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Hurricane Prep Checklist for Southwest Florida Snowbirds
If you leave your Southwest Florida home empty for the season, hurricane prep has to happen before you go, not after a storm is already named. This checklist covers what to do before you leave, what to do when a storm is approaching, and what needs to happen right after it passes, so your home stays protected whether you are in Florida or a thousand miles away.
Before You Leave for the Season
Do this once, before you lock up and head north, not during hurricane season itself.
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Confirm your shutters or impact windows are in working order and every panel is accounted for.
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Trim trees and palm fronds near the house so storm winds have less to throw at your roof and windows.
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Secure or store anything that can become a projectile: patio furniture, potted plants, decor, grills.
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Take dated photos of your home's interior and exterior, and keep a copy of your insurance policy somewhere you can reach it remotely.
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Set your thermostat to control humidity, not just temperature. Turning the A/C off entirely during a closed-up Florida summer is one of the fastest ways to grow mold.
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Make sure someone you trust has a key, your alarm code, and a way to reach you.
What to Do When a Storm Is Named
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Deploy or close permanent storm shutters, or confirm someone can do it for you within 24 to 48 hours.
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Bring in or secure anything left outside since you locked up.
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Check that your sump pump, gutters, and downspouts are clear so water has somewhere to go.
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Confirm your home watch provider or trusted contact knows a storm is coming and can do a pre-storm check.
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If you have flood or windstorm coverage, review it now. Most Florida vacant-home policies require documented, regular inspections.
After the Storm Passes
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A physical walk-through as soon as it's safe to travel is the only way to know your home is actually okay.
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Check the roof, attic, and ceilings for water intrusion. Florida humidity turns a small leak into mold within days.
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Look for downed trees, damaged fencing, and any exterior damage that needs a tarp or board before the next rain.
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Test that power, A/C, and water are working normally, not just that the house is standing.
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Take dated photos of anything you find. This is the documentation your insurer will ask for.
Why Storm Prep Is Harder to Do From Out of State
Every step above is straightforward if you are standing in your driveway. None of it is straightforward from Michigan or Ontario with a storm three days out. This is exactly why home watch exists. HBB Home Watch Services provides pre-storm and post-storm visits as part of routine hurricane preparedness for homes across Venice, Wellen Park, Boca Grande, Manasota Key, Englewood, Rotonda West, Cape Coral, and Sarasota County. We secure what needs securing before a storm, walk the property after, and send you a dated photo report either way, so you are never finding out what happened to your home from a neighbor's guess. See our full home watch services for what's included in every visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does hurricane season start in Southwest Florida?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the highest risk for Southwest Florida typically in August, September, and October. If you leave for the season before June, your pre-departure prep needs to hold for the entire window, not just the first few weeks.
Should I turn off my A/C before I leave for the season?
No. Turning the A/C off completely lets indoor humidity climb, which encourages mold and mildew in a closed-up Florida home within days. Set the thermostat to a level that keeps humidity controlled while you're away, and have someone check that it's still running during the season, not just before you leave.β
Do I need a professional inspection after every storm, or just major ones?
A post-storm check after every named storm that affects your area is the safer approach. Damage from a lower-category storm can be just as costly if it goes unnoticed, and most vacant-home insurance policies expect documented inspections on a regular schedule, not just after headline storms.
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What documentation does my insurance company actually need after a storm?
Most insurers want dated photos showing your home's condition, ideally both before and after the storm, along with a clear description of any damage found. A dated photo report from a pre-storm and post-storm home watch visit gives you exactly that, without you needing to fly back to gather it yourself.
Can I just ask a neighbor to check on my house during a storm?
A neighbor can tell you if your house is still standing, but they are not trained to spot a slow roof leak, a cracked seal, or early mold, and they should not be responsible for your home during their own storm emergency. A professional home watch visit is scheduled, documented, and does not depend on someone else's goodwill during the worst week of their year too.
Important Paperwork for Service Agreements
Hurricane Shutters & Storm Service Package
Comprehensive Agreement for Storm and Hurricane Service
and Peace of mind.
Home Watch Service Agreement
Outlines the terms of service. Includes customer contact details, property information, and any special or concierge services requested.
Car Waiver of Liability Form
Required for the operation of any client motor vehicle, should this service be requested.
Let us protect your home.
Contact us for a free quote or an individual consultation.
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Service Area
Venice, Wellen Park, Boca Grande, Manasota Key, Englewood and Rotonda West
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βοΈ (941) 318-1048
