GUY CARRINGTON HOMES & CONSTRUCTION

Storm Preparation Guide

Essential tips and checklists for protecting your property during hurricane season

24/7 Emergency Service

For emergency repairs before or after a storm, call our emergency line:

(123) 456-7890

Living in Southwest Florida means being prepared for hurricane season. This comprehensive guide provides essential information to help protect your property and family before, during, and after severe weather events.

Storm Preparation Timeline

Beginning of Hurricane Season (June 1)

Home Inspection

  • ✓ Check roof for loose tiles or shingles
  • ✓ Inspect and clean gutters
  • ✓ Test hurricane shutters/impact windows
  • ✓ Trim trees and remove dead branches
  • ✓ Check seals around windows and doors

Supply Preparation

  • ✓ Stock emergency supplies
  • ✓ Test generator and fuel supply
  • ✓ Review insurance policies
  • ✓ Document property with photos/video
  • ✓ Update emergency contact list

72 Hours Before Storm

Property Protection

  • ✓ Install hurricane shutters
  • ✓ Secure outdoor furniture and decorations
  • ✓ Fill bathtubs and containers with water
  • ✓ Charge all electronic devices
  • ✓ Fill vehicles with gas

Final Preparations

  • ✓ Stock up on non-perishable food
  • ✓ Withdraw cash from ATM
  • ✓ Fill prescriptions
  • ✓ Locate important documents
  • ✓ Review evacuation routes

24 Hours Before Storm

Final Securing

  • ✓ Turn refrigerator to coldest setting
  • ✓ Turn off propane tanks
  • ✓ Unplug small appliances
  • ✓ Move valuables to interior rooms
  • ✓ Close and lock all windows

Communication

  • ✓ Inform family of your plans
  • ✓ Monitor weather updates
  • ✓ Follow evacuation orders
  • ✓ Keep phone fully charged
  • ✓ Have NOAA weather radio ready

Emergency Supply Checklist

Basic Supplies

  • □ Water (1 gallon/person/day for 7 days)
  • □ Non-perishable food (7-day supply)
  • □ Manual can opener
  • □ Flashlights and batteries
  • □ Battery-powered radio
  • □ First aid kit
  • □ Medications (7-day supply)
  • □ Cash and credit cards
  • □ Important documents (waterproof container)

Tools & Safety

  • □ Fire extinguisher
  • □ Matches in waterproof container
  • □ Plastic sheeting and duct tape
  • □ Wrench to turn off utilities
  • □ Work gloves
  • □ Tarp and rope
  • □ Hammer and nails
  • □ Generator and fuel
  • □ Chain saw or hand saw

Personal Items

  • □ Change of clothing (3 days)
  • □ Rain gear and sturdy shoes
  • □ Blankets or sleeping bags
  • □ Personal hygiene items
  • □ Paper plates, cups, utensils
  • □ Paper towels and toilet paper
  • □ Plastic garbage bags
  • □ Insect repellent
  • □ Sunscreen

Property Protection Strategies

Windows and Doors

The most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane. Proper protection is essential:

  • • Install impact-resistant windows and doors (permanent solution)
  • • Use approved hurricane shutters (aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate)
  • • As a last resort, use 5/8" plywood cut to fit each opening
  • • Never use tape on windows - it doesn't prevent breakage

Roof and Structure

Regular maintenance and upgrades can significantly improve storm resistance:

  • • Ensure roof-to-wall connections meet current codes
  • • Install hurricane straps or clips
  • • Keep gutters clean and secure
  • • Consider a secondary water barrier under shingles

Outdoor Areas

Anything outside can become a dangerous projectile in hurricane winds:

  • • Store or secure all outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations
  • • Remove or tie down playground equipment
  • • Trim trees and remove coconuts from palm trees
  • • Anchor down sheds and other outdoor structures

After the Storm

warningSafety First

Wait for official all-clear before going outside. Watch for flooding, downed power lines, and structural damage. Never use generators indoors.

Immediate Actions

  1. 1. Check for injuries and provide first aid
  2. 2. Document all damage with photos/video
  3. 3. Contact insurance company
  4. 4. Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
  5. 5. Keep all receipts for repairs and supplies
  6. 6. Be cautious of contractors - verify licenses

Guy Carrington Can Help

Our emergency response team is available 24/7 after storms to help with:

  • • Emergency tarping and board-up
  • • Water extraction and drying
  • • Temporary power solutions
  • • Full damage assessment
  • • Insurance claim assistance
  • • Complete restoration services

Free Downloadable Resources

Download our comprehensive storm preparation guides to keep on hand.

descriptionStorm Prep Checklist (PDF) assignmentSupply List (PDF) phone_androidEmergency Contacts (PDF)

Need Storm Protection Upgrades?

Let us help you prepare your property with hurricane-resistant improvements.

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