Before hurricane season (June 1 to November 30 on the Florida Panhandle), second homeowners on 30A should confirm working storm shutters or impact windows, clear gutters and yard debris, secure or store outdoor furniture, test the sump pump and check flood insurance, and arrange for someone local to check the property before and after a storm.
Why this matters more when you're not there
If you live in the property full time, storm prep is a weekend project. If your home in Watersound Origins or Naturewalk sits empty most of the year, it's a different problem entirely. Nobody is there to notice the loose gutter, the fence panel that's already leaning, or the patio furniture that becomes a projectile in 60 mph wind.
Every hurricane season we work with homeowners who find out about damage weeks after it happened, not because the damage was hidden, but because nobody was checking.
The pre-season checklist
Storm shutters or impact windows: confirm they actually close and latch, not just that they exist. Hardware seizes up after a year of salt air.
Roof and gutters: clear debris now, before storm season backs up drainage and sends water somewhere it shouldn't go.
Yard and patio: anything that isn't bolted down is a hazard in high wind. Outdoor furniture, planters, and decorations need a plan, either storage or tie-down.
Sump pump and drainage: test it before you need it, not during a storm.
Insurance: confirm flood coverage is current and that your policy reflects any renovations since last renewed.
A local contact: someone who can check the property before landfall to prep it, and after to document any damage immediately for your insurance claim.
What we do for hurricane prep
Every Standard, Premium, and Coastal Elite client gets storm watch built into their visit. When a storm is tracking toward the Panhandle, we walk the property, secure loose items, and photograph the exterior before landfall. After the storm passes, we're back out documenting condition and flagging anything that needs immediate attention, so you're not finding out about a problem from a neighbor's text three weeks later.
Frequently asked questions
When does hurricane season start on 30A?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with the highest activity for the Florida Panhandle typically August through October.
Do you check on properties before and after a storm?
Yes. Storm watch is included in every home management tier. We secure the property ahead of a storm and document its condition immediately after.
What if my home is damaged during a storm and I'm out of state?
We photograph and report any damage right away so you have documentation for your insurance claim before you're even able to travel back.
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