Before a storm: clear gutters and downspouts, remove loose debris and outdoor items, and photograph your property. After a storm: put safety first, document damage before cleanup, and be careful about who you hire. This is general home-maintenance guidance, not emergency advice. Always follow your county emergency management office and the National Weather Service.
Before the season and before each storm
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. Most of this checklist is easiest to do well before a storm is on the way, not while it's approaching.
- Clear gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters overflow in heavy rain, sending water down walls and along the roof edge. Our guide covers how often to clean gutters in Florida.
- Walk the yard. Remove dead palm fronds, loose branches, and debris that could become projectiles.
- Secure or store loose items: patio furniture, grills, planters, trash cans, and decor.
- Have trees trimmed by a qualified, insured professional, and never trim near power lines yourself.
- Check screens, shutters, and hardware, and make sure window and door seals are in good shape.
- Photograph your home's exterior and your belongings and keep copies somewhere safe, like cloud storage, for insurance records.
- Know your evacuation zone and plan. The Florida Division of Emergency Management's Know Your Zone page and your county emergency management office have the official information.
After the storm
- Safety first. Stay away from downed power lines and standing water, and wait for the official all-clear.
- Document before you clean up. Take photos and video of damage before moving anything, then contact your insurance company about their process.
- Prevent further damage with temporary measures like tarps where it's safe, and keep your receipts.
- Be careful hiring. After storms, unlicensed contractors often go door to door. For roofing and structural work, ask for proof of license and insurance, and verify licenses through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Debris cleanup
Branches, palm fronds, leaves, and yard debris pile up fast. Left sitting, debris can hide damage, create tripping hazards, and block drains and gutters. Shine Otter's storm debris cleanup crews clear branches, leaves, and yard debris and check roofs and gutters for visible storm damage. Our crews handle cleanup, not roof or structural repairs, so for damage call a licensed roofer or contractor.
A few weeks later: wash away the salt and grime
Storms push salt (near the coast), dirt, and plant debris onto windows, screens, roofs, and siding. Once things are safe and repairs are handled, a cleaning helps prevent staining and gets your home looking right again. Gutter cleaning afterward is worth it too, since storm debris often ends up there.
Frequently asked questions
When is hurricane season in Florida?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30.
Should I clean my gutters right before a storm?
Clear them ahead of the season, and again early if you can do it safely. Never climb a ladder in strong winds or once a storm is close. If time has run out, skip it.
What should I photograph for insurance?
Take date-stamped photos or video of every side of the home's exterior, the roof if it's visible from the ground, outbuildings, and valuables. Take more after the storm, before cleanup. Ask your insurance company what they require.
Sources & further reading
- National Hurricane Center (NOAA)
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: Know Your Zone
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
This guide is general information for homeowners and isn't a substitute for official emergency guidance or professional advice.
About Shine Otter
Shine Otter is a family owned and operated exterior cleaning company serving Southwest Florida, from Englewood and Venice to Cape Coral and Fort Myers. We handle window cleaning, roof and gutter cleaning, soft washing, driveway and patio cleaning, window screen cleaning, storm debris cleanup, and solar panel cleaning. Call or text (425) 977-5156 for a free quote. Meet the owners.