Prepare for Hurricane Season
Why It Matters
Hurricane preparation done in advance saves lives and property. Waiting until a storm is coming means empty shelves and no contractors available.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Ladder, Pruning shears. Materials required: Plywood or hurricane shutters, Emergency supplies.
- 2
Perform the prepare for hurricane season
Check hurricane shutters, stock emergency supplies, trim trees near the house, and review evacuation plan. Safety note: Trim trees well before storm season, not during watches or warnings.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If tree removal near power lines or the house, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Ladder
- Pruning shears
Materials
- Plywood or hurricane shutters
- Emergency supplies
Community Tips
Trim tree branches hanging within 6-8 feet of the roof and remove dead limbs entirely, as these become projectiles in winds above 74 mph. Use Fiskars PowerGear2 Bypass Loppers ($25-35) to cleanly cut branches up to 1.5 inches thick, preventing the ragged breaks that invite disease and pest entry.
Installing plywood over windows the morning of a storm is too late—wind-driven rain penetrates gaps and water damage begins within hours. Pre-cut and pre-drill plywood sheets or invest in permanent hurricane shutters like Armor Hurricane Shutters ($800-2,500 per window) during the off-season to ensure proper installation and reliability.
A basic hurricane preparedness kit (flashlights, batteries, first aid, water, non-perishables) costs $40-75 per person but saves thousands in emergency response fees and medical expenses; the American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Kit ($35-50) includes NOAA weather radio capability for real-time storm tracking. ---