Hurricane Season Home Prep: A Treasure Coast Handyman Checklist

Storm preparation on the Treasure Coast works best as a calendar habit rather than a scramble. The work that genuinely protects a home takes weeks, not the two days between a storm being named and its arrival, by which point every contractor in the county is fully booked.

Before the Season Begins

• Clear gutters and flush every downspout, since overflow during sustained rain saturates the ground at your foundation.

• Inspect and reseal exterior caulk around windows and doors, which is your first defense against wind-driven rain.

• Check fascia and soffit for soft spots, because compromised wood gives wind a place to start.

• Confirm outdoor fixtures, mailboxes, and railings are firmly anchored rather than merely upright.

• Test that shutters or panels still fit and that the hardware has not seized since last year.

When a Storm Is Named

• Bring in or secure anything the wind can lift: furniture, planters, grills, and yard equipment.

• Fit shutters or panels early rather than on the final day, while conditions still allow safe work.

• Photograph the exterior of your property, which makes any later insurance conversation considerably simpler.

• Check that drains and swales around the property are clear so water has somewhere to go.

Afterward

Walk the exterior before assuming everything held. Look for lifted trim, separated gutter seams, displaced soffit panels, and water staining that was not there before. Damage found in the first week is far cheaper to address than damage discovered months later through a ceiling stain, and documenting it early strengthens any claim.

The Repairs Worth Doing Now

Anything already loose before a storm will be considerably looser afterward. Trim, fascia, exterior fixtures, and sealant are all inexpensive to address in calm weather and disproportionately expensive once wind has worked on them.

For pre-season exterior checks and repairs across Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast, contact info@solariservices.co.