Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and the homes that come through a storm best are the ones that were ready in May. This checklist covers the openings, the roof, the yard, the paperwork and the supplies, in the order South Florida homeowners should handle them.
1. Openings: windows, doors and garage
- Confirm every opening is protected by impact-rated glass or rated shutters. Plywood does not count. Why plywood is not enough.
- Test every shutter now, not the day before a storm. Replace missing panels and wing nuts.
- Check that sliding glass doors lock fully and that the track is clear.
- Make sure the garage door is wind-rated or braced; garage doors are a common failure point.
- If you are replacing windows this year, order early. Manufacturing takes several weeks and crews book up by August.
2. Roof and water
- Have the roof inspected for loose tiles or shingles and failed sealant around vents
- Clean gutters and downspouts so water moves away from the house
- Check that the attic is dry and vents are secure
3. Yard
- Trim trees away from the roof and remove dead limbs
- Plan where patio furniture, grills and planters go before a watch is issued
- Secure or store anything that can become debris
4. Paperwork
- Photograph every room and the exterior, and store the photos in the cloud
- Keep your insurance policy, wind mitigation form and window NOA documents together. How the wind mitigation credit works.
- Confirm your hurricane deductible and what it means in dollars
- Save your agent’s and contractor’s numbers in your phone
5. Supplies
- Water for several days, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights and batteries
- Phone chargers and a battery bank
- Cash, since card systems go down with the power
- Fuel for the car and the generator, with the generator run outdoors only
If you have impact windows and doors
Your pre-storm list is short: close and lock every window and door, bring in loose items, and review the paperwork. There is nothing to put up and nothing to take down. That is the main reason South Florida homeowners replace windows with impact glass, and it is why the insurance opening protection credit exists.
Frequently asked questions
When should I replace windows before hurricane season?
Order in winter or early spring. Manufacturing runs several weeks and installation calendars fill by late summer.
Do I need shutters if I have impact windows?
No. Impact-rated windows and doors on every opening protect the home on their own.
Is plywood acceptable protection?
It is better than nothing but does not meet the Florida Building Code and earns no insurance credit.
What documents should I keep for a storm?
Your insurance policy, wind mitigation form, window and door product approvals, closed permits, and photos of the home.
Does the garage door matter?
Yes. An unrated garage door is one of the most common failure points and can lead to roof loss. It should be wind-rated or braced.