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 general contractor to inspect:
- Roof shingles and flashing
- Hurricane straps (metal connectors holding roof to walls)
- Garage doors (weakest opening in most homes)
- Windows and doors for tight seals
- Foundation for cracks
Cost: $200–$500 for inspection Repairs: Budget $1,000–$5,000 for typical defects
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 ($200–$300 minimum)
- 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 Worth the Investment
| Item | Cost | Benefit | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof strapping | $1,000–$2,000 | Prevents roof uplift | High |
| Garage door reinforcement | $500–$1,000 | Prevents catastrophic failure | Very High |
| Impact-resistant windows | $3,000–$8,000 | Prevents glass entry/wind damage | High |
| Hurricane shutters | $2,000–$5,000 | Protects all openings | High |
| Metal roof | $8,000–$12,000 | Extreme wind resistance | Medium |
Emergency Pricing Protections Under Florida Law
Florida Statute §501.160 protects you:
During a declared emergency, Hero prices cannot "grossly exceed" pre-emergency averages. Violations can result in criminal prosecution and restitution.
HALOFIX automatically freezes prices at pre-emergency levels when emergencies are declared.
If you're gouged, report to:
- Florida Attorney General: 1-866-9NO-SCAM
- Better Business Bureau
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 ($300–$500/year)
Generator Setup
A generator is critical for 2–3 week power outages after major hurricanes.
Type recommendations:
- Portable (5,000–7,000W): Powers essentials (fridge, AC window unit). Cost: $500–$1,000
- Standby (10,000–20,000W): Powers most home systems. Cost: $3,000–$6,000 installed
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 licensed Heroes for:
- Pre-season roof and structural inspections
- Generator installation and testing
- Hurricane shutter installation
- Emergency repairs (24/7 service)
- Price-frozen service during declared emergencies
Don't wait for a Category 4 hurricane warning to start preparing. Preparation is cheap; recovery is expensive.