Pre-Season (May)
Use the months before peak storm activity to inspect drainage, accessible exterior hardware, shutters, screens, trees, emergency supplies, and the roof. Roof and tree evaluation belong with qualified professionals.
Complete permanent repairs well before a storm is forecast. Product lead times, permit needs, contractor availability, and unsafe weather can make last-minute building work impractical.
Storm-Watch Window (3–5 days out)
When a named system may affect Northeast Florida, use the latest National Hurricane Center forecast and local emergency-management instructions. Forecasts and timing can change, so do not rely on a fixed countdown.
Focus on the household plan, evacuation route, medications, documents, communications, fuel, charged devices, and securing loose items. Do not begin risky ladder, roof, electrical, or structural work as conditions deteriorate.
24 Hours Before Landfall
Last day prep. By now lockdown is mostly done. Final items are about minimizing damage if power goes out and water comes in.
If you're under evacuation order, leave. Property is replaceable.
What FixAway Can Help With
Before a storm, FixAway can review small-job items such as accessible gutter cleaning, screen and gate hardware, non-structural exterior fasteners, and a documented punch list. Product, access, permit, and trade boundaries are confirmed before scheduling.
After a storm, emergency, structural, roofing, active water intrusion, gas, electrical, major tree, and remediation work must go to the appropriate emergency service or qualified trade first. Handyman-scope finish repairs can be reviewed after the cause and hazards are resolved.
Post-Storm Documentation That Speeds Insurance Claims
After officials say it is safe to return, document conditions before discarding or altering damaged property when practical. Take wide and close-up photos organized by exterior elevation, room, fixture, and affected personal property.
Keep receipts and a dated activity log, but ask the insurer what it requires before assuming a temporary measure or repair is covered or reimbursable. Safety and preventing additional damage come first.
Turn This Guide Into a Project-Ready Scope
Start by documenting the actual condition instead of naming only the hoped-for result. Take a wide photo of the work area, close-ups of damage or connections, and a photo of any product label or model number. Record dimensions, access limits, surface materials, and anything that must be removed first.
Separate observed facts from diagnosis: note where water appeared, when a fixture stopped working, or how a door moves, but do not hide uncertain conditions behind a single repair label. That distinction helps identify whether a small-job visit is appropriate or whether the property needs a licensed trade, structural review, permit decision, testing, or emergency response first.
For a multi-item list, group tasks by room and mark each one as urgent, functional, preventive, or cosmetic. Include the service address because product fit, travel coverage, site access, and local requirements are part of the scope review. The result is a request that can be evaluated against the real property rather than a generic price or timing promise.
Continue Planning Your Jacksonville Project
These related homeowner guides cover adjacent planning decisions, maintenance conditions, and project boundaries. Use them with the services catalog to build a more complete request.
Storm Damage Repair Guide
Document damage, address immediate hazards, and separate emergency, insurance, trade, and handyman scopes.
Materials for Coastal Florida Homes
Consider moisture, ultraviolet exposure, salt air, fasteners, coatings, and sealants when selecting materials.
Florida Humidity Repair Tips
Find moisture-related warning signs and maintenance steps for finishes, ventilation, sealants, and hardware.
Sources and Further Reading
Use these primary public resources to verify safety, licensing, permit, maintenance, or preparedness details for your property. Product instructions and current local requirements still control the final project scope.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I call about hurricane prep work?
Plan permanent repairs and installations before a storm is forecast. FixAway reviews small-job scope, while roofs, trees, generators, electrical systems, structural work, permits, and emergency planning may require other qualified providers.
Should I install permanent storm panels or use plywood?
Use products and fastening methods approved for the opening, wall construction, local requirements, and manufacturer instructions. Ask the building authority, insurer, or qualified installer what is appropriate; do not assume one protection method preserves a discount or coverage.
Do I need a generator?
That decision depends on medical needs, outage risk, required loads, fuel storage, placement, ventilation, noise, transfer equipment, and budget. Generator sizing and any connection to building wiring should be handled by qualified professionals under current requirements.
What does insurance want to see post-storm?
Requirements vary by carrier and policy. Contact the insurer, preserve date-stamped photos and video, list damaged property and serial numbers, keep receipts, and follow its instructions before permanent repairs when safety allows.
Are emergency post-storm services available?
FixAway does not promise emergency response times. Active electrical hazards, gas leaks, flooding, structural damage, or unsafe access should be directed to emergency services and the appropriate licensed restoration or trade provider.