Living in Orlando means getting ready for storms every year. Hurricane preparedness keeps your family safe and protects your home. It’s not just about putting wood on windows when a storm is coming.
You need a real plan. One that works for homes in Central Florida. Whether you live in Winter Park or Lake Nona, storms can hit hard. Being ready early makes all the difference.
Hurricane home preparation in Orlando has special challenges. Our sandy soil drains poorly. Those big oak trees can fall on houses. And being away from the coast doesn’t mean you’re safe. Just ask people who lived through Hurricane Ian.
Smart homeowners start their hurricane home preparation in May. That’s when you can find supplies. Contractors answer their phones. Prices stay normal. Don’t wait until everyone else panics.
Key Takeaways: Hurricane Preparedness for Orlando Homeowners
Here’s what matters for hurricane preparedness:
- Start early: Begin in May when supplies and contractors are available
- Protect three key areas: Windows, roof, and drainage systems
- Know your zone: Orange County has different evacuation areas
- Take photos: Document everything for insurance before storms hit
- Get help: Some jobs need professionals to do them safely
When Should You Start Hurricane Home Preparation?
Most people mess up hurricane home preparation by waiting too long to start. Every year, I see folks scrambling at the last minute. Then they can’t find plywood or generators.
Hurricane Season Timeline for Orlando
| Month | Storm Risk | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| May | Low | Buy supplies, schedule work |
| June-July | Medium | Finish emergency kits |
| August-October | High | Watch the weather, stay ready |
| November | Medium | Check equipment |
May is your best time to get ready. The weather is nice for outdoor work. Contractors aren’t busy yet. And you won’t pay crazy prices for supplies.
The National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service track storms and indicate that late May typically marks a shift in weather patterns. More afternoon storms and humidity. Not fun when you’re trying to install shutters.
Two Different Timelines You Need to Know
Two weeks before a storm, Weather experts start tracking something headed our way. When you receive a hurricane alert, it’s time to check your supplies and ensure your plan remains effective. Don’t try to learn new skills at this time.
Three days before: Stop all outdoor work. Once winds reach 35 mph, Orange County advises staying inside. Everything should be done by now.
What is the difference between prepared and unprepared families? Prepared folks spend those three days following a plan they already know. Unprepared folks panic and make mistakes.
How to Protect Your Home’s Outside
Your house is like a box. Once wind or water gets inside, bad things happen fast. Hurricane home preparation means keeping that box sealed tight.
Protecting Windows and Doors
You have several choices for window protection. They’re not all the same.
| Protection Type | Cost Per Window | How Good | Install Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood | $15-25 | Good | 15-30 minutes |
| Accordion shutters | $200-400 | Great | 10-15 minutes |
| Roll-down shutters | $500-800 | Best | 2-5 minutes |
Storm shutters are most effective when you can afford them. I’ve installed hundreds around Orlando. Accordion shutters are good and won’t break the bank. You can protect your whole house in about an hour.
Roll-down shutters are the fancy option. Push a button and you’re done. But they cost more than some cars.
Impact windows are the ultimate choice. They look normal, but they’re super strong. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety states that they reduce wind pressure by 85%. They also lower your electric bill and reduce noise.
Plywood remains a viable option if that’s within your budget. Just do it right. FEMA says use 5/8-inch thick exterior plywood. Cut it 4 inches bigger than your windows on all sides. And please measure and cut everything before storm season starts.
Don’t forget your garage door. It’s like a giant sail waiting to catch wind. Most people never think about it until it’s wrapped around their neighbor’s tree.
Your Roof and Gutters Need Care
Your roof takes the biggest beating in storms. Check it when the weather is nice.
Walk around your house in May. Look for loose or damaged shingles. Check where your roof meets chimneys and vents. If you can lift a shingle with your hand, replace it.
Clean your gutters. Nobody likes this job. However, clogged gutters in a hurricane can cause significant problems. Water backs up and finds ways into your house.
Tree trimming is huge in Orlando. We have beautiful old oaks, especially in Winter Park. But during storms, trees that have stood for 50 years can suddenly fall on houses. The International Society of Arboriculture recommends keeping branches at least 10 feet from your roof. Sounds like a lot, but it’s worth it.
Your Yard Becomes Dangerous
Everything outside becomes a weapon in 100 mph winds. Pool furniture, grills, garden tools. They all turn into missiles.
I once saw a plastic chair go through a glass door like paper. The homeowner couldn’t believe a cheap chair could do that much damage.
Your pool needs help, too. But don’t drain it. Empty pools can suddenly appear out of the ground when the soil becomes saturated. Remove any loose debris and add additional chlorine.
Clean storm drains around your house. Orlando is flat, so water has nowhere to go naturally. Help it along by clearing debris.
Getting Inside Your House Ready
Once storms start, you might be stuck inside for days. Maybe weeks if the power goes out. Hurricane home preparation inside means staying comfortable while you wait.
What You Need for Emergencies
Ensure you have sufficient supplies for at least seven days’ worth of use. Here’s your basic list:
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days
- Food: Stuff that doesn’t need cooking
- Medicine: 30 days if possible
- First aid kit: Real supplies, not just Band-Aids
- Tools: Flashlights, battery radio, can opener
- Papers: In waterproof bags
Your water supply is the most important thing. The CDC recommends using real water containers, rather than old milk jugs that may leak. A family of four needs a minimum of 28 gallons. That’s a lot, but it’s the point.
Food is easier than people think. Canned soup, peanut butter, crackers, energy bars. Stuff you’d eat normally. Get a manual can opener. Learned that lesson when power was out for 12 days after Hurricane Frances.
Don’t forget pets. They get hungry and thirsty, too. And you won’t find pet food when stores are cleaned out.
When Power Goes Out
Power outages happen in almost every Central Florida hurricane. We have trees everywhere and power lines above ground.
Generator Safety Rules:
- Keep it 20 feet from your house
- Never run it inside or in garages
- Get battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors
- Have professionals install transfer switches
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has alarming statistics about generator-related deaths. More people die from generators after storms than during storms. Carbon monoxide kills you before you know it’s there.
Size your generator right. A 5,000-watt unit runs your fridge, some lights, and charges phones. That’s probably enough. A 7,500-watt model can also run a window AC unit. Nice when it’s 90 degrees after a storm.
Get big flashlights with D batteries. They last forever and light up rooms. Those little headlamps are great too. You look silly, but your hands stay free.
Taking Pictures for Insurance
This part may be boring, but it saves you thousands in the long run. You need to prove what you owned before the storm destroyed it.
Document Everything Important
| How to Record | Best For | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Video tours | Overall condition | Shows everything together |
| Close-up photos | Expensive items | Gets model numbers |
| Written lists | Quick reference | Easy to update |
Video works best for most things. Walk through every room slowly—open closets and drawers. Talk while filming. Please describe what you see, when you bought it, and what it cost.
Take detailed photos of anything worth more than a few hundred dollars. Get model numbers and serial numbers. Insurance companies love that stuff.
Store everything online. Google Photos, iCloud, Dropbox. Whatever you use. Just make sure you can reach it from your phone when your house is a mess.
Florida Insurance is Different
Florida has weird insurance rules that other states don’t have.
Your regular home insurance likely covers wind damage, but not flood damage. That’s two separate policies, even though they happen in the same storm. Don’t forget about flood insurance – it’s separate from your regular homeowner’s policy.
Hurricane deductibles are typically expressed as percentages, not dollar amounts. If your house is insured for $300,000 and you have a 5% hurricane deductible, you pay the first $15,000 of any claim.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation explains what’s covered. Please read it before you need it.
What Professionals Can Do That You Can’t
Some hurricane home preparation jobs are fine for homeowners. Others need experts. Knowing the difference keeps you safe and saves money.
Big Structural Work
Hurricane straps are metal pieces that connect your roof to the walls and foundation. They’re like seat belts for houses. IBHS reports a 40% reduction in wind damage.
However, installing them requires entering attics, understanding building codes, and utilizing specialized tools. Additionally, if you make a mistake, insurance may not cover the damage later.
Electrical work for generators always needs professionals. If something is wrong, you might hurt utility workers trying to restore power. Most places require permits, too.
When to Call TJ Handyman Services
We handle middle-ground jobs. Too big for most homeowners, but they don’t need full contractor crews.
Our services include:
- Shutter installation and maintenance
- Emergency board-up when storms approach
- Pre-storm inspections to catch problems early
- Minor repairs that prevent bigger issues
We’ve worked with the Orlando Hurricanes for years. We know what to look for in Winter Park’s older homes and Lake Nona’s newer construction.
Emergency board-up is helpful when you’re traveling or unable to do it yourself. We keep supplies ready specifically for hurricane prep. Can secure most houses in 2-4 hours.
Making an Evacuation Plan
Sometimes the best hurricane preparedness is knowing when to leave. Orange County Emergency Management doesn’t issue evacuation orders lightly.
Planning for Your Family
Everyone needs to know the plan before storms appear. Where are you going? How do you get there? What if you can’t reach each other?
Pick someone out of state as your contact person. When local phones get weird, long-distance calls often work. Have everyone check in with this person.
Evacuation zones are based on storm surge and flooding risks. Orange County has different zones for good reasons.
Kids need special planning. Schools change pickup rules during emergencies. Some schools become shelters. Call in May and ask about their hurricane plans.
Don’t forget pets. Most shelters don’t take animals. Find pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route. Make reservations early.
Protecting Your House When You Leave
Turn off utilities to prevent damage from power surges or broken pipes. Label your electrical panel and water shut-off valve so that anyone can easily locate them.
Work with neighbors who are staying. Having someone check your house helps a lot. They can identify problems early and report back when the phones are working again.
Don’t make your house look empty. Leave a car if you can. Stop mail delivery. Nothing says “rob me” like newspapers piled up after a hurricane.
How to Stay Safe Right After Storms
Storms end, but danger doesn’t. More people get hurt cleaning up after hurricanes than during the actual hurricanes.
Safety Comes First
Stay inside until officials say it’s safe. Wind stopping doesn’t mean it’s over. Power lines are down, trees hang by threads, and emergency crews need space to work.
When you check things out, here’s how to stay safe: assume everything is dangerous. Downed power lines may appear dead, but they might still be live. Water and electricity don’t mix. That tree on your roof might fall if you bump it.
Call 911 for life-threatening problems, such as gas leaks, electrical hazards, or structural damage that makes it unsafe. Everything else can wait.
TJ Handyman Services handles non-emergency repairs that require prompt attention. Broken windows, roof leaks, and damage that could worsen if left unattended.
Starting Insurance Claims
Call your insurance company within 24-48 hours of finding damage. Don’t wait until you clean everything up. They want to see the damage as it happened.
Take more pictures—document cleanup. Keep receipts for all expenses related to emergency repairs and temporary housing.
Emergency repairs that prevent further damage are usually covered. Permanent repairs should be made only after insurance approval, unless your house is unsafe.
Orlando’s Special Hurricane Problems
Central Florida faces distinct challenges compared to coastal areas. Understanding the impacts of hurricanes and local issues is crucial for effective hurricane preparedness.
Our Local Weather and Land
Being inland doesn’t make us safe. Hurricane Charley taught us that lesson. Storms stay strong further inland than people think. Storm surge affects coastal areas, but inland flooding also impacts Orlando.
Orange County has over 1,000 lakes. That’s a lot of water that can overflow when we receive 10 inches or more of rain in a short period. Areas that never flood suddenly become underwater.
Our trees are beautiful but dangerous. Power outages last longer here because crews clear trees before fixing power lines. Some neighborhoods remained dark for three weeks after Ian.
Tornadoes happen more during hurricanes here than people realize. The storm and our local terrain create twisters with little warning.
Finding Good Local Contractors
Orlando grows so fast that it’s hard to know who understands our local challenges.
Licensed Florida contractors meet state rules, but that doesn’t necessarily indicate whether they are familiar with Winter Park’s historic construction versus Lake Nona’s modern buildings.
Check the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website for licenses and complaints.
TJ Handyman Services has been providing hurricane repair services in Central Florida for years. We are aware of the areas prone to flooding, the ones that lose power first, and the local building issues that contribute to storm-related problems.
Local contractors typically remain on site after storms. Out-of-state “storm chasers” take payment and disappear.
Common Hurricane Preparation Questions
How much should I budget for hurricane prep?
Basic emergency supplies cost $300 to $800 for typical families. Water, food, batteries, flashlights, and first aid for one week.
Temporary protection, such as plywood, costs $15-$25 per window for a DIY project. Professional boarding runs $35-$75 per window.
Permanent upgrades cost more upfront but pay off in the long run. Hurricane shutters start around $200 per window. Impact windows cost $400-$800 but often qualify for insurance discounts.
What’s my responsibility as a renter?
Landlords maintain properties in a structurally sound and up-to-code condition. They are not required to provide shutters or generators unless the leases specify otherwise.
You’re responsible for your belongings, safety, and temporary protection that doesn’t damage property. You can board windows with plywood if you don’t drill permanent holes.
Renter’s insurance is crucial. Landlord policies typically don’t cover your belongings or temporary housing if the premises become uninhabitable. Flood insurance is also separate from renters’ insurance.
What’s the difference between watches and warnings?
A hurricane watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours, time to complete preparations, and decide whether to stay or leave.
A hurricane warning means conditions are expected within 36 hours. All outdoor work should be done—time to shelter or evacuate.
The National Weather Service issues both alerts to give you time to prepare. The key distinction is between “expected” and “possible.” Warnings are more certain.
How long do hurricane shutters last?
Aluminum shutters typically last 15-25 years with basic care. Steel shutters can last 20-30 years, but need rust prevention in our humid weather.
Replace when: It is hard to operate, visible rust or warping is present, gaps are visible between panels, or loose mounting hardware is present.
Maintenance helps. Clean after each use, oil moving parts yearly, and check the mounting every few years.
Should I stay home during Category 1 storms?
Category 1 storms still pack 74-95 mph winds—enough to turn patio furniture into missiles and knock down trees.
Well-built houses typically withstand Category 1 winds if properly prepared. The bigger issue is power outages lasting 1-2 weeks, even for “minor” storms.
Never ignore evacuation orders, regardless of storm category. Officials base decisions on more than wind speed.
What supplies sell out first?
Generators disappear within hours of hurricane watches. Batteries go next, especially D-cells. Plywood gets scarce and expensive fast.
Water containers vanish quickly. Fuel becomes scarce as people fill their cars and generators.
Most families don’t buy enough supplies to last a whole week. Buy in March or April when the selection is good and prices are normal.
I’m new to Florida – where do I start?
Research your area first. Orange County evacuation zones, flood maps, and emergency procedures. What works in Kissimmee might not work in Winter Park.
Contact Orange County Emergency Management to learn about evacuation procedures, shelter locations, and emergency services available in your area.
Find contractors before you need them. Ask neighbors, check reviews, and verify licenses. Build relationships during calm times.
TJ Handyman Services does consultations for newcomers. We’ll walk your property and explain what needs attention, based on its location and type of house.
What does Florida law require?
Not much for existing homes. Building codes establish standards for new construction, but current homeowners are not required to retrofit unless they are undertaking major renovations.
You are responsible for maintaining the property so that trees and debris don’t damage neighbors. Remove dead trees before storm season.
Permits are required for most permanent improvements, such as impact windows, generators, and structural changes.
How far ahead should I book services?
Schedule annual maintenance from January through April for optimal availability and standard pricing. Major work, such as impact windows, requires a lead time of 2-6 months.
Emergency services during storms often cost 2-5 times the normal rate, if available at all.
How do I protect my AC during hurricanes?
Secure outdoor units so they don’t blow away, but don’t cover completely – they need airflow. Install surge protectors for electrical parts.
Consider generator backup if possible. AC isn’t just comfort in Florida – it prevents mold during humid post-storm conditions when windows stay closed.
Professional HVAC techs can install hurricane-rated mounting and electrical protection beyond basic homeowner care.
Let TJ Handyman Services Help You Get Ready
Hurricane preparedness doesn’t have to overwhelm you. TJ Handyman Services has helped Orlando families prepare for storms for years. We know what works in Central Florida and helps you stay safe.
Our Hurricane Preparation Services
We offer complete hurricane prep from annual inspections to emergency board-up. We’re not trying to sell unnecessary stuff. We help you focus on what actually protects your family.
Pre-season inspections find problems while there’s time to fix them. We know what to look for in different Central Florida construction types.
We install storm shutters with proper mounting techniques. We have the right hardware and tools for construction in Florida. Most homes get fully secured in a few hours.
Emergency board-up when storms approach fast, or you can’t do the work. We keep plywood and fasteners ready for hurricane prep.
Post-storm assessment helps figure out what needs immediate attention versus what can wait for insurance and permanent repairs.
We serve Orlando, Winter Park, Lake Nona, Conway, Dr. Phillips, Windermere, Ocoee, Apopka, and surrounding Orange County areas. We understand local construction styles and the unique challenges of neighborhood-specific projects.
Don’t wait until storms threaten to get your house ready. Call TJ Handyman Services at 321-424-8590 today for pre-season inspections and hurricane preparedness services.
Visit www.tjhandymanservicesllc.com to learn about our hurricane preparation services and schedule a consultation. We’ll help you create a plan that protects your family and fits your budget. Proper hurricane preparedness isn’t just about surviving storms – it’s about getting back to normal as fast as possible afterward.
