The Complete Hurricane Prep Checklist for Florida Homeowners

The difference between a hurricane being a major ordeal and a manageable inconvenience often comes down to preparation. Here's a practical, timeline-based checklist for Pinellas County and greater Tampa Bay homeowners.

One Month Before Hurricane Season (May)

Inspect all windows and doors for damage, gaps, or signs of seal failure
Test all shutters or confirm your impact windows are in good condition
Review your homeowner's insurance policy — know your deductible and what's covered
Photograph every room of your home for insurance documentation purposes
Verify your generator runs and test your transfer switch if applicable
Stock a minimum 7-day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day)
Review your family evacuation plan and know your zone (A, B, C, D)

When a Storm Is Named and Tracking Toward Florida (1–2 Weeks Out)

Fill prescriptions — pharmacies sell out quickly as storms approach
Withdraw cash — ATMs run dry and card systems fail in outages
Fuel all vehicles; fill a portable fuel container for the generator
Purchase or confirm food supplies that don't require refrigeration
Charge all devices and portable battery banks
Trim trees near your home (debris is a major cause of damage)

72 Hours Before Landfall

Monitor NHC (nhc.noaa.gov) and Pinellas County Emergency Management for updates
If your zone is under mandatory evacuation — leave. Don't gamble.
If sheltering in place: deploy shutters if applicable, move outdoor furniture inside
Fill bathtubs with water (for flushing if water service is interrupted)
Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings
Keep one interior room identified as your safe room (interior room, away from windows)

After the Storm

Do not go outside until the all-clear is given — the calm of the eye is temporary
Document all damage with photos before cleanup begins
Contact your insurance company promptly
Be cautious of contractor scams — unlicensed crews follow major storms

The Best Prep of All

Having impact windows and doors means your home is protected whether you're home or evacuated, whether the storm arrives at 2pm or 2am. It's the one preparation you make once that works every season, automatically.