The Window to Prepare
Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The best time to prepare is March through May — before the season starts, before contractors get busy, and before supply of common materials tightens.
Exterior Inspection Checklist
Roof — Look for missing, cracked, or lifted shingles. Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Windows and doors — All should close, latch, and seal fully. Check weatherstripping and replace anything that no longer creates a solid contact.
Caulking — Check all exterior caulk lines. Re-caulk anywhere showing gaps or cracking.
Gutters — Clean and secure. Gutters that pull away from the fascia during a storm create secondary damage.
Exterior attachments — Furniture, planters, and decorations become projectiles in high winds.
Interior Preparation
Know your water shut-off. Have the HVAC serviced before summer. Check garage door wind rating.
Documentation
Before hurricane season, photograph the exterior and interior for insurance purposes. Store copies off-site or in cloud storage.