Hurricane Season Prep Starts in April

Why April and May Matter for Hurricane Prep

If you've lived in Central Florida for any length of time, you know that hurricane season officially begins June 1st. But here's what many seasonal homeowners miss: April and May are actually your best window to prepare. The weather is still pleasant enough to work outside, contractors aren't yet swamped, and you'll have time to address problems without rushing.

Whether you're in The Villages, Mount Dora, or any of our surrounding communities, the spring checklist protects your investment and makes your home safer when the storms arrive.

Inspect Your Roof and Gutters

Start with what's literally over your head. Central Florida's spring weather—with its occasional heavy rains—gives you a good test of how water flows off your home. Look for missing shingles, worn seals around vents, or areas where water might collect in gutters.

Clean out gutters and downspouts thoroughly. Leaves and debris left over from winter can trap water against your home, and during a hurricane, backed-up water can find its way inside. If you haven't had your roof professionally inspected in the last few years, this is the time to schedule it. A roofer can spot potential weak points long before the first tropical system forms.

Test and Service Your Generator

If you have a generator, now is when you should run it under load for at least 30 minutes to make sure it actually works when you need it. Check fuel lines, battery connections, and oil levels. If it's been sitting unused, old fuel can clog the system.

For those considering a generator, spring is when supply is adequate and installation won't be rushed. A portable unit for at least your refrigerator and essential outlets costs less than many think and provides real security during outages.

Check Doors, Windows, and Seals

Walk around your home and look for gaps where air—and water—can enter. Check weather stripping around exterior doors and windows. Test that your doors close and latch properly. If you have French doors or sliding glass doors, consider storm panels or impact-resistant film. These aren't cheap, but they're far less expensive to install in April than in August when demand spikes.

Secure or Store Loose Items

Patio furniture, grills, planters, decorative items—anything that could become a projectile belongs either stored inside or firmly secured to your deck or ground. In our Central Florida communities with established landscaping, also trim back tree branches hanging near your home or roof.

Stock Basic Supplies

You don't need to panic-buy, but now is a sensible time to acquire what you'll actually use: bottled water (one gallon per person per day for several days), batteries, a battery-powered radio, basic first aid supplies, and any prescription medications you might need to have on hand. These items are reasonably priced now and widely available.

Document Your Home

Take photos and video of your home's interior and exterior for insurance purposes. Store these files securely in the cloud. If damage occurs, documentation speeds up claims considerably.

Final Thought

April and May prep isn't about fear. It's about being sensible. A few weekends of attention now means your home will be ready, and you'll be able to weather whatever June through November brings.