Hurricane Season is Here: Prepare Now
Florida's hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, with peak risk August - October. The time to prepare is NOW, not when a storm is 3 days away.
The Complete Preparation Timeline
April - May: Structural Inspection
Get a licensed home-service professional to inspect:
- Roof shingles and flashing
- Hurricane straps (metal connectors holding roof to walls)
- Garage doors
- Windows and doors for tight seals
- Foundation for cracks
May - June: Protection Systems
- Install or test hurricane shutters (all windows)
- Upgrade to impact-resistant glass if budget allows
- Install window film for wind-resistant properties
- Secure outdoor items: AC unit, satellite dish, antennas
- Trim tree branches within 15 feet of home
July - August: Supplies & Emergency Planning
Stock the following (per person):
- 1 gallon water per day for 2 weeks (freeze if space allows)
- 2-week non-perishable food supply (crackers, canned goods, peanut butter)
- Medications (30-day supply if possible)
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and batteries (3-4 sets)
- Portable radio with weather alert
- Cash
- Chargers (phones, laptops, tablets)
Document:
- Video of home interior (for insurance)
- Serial numbers of high-value items
- Insurance policy (keep a copy in a safe-deposit box)
September - October: Active Monitoring
- Sign up for county hurricane alerts
- Know your evacuation zone: ready.hillsborough.gov (or your county)
- Practice your evacuation route with family
- Confirm your generator works (if you have one)
- Fill car with gas if a storm is within 5 days
Days Before Storm Impact
- Fuel all vehicles
- Fill bathtubs with water (toilet backup)
- Photograph/video your home and contents
- Move valuables above flood level
- Bring outdoor furniture inside
- Close hurricane shutters
Structural Upgrades to Consider
| Item | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Roof strapping | Helps resist roof uplift |
| Garage door reinforcement | Helps resist wind failure |
| Impact-resistant windows | Helps resist wind-borne debris |
| Hurricane shutters | Protects openings |
| Metal roof | Wind resistance |
Emergency Pricing Protections Under Florida Law
Florida law protects you:
During a declared emergency, Hero prices cannot "grossly exceed" pre-emergency averages. See Consumer Rights for details.
When emergencies are declared, HALOFIX flags above-threshold emergency invoices for compliance review and warns Heroes during billing, so unusual emergency pricing is caught and reviewed for fairness.
If you're gouged, report to:
- Florida Attorney General: 1-866-9NO-SCAM
- Your local consumer protection office
Insurance: What's Covered?
Most home insurance policies cover:
- Sudden wind damage from hurricanes
- Tree damage (with coverage limit)
- Water damage from storm surge (if you have flood insurance)
Not covered:
- Preventable maintenance (a weak roof you knew about)
- Flood damage (requires separate flood policy)
- Landscaping and personal items
Action: Review your policy before June. Call your insurance company with questions. Consider:
- Increasing your coverage limit
- Adding an umbrella policy
- Purchasing separate flood insurance
Generator Setup
A generator can help during extended power outages after major hurricanes.
Type recommendations:
- Portable (5,000-7,000W): Powers essentials (fridge, AC window unit)
- Standby (10,000-20,000W): Powers most home systems
Setup requirements:
- Licensed electrician installation (required by law)
- 20-foot clearance from windows and doors (carbon monoxide)
- Permit from your city
- Regular maintenance (oil changes, test runs)
How HALOFIX Helps
HALOFIX connects you with credential-reviewed Heroes for:
- Pre-season roof and structural inspections
- Generator installation and testing
- Hurricane shutter installation
- Emergency repair routing where available
- Emergency price review during declared emergencies
Don't wait for a hurricane warning to start preparing.
