inspect for loose, cracked, or missing shingles
• Check flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys
• Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
• Verify hurricane straps/clips connect roof to walls (check attic)
• Trim tree branches within 10 feet of the roof

Windows and Doors

• Test all impact shutters — make sure they open, close, and lock properly
• If no shutters, measure windows for plywood panels (cut and label them now)
• Check weatherstripping and caulking around all windows and doors
• Verify garage door is wind-rated or has a bracing kit installed
• Test entry door deadbolts and strike plates

Yard

• Identify loose items that become projectiles (patio furniture, grills, planters, decorations)
• Know where you’ll store them (garage, inside the house)
• Trim dead branches from all trees
• Check fence posts for stability
• Secure pool equipment and covers

Interior Checklist

Important Documents

• Homeowner’s insurance policy (know your coverage, deductible, and flood policy details)
• Photos/video inventory of every room and valuable item (store in cloud)
• Copy of driver’s license, insurance cards, medical records
• Contact info for your insurance agent, contractor, and utility companies

Emergency Supplies

• Water — 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days
• Non-perishable food for 7 days
• Medications — at least a 2-week supply
• Flashlights and batteries (multiple of each)
• Portable phone charger / battery bank
• Cash — ATMs don’t work without power
• First aid kit
• Manual can opener

Home Systems

• Know how to shut off water, gas, and electricity
• Test your generator (if you have one) and stock fuel
• Verify sump pump works (if applicable)
• Charge all devices before a storm
• Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings before the storm (food lasts longer if power goes out)

Professional Upgrades Worth Considering

If you’re planning renovations, these hurricane-hardening upgrades are best done during construction:

Upgrade	Cost	Insurance Impact
Impact windows (whole home)	$10,000 – $25,000	20-45% premium reduction
Hurricane straps/clips	$1,500 – $3,000	Required for roof credit
Impact-rated garage door	$1,500 – $4,000	Required for opening credit
Secondary water barrier (roof)	$2,000 – $5,000	Additional roof credit
Whole-home generator	$8,000 – $20,000	No direct credit, but invaluable

The Wind Mitigation Report

After upgrades, get a wind mitigation inspection ($75 – $150). This form documents your home’s protective features and is sent directly to your insurance company. Most homeowners see premium reductions of $1,000 – $3,000+ annually.

After the Storm

• Do not return home until authorities say it’s safe
• Document all damage with photos and video before cleanup
• Contact your insurance company immediately
• Cover damaged areas with tarps to prevent further water intrusion
• Do not run generators indoors (carbon monoxide risk)
• Avoid standing water — it may be electrically charged from downed lines
• Check your roof from the ground (don’t climb on a damaged roof)

We’re Here to Help

If your home needs hurricane-hardening upgrades or post-storm repairs, we’re a licensed, insured Fort Lauderdale contractor ready to help.

Contact us for a free assessment — before or after the storm.