Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30, and in Tampa Bay the busiest stretch usually lands in late summer and early fall. The best time to get your home ready is before a storm shows up in the forecast, when stores still have supplies and handymen still have openings. Here is the checklist we walk through with homeowners across Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon and the rest of the Bay area.

1. Check Your Shutters and Storm Panels Now

If you have storm panels in the garage, pull them out before you need them. Make sure every panel is labeled for its window, all the hardware is there, and the wall anchors are not rusted or stripped. Accordion and roll-down shutters should open and close smoothly and lock properly.

• Label each panel with the window it belongs to
• Replace missing wing nuts, bolts and washers
• Test anchors and tracks for rust or damage
• Do a practice run so you know how long installation takes

If you don’t have the time or the ladder skills, Kroon Craft can install your shutters or storm panels before a storm and take them down after.

2. Inspect Doors, Windows and Weatherstripping

Wind-driven rain finds every gap. Look for worn weatherstripping, cracked caulk around window frames and exterior doors that don’t latch tightly. Sliding glass doors are a common weak spot, so make sure the track is clean and the door seals when locked. Re-caulking and new weatherstripping are inexpensive fixes that keep water out during a storm and help your AC bill the rest of the year.

3. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Tampa Bay storms can drop several inches of rain in a few hours. Clogged gutters overflow against your fascia and foundation, which leads to wood rot and water intrusion. Clear leaves and debris, make sure downspouts are firmly attached, and add extensions so water flows away from the house.

4. Secure Your Yard, Lanai and Pool Area

Anything that isn’t tied down can become a projectile. Walk your property and make a plan for:

• Patio furniture, grills and planters
• Kids’ playsets, trampolines and basketball hoops
• Loose fence boards and gate latches
• Sheds and outdoor storage (check anchors and doors)
• Pool cage and lanai screens with small tears that can rip open in high winds

Fixing a loose fence panel or a small screen tear before hurricane season is much cheaper than replacing a whole section after a storm.

5. Trim Trees and Check the Roofline

Branches hanging over your roof, pool cage or power lines are a major risk. Trim back limbs where you safely can (leave anything near power lines to the utility or a licensed tree service). From the ground, look for loose soffit panels, damaged fascia and anything flapping on the roofline. Soffits that blow out let wind and rain into the attic.

6. Prepare the Inside of Your Home

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, especially if you’ll use a generator
• Know where your main water shut-off and electrical panel are
• Anchor tall furniture and move valuables away from windows
• Take photos and video of every room for insurance records

7. After the Storm: Document First, Then Repair

Once it’s safe, photograph all damage before you clean up or make repairs. That record matters for insurance. Then tackle the urgent items: tarping, removing debris, securing broken fences and gates, and repairing torn screens. Be cautious with anyone going door to door after a storm, and hire a local company you can reach by phone.

Need Help Getting Storm Ready?

Kroon Craft Home Improvement helps Tampa Bay homeowners with hurricane prep and storm repair: shutter and storm panel installation, weatherproofing, gutter cleaning, fence and gate repair, screen repair and post-storm cleanup. We work 7 days a week, 9 AM to 5 PM, and estimates are always free.

Call (954) 554-1117 or request your free estimate today. You can also see our full list of handyman services.