For seasonal owners, the hardest part of a hurricane is often the distance. You watch the forecast from hundreds of miles away, the storm passes, and then you wait to hear whether your home is fine. This guide walks through what to do in the days and weeks after a storm, whether you can get to Southwest Florida right away or need to rely on local help. For getting ready before a storm, see our hurricane prep checklist and hurricane prep for absentee owners.
In the first day or two
- Follow official sources, not rumors. Your county emergency management office and local officials will say when roads, bridges and barrier islands reopen. Social media posts and neighborhood groups can be useful for photos, but they are not a reliable guide to when it's safe to go back.
- Don't ask anyone to go in before it's safe. Downed power lines, standing water, damaged trees and blocked roads are real hazards after a storm. A good home watch company or property manager will visit as soon as officials allow access, not before.
- Contact your home watch or property manager. Ask when they expect to reach your street, and ask for photos of the outside first, then the inside. If you agreed a post-storm visit in writing before the season, this is when it pays off.
- Check in with neighbors and your HOA or condo association. They often know first whether the community has power, water and access.
What the first visit should cover
Whoever goes to the house should take clear photos and video before moving or cleaning anything. A useful first visit covers:
- Outside: the roof (from the ground), soffits, gutters, fences, pool cage and lanai screens, fallen trees or branches, and any standing water against the house.
- Openings: windows, doors, garage door and shutters. Note any broken glass, bent panels or water lines on doors.
- Inside: ceilings and walls for stains, wet flooring or carpet, musty smells, and the area around the A/C air handler and water heater.
- Utilities: whether the power is on and the A/C is running. If the power was out for a while, the house may have heated up and become humid, and the refrigerator and freezer may need to be emptied.
- Water: whether there's any sign of leaks, and whether the main water supply should stay off for now.
Ask for everything in writing with photos, dated. You will want that record for your insurer.
If there is damage
- Call your insurance company or agent promptly. Ask how they want the claim reported, what documentation they need, and whether you should get repairs started before an adjuster visits. Policies differ, so follow your insurer's instructions.
- Prevent further damage when it's safe. Most policies expect owners to take reasonable steps to stop damage from getting worse, such as tarping a roof, boarding a broken window or drying out wet areas. Keep receipts for this work.
- Dry things out quickly. In Southwest Florida's heat and humidity, wet drywall, carpet and furniture can grow mold quickly. Getting the A/C running and removing wet materials matters. See our guide to mold and humidity in a closed-up home, and consider a mold inspector if water got inside.
- Keep a simple log. Write down who you talked to, when, and what was agreed. It helps with insurance and with contractors.
Hiring contractors after a storm
After a major storm, demand for repairs spikes, and so do door-to-door crews and out-of-area companies. Some are legitimate; some are not. A few habits protect you:
- Check the license. Roofers, general contractors, electricians, plumbers and A/C contractors in Florida are licensed by the state. You can look up a license at myfloridalicense.com.
- Ask for proof of insurance and a written estimate that lists the work and materials.
- Be careful with large upfront payments and with anyone who pressures you to sign right away or to hand over your insurance claim.
- Prefer local, established companies you or your neighbors know, and read your contract before signing. Our guide on how to hire and check a contractor in Florida goes into more detail.
Common trades after a storm include roofers, pool cage and lanai screen repair, fencing, gutters, windows and doors, electricians, plumbers and A/C service. For yard debris and fallen limbs, see lawn and landscaping companies.
Generators and power safety
- If you have a standby generator, ask your home watch provider to confirm it ran and is in good condition, and schedule service after heavy use.
- Portable generators should never be run inside a home or garage. Carbon monoxide is a serious danger after storms.
- If any part of the electrical system was underwater, have a licensed electrician check it before power is restored to that area.
Shutters and pool after the storm
- Decide who takes shutters down, and when. Leaving them up for weeks makes the house dark and hides problems; taking them down too early leaves the house exposed if another storm follows.
- Pools often fill with debris and may overflow. Your pool service can clean it, rebalance the water and check the pump and equipment.
Plan for next time
After the dust settles, write down what worked and what didn't. Did your home watch company reach you quickly? Were the shutters up in time? Did you have photos of the house from before the storm? Store your contacts, policy numbers and before-and-after photos in one place, such as the free My Florida Home app, so you're ready next season.
General information only. It is not legal, insurance or engineering advice. Check with your insurer, HOA and licensed professionals.
More guides: Snowbird Home Checklist for Southwest Florida · Hurricane Prep Checklist for SWFL Homeowners · How to Choose a Pool Cage & Lanai Screen Company · How to Choose a Pool Service in Southwest Florida · How to Choose a Hurricane Shutter Company in Southwest Florida · Mold and Humidity in a Closed-Up Florida Home: What Snowbirds Should Know · How to Hire and Check a Contractor in Florida: A Guide for Seasonal Owners · Preventing Water Leaks in an Empty Florida Home · The Snowbird's Closing Checklist for a Southwest Florida Home · Hurricane Prep for Absentee Owners · How to Choose a Home Watch Company in Southwest Florida · Shipping Your Car South: A Snowbird's Guide · Opening Your Southwest Florida Home for the Season