Hurricane Prep Checklist for Florida Homeowners

The best time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season starts on June 1, when pros have time and materials are easy to get. Here is a checklist for your home.

Before the season

• Roof. Have loose or missing shingles and tiles fixed, and check flashing around chimneys and vents.
• Shutters and impact windows. Test accordion and roll-down shutters, and make sure storm panels are labeled and the hardware is there.
• Trees. Trim branches over the roof and remove dead or leaning trees. Do it early: tree crews are booked solid once a storm is named.
• Gutters and drains. Clear them so heavy rain flows away from the house.
• Generator. Service it and test it, and never run it inside or in the garage.
• Photos. Take photos and video of every room and the outside of the house for insurance.

When a storm is coming

• Close shutters or put up panels.
• Bring in or tie down furniture, grills and planters.
• Lower the pool level slightly and turn off pool equipment.
• Fill containers with water and charge phones and power banks.

After the storm

• Stay away from downed power lines and standing water.
• Photograph all damage before you clean up.
• Cover roof holes with a tarp to stop more water damage.
• Start drying out wet areas within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.
• Be careful with storm chasers: check licenses, and never pay in full up front.

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