When a hurricane or tropical storm threatens Southwest Florida, the window between the forecast and landfall can be surprisingly short. Having a clear preparation checklist — and a trusted home watch team already familiar with your property — makes all the difference.
Exterior Preparation
Start outside. Close and lock all hurricane shutters or impact-resistant panels. Remove or secure all outdoor furniture — chairs, tables, umbrellas, potted plants, and decorative items. Any loose object left outdoors becomes a projectile in high winds. Store cushions and smaller items indoors.
Check that your garage door is hurricane-rated or braced. Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable points of failure during a storm, and a breach can cause catastrophic interior damage.
Water and Utilities
Turn off the main water supply if you will not be present during the storm. A broken pipe or failed fixture with no one home can flood your entire home within hours. Know where your shutoff valve is and confirm it operates correctly before hurricane season begins.
If your home has a propane tank, ensure it is properly secured. Turn off individual appliances at the valve. Do not shut off the main gas supply unless directed by your utility company.
Interior Steps
Move valuables and irreplaceable items to upper floors or elevated positions where possible. Important documents — insurance policies, property deeds, identification — should be stored in a waterproof container or scanned and stored in the cloud.
Charge backup power banks, gather batteries, and ensure flashlights are accessible. Fill the bathtub with water as an emergency supply reserve.
Post-Storm Assessment
Do not enter your home until local authorities declare it safe. Once cleared, document all damage immediately with photos before any cleanup begins — this is essential for insurance claims.
A professional home watch team like Seaside Solutions can conduct your post-storm assessment for you, providing geo-stamped, time-stamped photo documentation before you return. This protects your insurance claim and gives you a clear picture of your property's condition.
The Best Preparation: Year-Round Monitoring
The most effective hurricane preparation happens before the season starts. A home watch team who knows your property intimately — your shutters, your water shutoff, your generator, your vulnerable areas — can act quickly and correctly when a storm approaches. If you are waiting until a hurricane watch is issued, you are already behind.
