How to Prepare for a Hurricane in Florida

What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Well, it’s officially hurricane season, which runs from June to November.

If you're new to Florida, hurricane prep might feel like uncharted territory. The storms can be unpredictable and overwhelming, and it's easy to feel unsure of what to do before, during, or after a hurricane. At Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we’re native Floridians, and we’ve weathered many storms ourselves. One thing we've learned over the years is that being prepared makes all the difference.

This blog will walk you through how to prepare for a hurricane, with a special focus on protecting your patio, screen enclosures, and outdoor spaces. And because hurricane prep involves more than just your backyard, we've also created a comprehensive Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for your whole home and family.

👉 Download Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Protecting Your Screen Enclosure Before a Hurricane

Your screen enclosure is designed with strength in mind. At Lafferty, our aluminum structures are built to withstand hurricane-force winds up to 155 mph. However, even the most durable enclosures need a bit of attention before a major storm hits.

Don't Cut Your Screens

There’s a common myth that cutting your screens helps relieve pressure during a storm. We want to be clear: don’t cut your screens. Our enclosures are engineered with safety in mind. If the wind becomes too strong, the screen panels are designed to blow out, not to fail structurally. This feature protects the aluminum frame from tearing or twisting under pressure.

Cutting the screens manually not only defeats this safety design, but it also leads to costly and unnecessary repairs after the storm. Replacing or repairing torn panels is a much easier and more affordable fix than rebuilding a damaged frame.

Manage the Doors for Airflow

One of the smartest things you can do before the storm is to remove the screen enclosure door entirely, or prop it open using sandbags. This allows for better airflow and reduces wind pressure inside the enclosure. When high winds can escape rather than get trapped inside, the risk of damage to the structure is much lower.

This is a simple step that could save you a lot in potential repairs, so make it part of your pre-storm routine.

Clear Your Patio and Outdoor Area

Your outdoor space is full of items that could become dangerous during high winds. Even objects that seem heavy grills and patio furniture can be lifted and tossed by hurricane-force winds, turning them into dangerous projectiles.

Here are a few key recommendations:

• Bring furniture inside, especially anything lightweight or cushioned. If it won’t fit indoors, secure it tightly or tie it down.
• Remove cushions and store them in plastic bins or indoors to avoid mildew and water damage.
• Roll your grill into the garage or a sheltered space. Even though they’re heavy, grills are often on wheels and can slide easily.
• Move potted plants indoors, or cluster them in a corner where they’re less exposed, and use sandbags or anchors if necessary.
• If you have pool equipment, be sure to turn off power at the breaker and cover electrical components.

Before the Storm: Be Proactive

Preparation starts well before the first raindrops fall. Don’t wait until the last minute, when stores are out of batteries and gas lines are long. Get ahead of the storm with these smart steps:

• Create a family emergency plan. Make sure everyone knows the evacuation route, meeting point, and has emergency contacts saved.
• Stock up on essentials. That includes water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and prescription medications.
• Check your hurricane kit. Don’t forget pet supplies, extra chargers, cash, and paper copies of important documents.
• Review your insurance. Make sure your coverage is up-to-date and take photos of your home for documentation.

All of this (and more) is included in our free printable checklist.

👉 Click here to download the full checklist

During the Storm: Stay Calm, Stay Safe

When the storm arrives, your job is to stay inside and stay informed. Don’t go out to check on things until it’s safe. Remember, the eye of the storm can give a false sense of security, followed by a sudden return of strong winds.

Stay tuned to local emergency alerts through battery-powered radios or apps. Keep away from windows and doors, and use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire hazards. Keep your hurricane kit close and try to maintain normal routines to stay calm, especially if you have young children.

After the Storm: Assess and Restore

Once the storm has passed and local officials have declared it safe, you can begin assessing the damage.

Check your screen enclosure but be cautious. Look for torn screens, bent frames, or loose components. If you notice damage, give us a call. Do not attempt major repairs yourself, especially if aluminum is bent or if the structure seems compromised. Remove debris slowly and carefully, especially if there are branches or standing water near electrical lines. Turn pool equipment back on only if it’s safe to do so, and call a professional if you’re unsure.

And of course, check on your neighbors. Hurricane recovery is a team effort in Florida communities.

Hurricane Screen Repairs: What You Need to Know

After a storm, it’s common for screen enclosures to suffer damage and at Lafferty Aluminum & Screening, we’re ready to help. While demand increases post-storm, we aim to replace hurricane panels within 5–7 business days, depending on scheduling and availability. The sooner you call, the sooner we can get you back to enjoying your outdoor space safely.

Should You Repair Panels Before or After a Hurricane?

If a storm is on the way, wait to replace your panels until after it passes. Replacing them beforehand can lead to wasted time and cost if they blow out. But if it's early in the season and the forecast is clear, go ahead and repair now, no need to live with torn screens all summer.

At the end of the day, it’s about your peace of mind and comfort. Whether you fix it now or wait, we’ll be here to help when you're ready. Give us a call to schedule your repair.

How to Prepare for Hurricane Season with Lafferty

Preparing for a hurricane is all about peace of mind and protecting your home and loved ones. By taking the right steps before, during, and after the storm, you can reduce damage and stress.

If you need repairs to your screen enclosure after the storm, Lafferty Aluminum & Screening is ready to help. Just give us a call, at 321-652-1078 or message us here, and we’ll work to get you back to normal as soon as possible. For a complete guide on preparing your home and family, don’t forget to download our free Hurricane Preparedness Checklist, it covers everything you need for this season.

Stay safe and prepared this hurricane season!