Hurricane Season Checklist: Protect Your Home Today

Living in Florida means preparing for hurricane season every year. Hurricanes bring powerful winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges that can cause severe damage to homes and property. The key to minimizing destruction and ensuring your family's safety is early preparation.

At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we want to help homeowners stay safe and secure before, during, and after a storm. This hurricane season checklist will guide you through the essential steps to protect your home and loved ones.

1. Secure Your Home’s Exterior

Install Hurricane Shutters or Impact Screens

One of the most effective ways to protect your home from hurricane-force winds and flying debris is by installing hurricane shutters or impact screens. Lafferty Hurricane Protection offers a variety of storm solutions, including:

• Accordion Shutters – Easy to close and provide strong protection.
• Colonial Shutters – Stylish and durable for windows.
• Roll-Down Shutters – Motorized or manual, these offer convenience and security.
• Bahama Shutters – Provide shade and storm protection.
• Hurricane Impact Screens – Strong yet breathable, offering visibility and ventilation.

Inspect Your Roof & Gutters

• Ensure your roof is in good condition and fix any loose shingles or tiles.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water buildup and flooding.
• Consider installing hurricane straps to strengthen your roof’s resistance to strong winds.

Reinforce Garage Doors & Entry Points

• Garage doors are often the weakest point in a home. Consider installing a hurricane-rated garage door or bracing system.
• Check all exterior doors and reinforce them with heavy-duty locks and deadbolts.

Trim Trees & Secure Outdoor Items

• Trim overhanging branches and remove any dead or weak trees that could fall on your home.
• Secure outdoor furniture, planters, and decorative items to prevent them from becoming projectiles.

2. Prepare for Power Outages

Invest in a Generator

• A whole-house generator provides seamless power during outages.
• A portable generator can keep essential appliances running, such as refrigerators and medical devices.
• Ensure you have extra fuel stored safely in a ventilated area.

Stock Up on Flashlights & Batteries

• Have multiple LED flashlights and lanterns for each room.
• Keep a large supply of batteries to power emergency devices.

Charge Electronics & Backup Power Banks

• Fully charge cell phones, laptops, and backup power banks.
• Consider a solar-powered charger as an alternative energy source.

3. Gather Emergency Supplies

Essential Survival Kit

Stock up on at least 7 days' worth of supplies, including:

• Non-perishable food & bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
• Medications & first-aid supplies
• Personal hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, wet wipes)
• Cash (ATMs and credit card systems may be down)
• Important documents in a waterproof container (insurance papers, IDs, home title)
• Multi-tool & duct tape for quick fixes
• Battery-powered radio for storm updates

Pet Preparedness

• Stock up on food, water, and medications for your pets.
• Have a carrier or crate ready in case of evacuation.
• Ensure pets have ID tags or microchips in case they get lost.

4. Plan for Evacuation

Know Your Evacuation Zone & Routes

• Check local emergency management websites to find your evacuation zone.
• Map out multiple evacuation routes in case of road closures.

Prepare a “Go Bag”

Have an emergency bag ready for each family member with:

• Clothing & sturdy shoes
• Medications & personal hygiene items
• Copies of important documents
• Emergency cash & credit cards

Secure Your Home Before Leaving

• Shut off utilities if instructed by authorities.
• Lock all doors and windows.
• Unplug electronics to prevent power surges.

5. Stay Informed Before & During the Storm

Monitor Weather Alerts

• Use NOAA Weather Radio or apps for real-time updates.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts via text or email.

Follow Official Instructions

• If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately.
• If sheltering in place, stay in an interior room away from windows.

6. Post-Storm Safety & Recovery

Assess Damage Cautiously

• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home.
• Look for downed power lines & gas leaks and report them immediately.

Document Damage for Insurance Claims

• Take clear photos and videos of all damage before making repairs.
• Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Avoid Floodwaters

• Do not walk or drive through flooded areas, as they may hide debris or strong currents.

Work with Trusted Contractors

• Hire licensed professionals for repairs to avoid scams.
• Lafferty Hurricane Protection can assist with storm-damaged shutters & impact screen repairs.

Conclusion: Be Prepared & Stay Safe

Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can protect your home, belongings, and loved ones. By following this hurricane season checklist, you’ll be ready to face any storm with confidence.

At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we’re here to help with hurricane shutters, impact screens, and expert guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation and ensure your home is storm-ready before hurricane season strikes.