In Southwest Florida, hurricane season isn’t a surprise, it’s a calendar. It runs from June 1 to November 30, and the homes that come through it best are the ones prepared long before a storm has a name. Here’s the checklist we walk through with our clients every year.
Start before the season, not before the storm
Once a system is in the Gulf, hardware stores sell out and contractors are booked solid. The work below is far easier, and cheaper, in May than in the 48 hours before landfall. If you’re heading north for the summer, it’s essential to have all of it handled before you leave.
Outside the home
- Test and, if needed, install hurricane shutters or plan for panels, confirm every window and slider is covered
- Trim trees and palms away from the roof and windows; clear dead fronds that become projectiles
- Clean gutters and downspouts, and check that grading directs water away from the foundation
- Have a plan for the lanai: know where patio furniture, grills, and planters will be stored fast
- Service the generator and confirm you have fresh fuel and a working transfer setup
Inside the home
- Photograph every room, opened closets, and valuables, date-stamped, for insurance
- Set the A/C to hold humidity in check (around 77–80°F with the fan on auto) to prevent mold in a closed house
- Know where your main water shutoff is, and consider shutting it off entirely when the home is empty
- Unplug sensitive electronics and add surge protection for anything that stays connected
- Clear the fridge and freezer if you’ll be gone for the season, and prop the doors to avoid odor and mold
If you’re leaving for the season: leave a set of keys and written instructions with someone local and reachable, including your alarm codes, the water shutoff location, and who to call for the A/C. This is exactly the role a professional home watch fills: a documented set of eyes on the property every week you’re away.
Documents to have ready
- A copy of your homeowner’s and flood policy, with your agent’s number saved in your phone
- A simple contact sheet: home watch, HVAC, plumber, roofer, and a trusted general contractor
- Your dated interior and exterior photos, stored in the cloud so they’re reachable from anywhere
When you can’t be here
The hardest part of hurricane season for a seasonal owner is distance. A storm passes, and you’re a thousand miles away wondering whether your roof held. That’s the gap we close: before the season we help you prepare, during it we monitor the forecast, and after a storm we’re on-site quickly to check for damage, document everything, and start any repairs before small problems grow.
You shouldn’t have to choose between enjoying your summer up north and protecting the home you love in Naples. With the right preparation, and someone local watching over it, you get both.
Want a second set of eyes this season? Request a free consultation and we’ll reply within 24 hours.