Living in Florida means enjoying warm weather, coastal views, and a laid-back lifestyle—but it also means preparing for hurricane season. Every year, powerful storms sweep through the state, bringing high winds, torrential rain, and the potential for significant damage to homes. With June to November being the most active months, homeowners in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas must take practical steps to minimize the risk of hurricane-related damage.
At First Coast Contracting, we’ve restored homes after storm damage and worked directly with insurance companies to speed up the recovery process. Based on years of hands-on experience, here are the most effective and updated strategies for protecting your home when a hurricane threatens.
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Reinforce Entry Points: Doors, Windows, and Garage Doors
Your home’s exterior openings are its most vulnerable areas during a hurricane. Wind pressure and flying debris can shatter glass, break doors off their hinges, or cause garage doors to collapse, exposing the interior to water and wind damage.
Start with impact-rated windows and doors. If replacement isn’t in the budget, storm shutters are an excellent line of defense. Plyboard can work in emergencies, but it’s not ideal for repeated use. Garage doors, especially double-wide ones, should be rated for high-wind impact or reinforced with bracing kits. Check if your local code requires specific wind ratings and match your reinforcements accordingly.
Secure the Roof and Address Weak Points
Roof damage is one of the most common issues during a hurricane. High winds can lift shingles or tiles, tear off entire sections, or allow water to penetrate beneath the surface.
Conduct a roof inspection before hurricane season starts. Look for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Nail down loose materials and replace any weak areas. Consider installing hurricane straps or clips that tie the roof more securely to the house structure. If you’re unsure about the current condition of your roof or want to upgrade to more storm-resistant materials, contact a licensed contractor for a professional assessment.
Protect the Perimeter: Landscaping, Fences, and Loose Items
Unsecured outdoor items become airborne hazards during a storm. Patio furniture, grills, garden tools, and even decorative stones can smash through windows or injure someone if not secured.
Before a storm hits, store outdoor furniture and objects in a garage or shed. Cut back trees and shrubs to prevent branches from snapping and hitting your house. Remove dead or weak limbs and inspect fences for stability. Loose or rotting posts should be repaired or replaced to avoid collapse under wind pressure.
Inspect and Clear Gutters, Drains, and Downspouts
Flooding during hurricanes isn’t always due to storm surge. Blocked drainage systems can quickly cause water to back up into your home.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear of debris. Use a hose to test that water flows freely and away from the foundation. French drains, sump pumps, and grading can help redirect water away from your home. If you’re in a low-lying or flood-prone area, check your flood vents and consider installing backflow valves to prevent sewage from entering your home.
Strengthen the Structure: Walls, Foundations, and Attachments
Older homes, especially those built before stricter wind codes were implemented, may lack the reinforcement needed to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Have a structural engineer or experienced contractor assess your home’s integrity. Pay close attention to the connection between walls and the foundation, and between walls and the roof. Retrofitting techniques, like anchoring bolts and hurricane ties, can provide added strength. Also, check any home additions, carports, or porches to ensure they’re properly secured.
Check and Update Insurance Coverage Before Storm Season
The time to understand your homeowner’s insurance is not after a storm hits. Make sure your policy covers wind, flood, and water damage. Many standard policies require additional riders or separate coverage for flood events.
Photograph your home’s interior and exterior for documentation. Store important documents (like insurance papers, titles, and IDs) in a waterproof, fireproof safe or digitally on a secure cloud service. Reach out to your insurance provider early in the season and ask about current coverage, deductibles, and claim processes.
Install a Backup Power System
Power outages are almost guaranteed when hurricanes hit. Without electricity, essential systems like sump pumps, HVAC units, and refrigerators fail, compounding the problems caused by storm damage.
A whole-home generator is the most reliable solution. Portable generators are a more affordable option but must be operated outside and safely connected. If you’re installing a generator for the first time, get help from a licensed electrician to ensure it meets local codes and your home’s electrical load.
Seal All Openings and Utility Entry Points
Every point where cables, pipes, or wires enter your home is a potential leak during heavy rains. Water infiltration here can lead to mold, structural decay, and electrical hazards.
Use high-quality caulking or expanding foam to seal gaps around plumbing, electrical conduits, and HVAC lines. Check attic vents, soffits, and crawl space vents to make sure they are covered with durable screens or baffles to prevent wind-driven rain from entering.
Make an Emergency Plan and Storm Kit
Physical preparations are only part of the equation. Have a clear evacuation plan and a well-stocked storm kit ready at all times.
Your kit should include flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, water, non-perishable food, a battery-operated radio, and medications. Include contact information for local emergency services, friends, and family. Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full during hurricane season and have a route mapped out in case you’re ordered to leave.
Know When to Call Professionals
There are many home upgrades and repairs you can handle yourself, but when it comes to major reinforcements, roofing, or post-storm cleanup, don’t take risks. Licensed professionals know how to make your home safer and bring it back to life after damage.
First Coast Contracting offers emergency restoration services, storm damage repairs, and full-scale home remodeling. If a hurricane impacts your home, we’re ready to respond quickly, work with your insurance provider, and help get things back to normal.
Preparing for hurricane season takes more than buying bottled water and batteries. It means making smart, proactive upgrades to your home and knowing when to call in experts. Florida homeowners who take the time to reinforce their properties now will have fewer problems—and a safer recovery—when storms arrive.
