How to Prepare for a Hurricane When You Live Out of State: A Guide for Seasonal Residents in Babcock Ranch

For seasonal residents in Babcock Ranch, hurricanes can be a major concern, especially when you’re out of state and unable to check on your property yourself. Without a solid plan in place, a storm can lead to avoidable damages and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key steps to prepare your home before a hurricane and ensure peace of mind when you’re away.

Step 1: Before the Storm - Create a Hurricane Readiness Plan

Having a proactive plan is essential to ensure that your home is as prepared as possible for any severe weather. Here’s what your plan should include:

• Store Outdoor Furniture, Planters, and Decorative Items
  Heavy winds can turn outdoor furniture, planters, and decorative items into dangerous projectiles. High winds are a certainty during a hurricane in Babcock Ranch. Plan for someone to store patio furniture, umbrellas, garden décor, and outdoor cushions indoors. If there’s a grill on your property, have it stowed in a sheltered area like the garage or secured in place to avoid damage. Your home watch professional can assist you with these items, so it’s important to create a plan with your chosen team. 

• Clear Out Refrigerators, Freezers, and Pantries of Perishables
  Power outages are common in hurricanes, and spoiled food can create a mess—and even attract pests. Clear all perishable items from your refrigerators, freezers, and pantry before a storm. This small step can prevent bigger issues if you’re away and unable to check in. While a good home watch professional will advise you to complete this task before you vacate your  home for the season, it’s important to do another final inspection to ensure you’re storm-ready should your home lose power. 

• Remove Lawn Ornaments and Loose Potted Plants
  Lawn ornaments, small sculptures, and potted plants that aren’t securely anchored can easily become airborne during high winds. Make sure these are brought inside or securely stored to prevent them from causing damage to your home—or your Babcock Ranch neighbor. This is another task your home watch team is happy to help you with. 

• Install Storm Shutters
  If your home has shutters, it’s critical to plan ahead to ensure they are installed safely before a hurricane arrives. Your home watch professional can handle some types of shutters, including:

• Electric shutters

• Accordion shutters

• Manual roll-down shutters

• However, if you have panel shutters, a contractor will need to be scheduled in advance. Don’t wait until a storm is on the way to line up a contractor, as they often require a deposit to secure a spot on their service list.

• Inspect Your Property
  An essential final visual inspection helps catch any overlooked items and secure weak points. Your home watch reporter can confirm that all windows and doors are tightly shut, outdoor areas are clear, and the structure is ready to weather the storm. Your home watch professional should document and share photos with you in advance of the storm. These may become important documents for your insurance company should you need to submit a claim after the storm. 

Step 2: After the Storm - Assess and Communicate

Once the hurricane has passed, a quick assessment of your property is crucial for catching any potential damage early on. Here’s what to plan for:

• Visual Inspection of Damage
  Arrange for your home watch professional to assess any visible damage to the property, including the roof, windows, doors, and outdoor areas. A timely post-storm report can help minimize further issues and keep you informed of the property’s condition.

• Remove Shutters Promptly
  Many Babcock Ranch neighborhood HOAs have strict requirements on when storm shutters must be taken down after a storm. Make sure you have someone on call to handle shutter removal and avoid any HOA violations.

• Receive Detailed Updates with Photos
  Clear, timely, communication is key to staying informed from afar. Ensure you receive a report with photos of your property both before and after the storm. This documentation can also be valuable if you need to file an insurance claim.

• Coordinate Any Repairs as Needed
  Should there be damage requiring repairs, having someone local to coordinate services can make all the difference. From arranging contractors to overseeing repairs, make sure your plan includes reliable local support.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Out-of-State Homeowners

To make things easier, here’s a checklist to ensure your Babcock Ranch home is ready for hurricane season:

Before the Storm:

• ✅ Arrange for someone to store outdoor items like furniture, grills, and planters.

• ✅ Clear refrigerators, freezers, and pantries of perishables.

• ✅ Identify a contact to install storm shutters (electric, accordion, or manual roll-down).

• ✅ Schedule a contractor if you have panel shutters, as they often require a deposit and advance booking.

• ✅ Schedule a final property inspection for peace of mind.

• ✅ Document your home’s pre-storm condition with photos.

After the Storm:

• ✅ Schedule a post-storm inspection to assess any damage.

• ✅ Arrange for shutter removal based on HOA requirements.

• ✅ Request a detailed report with photos for documentation.

• ✅ Coordinate repairs through a trusted local contact if needed.

For peace of mind during hurricane season, having a clear plan in place is invaluable. As a seasonal resident, partnering with a professional home watch service like Hive Home Watch ensures that your home is prepared, protected, and ready to weather any storm—even when you’re miles away.

Get in touch with Hive Home Watch today to learn how we can help you create a hurricane readiness plan and keep your Babcock Ranch home safe through the season. We’re here to be your eyes, ears, and peace of mind on the ground!