Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 every year, and St. Petersburg sits squarely in the zone. Hurricanes Ian, Helene, and Milton reminded Pinellas County homeowners that preparation isn’t optional — it’s the difference between recoverable damage and catastrophic loss. Here’s what to do before the next storm arrives.
Roof Inspection and Repair
Your roof is the first line of defense. A compromised roof during a hurricane means water intrusion into every room below it.
- Have a licensed contractor inspect your roof for loose, cracked, or missing shingles
- Check flashing around vents, skylights, and chimneys — these are the most common leak points
- Verify that your roof meets current Florida Building Code wind resistance requirements
- If your roof is more than 15-20 years old, consider replacement before hurricane season rather than emergency repair during it
Impact Windows and Shutters
Flying debris breaks windows. Broken windows allow wind inside the structure, which dramatically increases the chance of roof failure from internal pressurization.
- Install impact-rated windows or hurricane shutters on all openings
- If impact windows aren’t in the budget, pre-cut plywood panels for every window and label them so installation is fast when a storm approaches
- Sliding glass doors are the largest and most vulnerable opening — prioritize these
Learn more about window installation →
Yard and Exterior Preparation
Everything in your yard becomes a projectile in hurricane-force winds.
- Trim dead branches and remove any trees with visible root damage or significant lean
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and decorations
- Check your fence for loose posts and damaged sections — a weak fence fails first and can damage neighboring structures
- Clean gutters and downspouts so water drains away from the foundation
- Verify your address numbers are visible from the street for emergency responders
Learn more about fence installation →
Document Your Property Before the Storm
This step costs nothing and saves thousands during the claims process.
- Walk through every room and take video showing the condition of walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures, and personal property
- Photograph the exterior — roof, siding, windows, fencing, landscaping
- Record serial numbers and model numbers of major appliances
- Store documentation in the cloud or on a device you’ll take with you if you evacuate
If you do file a claim after the storm, having a clear “before” record makes it significantly easier to prove the scope of damage.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Don’t wait until a storm is approaching to read your policy. Understand now:
- What’s your deductible? Florida hurricane deductibles are often percentage-based (2-5% of the insured value), not flat amounts. On a $400,000 home, a 2% hurricane deductible is $8,000.
- Do you have flood insurance? Standard homeowner’s policies do NOT cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a separate policy through NFIP or a private carrier. If you’re in a flood zone, this is non-negotiable.
- What does your policy actually cover? Understand the difference between replacement cost value (RCV) and actual cash value (ACV). RCV pays to replace damaged items at current prices. ACV deducts depreciation.
Emergency Supplies and Evacuation Planning
- Maintain 3-7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, medications, and essential documents
- Know your evacuation zone — Pinellas County publishes zone maps at pinellascounty.org/emergency
- Have a plan for pets — most public shelters do not accept animals
- Fill your vehicle’s gas tank before the storm approaches — stations run out quickly
- Charge all devices and have battery packs or a portable generator available
After the Storm
If your home sustains damage, the steps you take immediately after the storm determine how smoothly your insurance claim and restoration go. Document everything before cleanup, take mitigation steps to prevent further damage, and contact your carrier and a licensed contractor as soon as possible.
Classic Enterprises Florida has managed insurance restoration following Hurricanes Irma, Ian, Milton, Helene, Michael, and more. Tim’s background as a Licensed Independent Adjuster (W137218) means damage documentation meets the standard carriers require from day one.
Read the full guide: What to Do After Hurricane Damage →
Need Pre-Storm Repairs or Post-Storm Restoration?
Call (813) 434-6249 — Classic Enterprises Florida LLC serves St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Largo, and all of Pinellas County.
Learn more about insurance restoration services →
Classic Enterprises is a licensed contractor, not a public adjuster, and does not negotiate or represent your claim against your insurer. If your claim requires representation, Tim can recommend a licensed public adjuster or attorney.
FL Certified Residential Contractor CRC1335151 | FL Licensed Independent Adjuster W137218