Seasonal Preparation
Hurricane Season Prep: Your 90-Day Flood Protection Checklist
By the Flood Guard team | Updated | 6 min read
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and on Florida's Gulf Coast the most dangerous storms often come late (Helene and Milton both hit Tampa Bay in the fall of 2024). Use the months before June to get ready.
March: assess and plan
- Find your flood zone and, if you have one, your elevation certificate. Your county property appraiser or insurance agent can help.
- Walk the property and list every ground-level door, slider and garage opening.
- Note where water came in or pooled during past storms.
- Review your flood insurance. Most new NFIP policies have a 30-day waiting period, so don't wait for a storm to buy one.
- Get quotes for any flood protection you still need. Custom systems take weeks to build.
April: test and repair
- Clean gutters, downspouts and yard drains.
- Check gaskets on existing flood panels for cracks or flattening, and confirm all hardware is there.
- Fix anything that lets water in around doors and thresholds.
May: stage and practice
- Store panels where you can reach them quickly, in order, with the hardware and tools in one labelled bin.
- Do a full practice install with everyone who might need to do it. Time it.
- Agree on a family plan: who puts up the panels, when you leave, where you go.
June 1 and after: stay ready
- Refresh supplies: water, batteries, medications, important documents in a waterproof bag.
- Take photos of your home and belongings for insurance.
- When a storm is forecast, put the panels up early. Don't wait for the evacuation order.
Behind on the list? Call us now; the sooner we measure, the sooner you're protected.