--- title: "I Live in Florida, and This Is What I Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season" description: "After living in South Florida for 20 years, we have our hurricane season prep down to a science. Here are five steps we take each year. " date: "2025-09-12" modified: "2026-10-08" authors: - name: "Sandi Schwartz" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/sandi-schwartz.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/diy/how-florida-resident-prepares-for-hurricane-season/" categories: - "DIY" - "Skills & Techniques" tags: - "News" - "storm" - "Storms & Disasters" --- # I Live in Florida, and This Is What I Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season ![A sign displays a hurricane warning along a roadside.]() *Photo: MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO / Contributor/AFP via Getty Images.* While hurricane season officially begins on June 1 each year, we make sure to be ready for storms starting in August. Historically, the most hurricane activity occurs between mid-August and mid-October, with the peak around September 10. For the 2026 season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an [below-normal Atlantic hurricane season]() with 8 to 14 expected named storms with winds of 39 mph or greater. Of these, three to six could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater), including one to three major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). This expected activity is due to El Niño intensifying throughout the season, along with weaker-than-average trade winds and Atlantic Ocean temperatures that are a tick above normal. After living in South Florida for 20 years, we have our hurricane season prep down to a science. Here are five steps we are taking to prepare for potential strong storms in our area. ## 1. Trim trees and remove coconuts. ![Man on a ladder trimming coconut tree palm branches.]() *Photo: Crystal Bolin Photography/E+ via Getty Images.* We always make sure to have our landscapers come to [trim our trees]() and remove any coconuts and dying fronds from palm trees on our property in late spring or early summer before hurricane season starts. This is such an important safety measure to prevent flying debris from damaging both our home and our neighbors’ property, since dead or damaged tree limbs and coconuts can become destructive projectiles in hurricane-force winds that can reach 120 mph. This critical step can reduce the likelihood of windows, [roofs](), and other structures getting damaged during a storm. ## 2. Test the backup generator. When we moved to Florida, we quickly realized how important it is to [own a backup generator](). In our previous house, we had a portable generator, but now we have a built-in generator to protect us during any extended power outage. No matter what type of generator someone has, it’s important to test and maintain it so it’s ready to function when we need power. Our generator automatically runs a test each week, so we know it’s ready to go during an emergency. Experts recommend hiring a pro annually for [regular maintenance]() to check the fuel level, replace the filter, inspect the spark plug, and other checks recommended by the manufacturer. We like to do this in the spring, with plenty of time before hurricane season kicks off. ## 3. Bring in awnings and outdoor furniture. One of the perks of living in Florida is being able to spend more time outdoors than when we lived up North in a colder climate. But this means we have lots of outdoor furniture that we must secure or bring in before a storm arrives. Depending on the wind speed predicted, we will either move all the furniture into the garage or move it closer to the house and use bungee cords to secure items. We also always make sure to bring in any [awnings or sunscreens]() before the storm approaches. Our awnings aren’t connected to our smart-home system, but it is possible to do so, and a good idea for those who travel a lot during hurricane season so they can control them from afar. ## 4. Prepare the home’s shutters. ![Man testing hurricane shutters on his house.]() *Photo: Joe Raedle / Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images.* While our current home was built with all hurricane-strength [impact windows](), our previous home had [metal shutters that we needed to bolt in]() prior to a storm. We had to be prepared with a shutter map to understand where each shutter went on our home. This is often a task done by a handyman or shutter specialist, which makes it challenging to get done once the storm is already approaching. Some people have accordion shutters, which are much easier to maneuver. However, owners of homes with accordion shutters need to clean, lubricate, and test them each year before hurricane season to ensure they will work properly if needed. ## 5. Stock up on essential supplies. Living in the cone of uncertainty every fall means that we remain prepared with [certain supplies]() in case we need to shelter in place. We always have bottled water, canned food and other nonperishable food, propane for the barbecue grill, batteries, flashlights, candles, matches, extra medicine, portable phone chargers, and a first aid kit on hand as part of our [hurricane season prep](). ## Author Sandi Schwartz is an environmental author and freelance journalist with over 20 years of extensive experience communicating science-based information to diverse audiences in the areas of sustainability, home/garden, green living, nature, and wellness. Sandi began writing for BobVila.com in June 2022. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]() ## More - [How to Prepare for a Hurricane]() - [11 Things You Really Shouldn’t Do During a Hurricane]() - [How Lowe’s Helps You Prepare for Natural Disasters]() - [5 Ways to Prepare Now for the Aftermath of Extreme Weather—Are You Ready?]() - [How Much Do Hurricane Windows Cost?]() - [What Should You Do If a Tree Falls on Your House?]() - [The 48-Hour Pre-Storm Checklist That Actually Prevents Damage]() - [6 Ways The Home Depot Can Help You Prepare for Natural Disasters]()