Hurricane Preparation Checklist Northeast Florida | Complete Storm Readiness Guide

Don't wait until a storm is 48 hours out. Use our comprehensive hurricane prep checklist to protect your family and home before the next system forms.

You Don't Want to Forget Something Critical

IWhen the National Hurricane Center issues a watch for Northeast Florida, everything moves fast. Stores sell out. Gas lines form. And you're trying to remember everything you need to do to protect your home and family.

You've seen the news footage—people scrambling at the last minute, forgetting essentials, making panicked decisions. You don't want to be that person.

Preparation isn't about panic. It's about having a plan before you need it.

You Don't Want to Forget Something Critical

A concerned woman sitting in a dimly lit living room monitoring a hurricane tracking app on her smartphone during a storm, with a first aid kit and flashlight nearby.

You've seen the news footage—people scrambling at the last minute, forgetting essentials, making panicked decisions. You don't want to be that person.

Preparation isn't about panic. It's about having a plan before you need it.

We've Helped Hundreds of Families Prepare Properly

At Titan Shutters and Screens, we've guided Jacksonville and St. Augustine homeowners through multiple hurricane seasons. We know what works, what people forget, and what actually matters when a storm approaches.

This is the same checklist we give our customers—and follow for our own homes.

We've Helped Hundreds of Families Prepare Properly

A woman on a coastal balcony using a remote control to lower motorized storm screens, positioned next to installed white plantation shutters with an ocean view.

This is the same checklist we give our customers—and follow for our own homes.

Get storm protection that enhances your home, not hides it.

Fast installation. Storm-rated protection. Peace of mind. Tropical style. Hurricane rated. Always ready.

We've Helped Hundreds of Families Prepare Properly

72+ Hours Before Storm Arrival (When Watch is Issued)

Home Protection:

Deploy hurricane shutters or verify they're ready to deploy

Test motorized shutters to ensure they're working

Clear yard of loose items (furniture, decorations, potted plants, toys)

Trim dead tree branches that could become projectiles

Clean gutters and downspouts

Secure or bring in garbage cans, grills, and lawn equipment

Take photos of your home's exterior for insurance purposes

Move vehicles to higher ground if in flood zone

Emergency Supplies:

Water (1 gallon per person per day for 7 days minimum)

Non-perishable food (7-day supply)

Flashlights and extra batteries (no candles—fire risk)

Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio

First aid kit with prescription medications (7-day supply)

Cell phone chargers and portable power banks (fully charged)

Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)

Important documents in waterproof container (insurance, IDs, deeds)

Planning:

Fill all vehicles with gas

Confirm evacuation route if you're in evacuation zone

Identify shelter locations if evacuating

Notify out-of-state contact person of your plans

Review your insurance coverage and have agent's contact info

Charge all devices fully

48 Hours Before Storm Arrival (When Warning is Issued)

Final Home Prep:

Deploy all hurricane shutters completely

Bring outdoor furniture and items inside garage

Turn refrigerator/freezer to coldest settings

Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for flushing toilets

Unplug small appliances and electronics

Know how to turn off utilities if instructed

Move important items to second floor if in flood zone

Supplies Check:

Verify you have enough supplies (stores may be closed or sold out)

Fill any needed prescriptions

Get cash if you haven't already

Top off gas tanks

Communication:

Confirm your plan with family members

Check in with elderly neighbors

Program emergency numbers into phone

Download offline maps if evacuating

24 Hours Before Storm Arrival

Last-Minute Actions

Verify all shutters are completely deployed and secured

Stay inside—don't risk injury making last-minute preparations

Fill extra containers with water

Freeze bags of water for cooler use after power loss

Do final check of weather updates

If evacuating, leave NOW—don't wait

DO NOT:

❌ Wait until the last minute to evacuate if ordered

❌ Tape windows (this doesn't work and wastes time)

❌ Go outside during the eye of the storm

❌ Assume you can "ride it out" if you're in an evacuation zone

During the Storm

Stay Safe:

Stay indoors away from windows

Go to interior room on lowest floor (not basement if flooding possible)

Listen to weather radio for updates

Don't go outside during the eye—the back side is coming

Stay away from standing water

Don't use candles (fire risk with potential gas leaks)

After the Storm

Safety First:

Wait for all-clear from authorities before going outside

Watch for downed power lines (assume all lines are live)

Don't drive through standing water

Check for gas leaks—evacuate if you smell gas

Document all damage with photos for insurance

Don't use generators indoors or in garages (carbon monoxide)

Recovery:

Contact insurance company to file claims

Begin cleanup only when it's safe

Keep hurricane shutters deployed until you've assessed damage

Save all receipts for repairs and temporary housing

We've Helped Hundreds of Families Prepare Properly

72+ Hours Before Storm Arrival (When Watch is Issued)

Home Protection:

Deploy hurricane shutters or verify they're ready to deploy

Test motorized shutters to ensure they're working

Clear yard of loose items (furniture, decorations, potted plants, toys)

Trim dead tree branches that could become projectiles

Clean gutters and downspouts

Secure or bring in garbage cans, grills, and lawn equipment

Take photos of your home's exterior for insurance purposes

Move vehicles to higher ground if in flood zone

Emergency Supplies:

Water (1 gallon per person per day for 7 days minimum)

Non-perishable food (7-day supply)

Flashlights and extra batteries (no candles—fire risk)

Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio

First aid kit with prescription medications (7-day supply)

Cell phone chargers and portable power banks (fully charged)

Cash (ATMs may not work after the storm)

Important documents in waterproof container (insurance, IDs, deeds)

Planning:

Fill all vehicles with gas

Confirm evacuation route if you're in evacuation zone

Identify shelter locations if evacuating

Notify out-of-state contact person of your plans

Review your insurance coverage and have agent's contact info

Charge all devices fully

48 Hours Before Storm Arrival (When Warning is Issued)

Final Home Prep:

Deploy all hurricane shutters completely

Bring outdoor furniture and items inside garage

Turn refrigerator/freezer to coldest settings

Fill bathtubs and sinks with water for flushing toilets

Unplug small appliances and electronics

Know how to turn off utilities if instructed

Move important items to second floor if in flood zone

Supplies Check:

Verify you have enough supplies (stores may be closed or sold out)

Fill any needed prescriptions

Get cash if you haven't already

Top off gas tanks

Communication:

Confirm your plan with family members

Check in with elderly neighbors

Program emergency numbers into phone

Download offline maps if evacuating

24 Hours Before Storm Arrival

Last-Minute Actions

Verify all shutters are completely deployed and secured

Stay inside—don't risk injury making last-minute preparations

Fill extra containers with water

Freeze bags of water for cooler use after power loss

Do final check of weather updates

If evacuating, leave NOW—don't wait

DO NOT:

❌ Wait until the last minute to evacuate if ordered

❌ Tape windows (this doesn't work and wastes time)

❌ Go outside during the eye of the storm

❌ Assume you can "ride it out" if you're in an evacuation zone

During the Storm

Stay Safe:

Stay indoors away from windows

Go to interior room on lowest floor (not basement if flooding possible)

Listen to weather radio for updates

Don't go outside during the eye—the back side is coming

Stay away from standing water

Don't use candles (fire risk with potential gas leaks)

After the Storm

Safety First:

Wait for all-clear from authorities before going outside

Watch for downed power lines (assume all lines are live)

Don't drive through standing water

Check for gas leaks—evacuate if you smell gas

Document all damage with photos for insurance

Don't use generators indoors or in garages (carbon monoxide)

Recovery:

Contact insurance company to file claims

Begin cleanup only when it's safe

Keep hurricane shutters deployed until you've assessed damage

Save all receipts for repairs and temporary housing

Get storm protection that enhances your home, not hides it.

Fast installation. Storm-rated protection. Peace of mind. Tropical style. Hurricane rated. Always ready.

What Happens If You're Not Prepared

What Florida Building Code Actually Requires

Hurricane Irma. Hurricane Matthew. Hurricane Dorian. Each time, we saw the same pattern: unprepared homeowners scrambling, stores sold out, gas stations empty, and families stuck making dangerous last-minute decisions.

Without a plan:

You forget critical supplies

You deploy shutters too late or incorrectly

You make panicked evacuation decisions

You're not properly insured or documented

Your family's safety is at risk

Having this checklist eliminates that chaos.

What Happens If You're Not Prepared

What Florida Building Code Actually Requires

Technical infographic showing engineering strength for wind loads and a color-coded Florida wind zone map overlaying a coastal neighborhood during a storm.

Without a plan:

You forget critical supplies

You deploy shutters too late or incorrectly

You make panicked evacuation decisions

You're not properly insured or documented

Your family's safety is at risk

Having this checklist eliminates that chaos.

This Is What Preparedness Looks Like

A tropical storm strengthens to a hurricane and turns toward Florida. The watch is issued. You're calm.

You pull out your hurricane checklist. You walk through each item methodically. Deploy shutters—check.

Supplies stocked—check. Gas tank full—check. Family plan confirmed—check.

While others are panicking, you're prepared.

When the storm passes and the sun comes out, your home is secure. Your family is safe. You were ready.

This Is What Preparedness Looks Like

A young couple standing comfortably inside their home during a rainstorm, with the man pointing out the window at the effective protection provided by their exterior hurricane shutters.

A tropical storm strengthens to a hurricane and turns toward Florida. The watch is issued. You're calm.

You pull out your hurricane checklist. You walk through each item methodically. Deploy shutters—check.

Supplies stocked—check. Gas tank full—check. Family plan confirmed—check.

While others are panicking, you're prepared.

When the storm passes and the sun comes out, your home is secure. Your family is safe. You were ready.

Special Considerations for Northeast Florida

Coastal Flooding (St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, Anastasia Island)

Know your flood zone (A, AE, VE zones require different prep)

Have multiple evacuation routes planned

Move valuables to second floor

Consider sandbags for ground-level garages

Riverine Flooding (St. Johns River areas)

River flooding can occur days after the storm passes

Monitor river levels after the storm, not just during

Low-lying areas near the river are high risk

Bridge Closures

Bridges to barrier islands close at sustained 40 mph winds

If you're on Anastasia Island or Jacksonville beaches, evacuate early

Don't get trapped on the island

Pet Preparation

Many shelters don't accept pets

Identify pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes

Have pet carriers, food, and medications ready

Microchip and tag your pets

What Happens If Your Shutters Aren't Code Compliant

May (Pre-Season):

Review insurance coverage

Install hurricane shutters if you don't have them

Create or update your family emergency plan

Stock non-perishable supplies

June-November (Active Season):

Monitor National Hurricane Center regularly

Keep supplies stocked and fresh

Test hurricane shutters monthly

Stay ready to act on 72-hour notice

December-April (Off-Season):

The best time to install hurricane shutters

Review what worked/didn't work last season

Update emergency contacts

Restock expired medications or supplies

Code-compliant installation protects you legally, financially, and physically.

Special Considerations for Northeast Florida

Coastal Flooding (St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, Anastasia Island)

Know your flood zone (A, AE, VE zones require different prep)

Have multiple evacuation routes planned

Move valuables to second floor

Consider sandbags for ground-level garages

Riverine Flooding (St. Johns River areas)

River flooding can occur days after the storm passes

Monitor river levels after the storm, not just during

Low-lying areas near the river are high risk

Bridge Closures

Bridges to barrier islands close at sustained 40 mph winds

If you're on Anastasia Island or Jacksonville beaches, evacuate early

Don't get trapped on the island

Pet Preparation

Many shelters don't accept pets

Identify pet-friendly hotels along evacuation routes

Have pet carriers, food, and medications ready

Microchip and tag your pets

What Happens If Your Shutters Aren't Code Compliant

May (Pre-Season):

Review insurance coverage

Install hurricane shutters if you don't have them

Create or update your family emergency plan

Stock non-perishable supplies

June-November (Active Season):

Monitor National Hurricane Center regularly

Keep supplies stocked and fresh

Test hurricane shutters monthly

Stay ready to act on 72-hour notice

December-April (Off-Season):

The best time to install hurricane shutters

Review what worked/didn't work last season

Update emergency contacts

Restock expired medications or supplies

Code-compliant installation protects you legally, financially, and physically.

Your home deserves protection that's ready before the storm forms.

No obligation. Just honest answers about protecting your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I actually deploy my hurricane shutters?

Deploy when a hurricane watch is issued for your area (typically 48 hours before possible impact). Don't wait for the warning (24 hours out)—winds may already be too strong.

How much water do I really need?

1 gallon per person per day minimum. For a family of 4, that's 28 gallons for a week. Don't forget pets.

Should I evacuate or stay?

If you're in an evacuation zone, evacuate. Period. If you're not in an evacuation zone and have proper hurricane shutters, staying may be appropriate—but always follow local emergency management guidance.

What if I can't afford all these supplies at once?

Build your hurricane kit over time. Buy a few items each week starting in May. By June, you're fully prepared.

Do I really need 7 days of supplies?

Yes. After major hurricanes, power can be out for a week or more, and supply deliveries are delayed. Plan for at least 7 days of self-sufficiency.

Get Your Hurricane Shutters Ready Before You Need Them

The best item on any hurricane prep checklist is "Have hurricane shutters professionally installed." If you don't have proper protection yet, don't wait until the forecast shows a storm heading our way.