Preparing Your Community for Hurricane Season

In South Florida, hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 — and for community associations, preparation isn’t optional. A little work before a storm protects property, speeds recovery, and can make the difference on an insurance claim. Here’s the checklist we use with the communities we manage.

Before the season starts

• Review insurance now. Confirm coverage limits, wind/flood policies, and deductibles before a named storm forms — you generally can’t bind new coverage once one is approaching.
• Update your reserve and contingency plan. Know what funds are available for emergency repairs and debris removal.
• Refresh vendor contacts. Line up pre-season agreements with roofers, tree services, water-mitigation, and generator vendors so you’re not competing for them after landfall.
• Back up records. Store governing documents, insurance policies, owner contacts, and recent financials securely off-site or in the cloud.

As a storm approaches

• Secure common areas. Bring in or tie down pool furniture, signs, grills, and loose landscaping items that can become projectiles.
• Clear drains and gutters. Blocked storm drains are the most preventable cause of flooding in a community.
• Protect equipment. Shut down and protect pool pumps, elevators (per manufacturer/servicer guidance), and irrigation systems as appropriate.
• Communicate early. Send residents a clear pre-storm notice: parking guidance, shutter deadlines, emergency contacts, and where to find updates.

Document everything

Before the storm, take date-stamped photos and video of common areas, roofs, amenities, and equipment. If you have to file a claim, “before” documentation is one of the most valuable things you can have.

After the storm

1. Prioritize safety. Watch for downed lines, standing water, and structural hazards. Don’t let residents into unsafe areas.
2. Document damage immediately — photos and video, before any cleanup begins.
3. Mitigate further damage. Reasonable temporary repairs (tarping, water extraction) are usually expected by insurers; keep all receipts.
4. File claims promptly and track every communication.
5. Update residents on timelines, access, and next steps.

This checklist is general guidance, not a substitute for professional engineering, legal, or insurance advice specific to your property.

You don’t have to manage it alone

Storm prep and recovery are exactly where an experienced management company earns its keep — coordinating vendors, documenting damage, managing claims, and keeping residents informed while your board focuses on decisions. Learn more about how we support boards, or contact our office with questions about your community’s plan.