Hurricane Season Checklist: 10 Small Fixes That Make a Big Difference

Shutters that do not fit, doors that do not latch, loose outdoor items — the small things are what fail first in a storm. A practical list for South Florida homes.

Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the peak usually lands in August through October. Big storm preparations get the attention, but it is often the small, overlooked items that cause damage. Here is the list we walk through with homeowners.

1. Test your shutters before you need them. Check that every panel is labeled, the tracks and anchors are intact, and the wing nuts or fasteners are all there. Accordion shutters should slide and lock smoothly.
2. Tighten exterior door hardware. Loose hinges and strike plates let doors flex under wind pressure. Longer screws into the framing make a real difference.
3. Check sliding glass doors. Clean the tracks, make sure the locks engage fully and look at the weatherstripping.
4. Look at the garage door. It is often the largest opening in the house. Make sure it runs smoothly, the hardware is tight, and ask about bracing if it is not rated for high winds.
5. Re-caulk windows and wall penetrations. Wind-driven rain finds gaps around windows, vents, pipes and light fixtures.
6. Clear gutters, downspouts and yard drains. Water that cannot drain away ends up against the house.
7. Plan for everything outside. Patio furniture, planters, grills and decorations become projectiles. Know where each one goes before a storm, and fix anything loose on pergolas or screen enclosures.
8. Trim what you safely can. Dead fronds and small branches near the roof are worth removing early. Leave large limbs and tall trees to a licensed tree service.
9. Label your shut-offs. Make sure everyone in the house knows where the main water shut-off and the electrical panel are, and that the breakers are labeled.
10. Document your home. Take photos or a quick video of every room and the exterior now. It makes insurance claims much easier later.

We can handle most of this list in a single visit. Send us your list, or ask us to do a walk-through and tell you what needs attention.