Hurricane season runs June through November, and in the Tampa Bay area, it's not a question of if a storm comes through — it's when. The good news: a little prep work goes a long way. Here's what we tell our own customers to check before the season ramps up.
1. Your roof is your first line of defense
Most storm damage we repair starts at the roof. Look for loose or missing shingles, worn flashing around vents and chimneys, and any spots where water might already be getting in. If your roof is more than 15 years old, get it inspected — catching a weak spot now is a lot cheaper than dealing with water damage later.
2. Windows and doors
Impact windows are the gold standard, but if you don't have them, storm shutters or plywood panels cut to fit are solid backups. Don't forget the garage door — it's often the weakest point in the house. A reinforced garage door can be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
3. Trim the trees
Dead limbs and overgrown branches become projectiles in high winds. Keep trees trimmed back from your roof and power lines. If a tree looks questionable, have an arborist look at it before storm season, not after.
4. Secure what's outside
Patio furniture, grills, potted plants — anything that isn't bolted down should have a plan. Either bring it inside or anchor it. We've seen a flying patio chair do more damage than you'd believe.
5. Check your drainage
Clean your gutters and make sure water flows away from your foundation, not toward it. If your yard floods every time it rains hard, that's a problem worth fixing before a storm makes it worse.
6. Know what your insurance covers
Pull out your homeowner's policy and actually read it. Know your hurricane deductible — it's usually higher than your standard deductible — and take photos of your home's interior and exterior now, while everything's intact. If you ever need to file a claim, you'll be glad you did.
The bottom line
You can't stop a hurricane, but you can decide how much damage it does. Most of this list is a weekend's worth of work, and some of it — like a roof inspection — is worth calling a pro for.
If you want a licensed contractor to look over your home before storm season, that's what we do. Family First 365 is a Certified General Contractor serving the Tampa Bay area. Call us at 813-476-1183 for a free estimate.