Hurricane Prep Mistakes Florida Homeowners Make
- Jansen Shutters & Specialties
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Life on Florida’s Gulf Coast offers sunshine, sea breezes, and waterfront living but those same coastal charms also come with a yearly reminder: hurricane season is always near.
Every year, we meet homeowners who learn the hard way that beauty and resilience don’t always go hand in hand. In a region where hurricanes are intensifying 60% faster than they were just two decades ago, storm prep is no longer optional and it should never be an afterthought. Here are:
Hurricane Prep Mistakes Florida Homeowners Make
1. Waiting Too Long to Upgrade Your Windows or Shutters
Many homeowners still rely on aging storm panels or temporary DIY fixes, assuming there will be “plenty of time” to prepare when the next storm nears. The reality? Once a named storm is on the map, supply chains strain, prices surge, and qualified installers book up fast.
Get ahead of the rush now. Today’s hurricane-rated impact windows and luxury shutters meet or exceed the latest Florida Building Code and blend beautifully into upscale home designs. It’s an investment that protects property and peace of mind.
2. Overlooking Smart-Home Vulnerabilities
Modern homes are filled with connected technology - smart locks, cameras, gates - but when power or internet goes down, these systems can leave homes vulnerable.
The solution: integrate storm-season power backups, surge protection, and off-grid access. Many homeowners also choose automated hurricane screens that can deploy with a tap on
your phone even from out of state.
3. Relying on Builder-Grade or Outdated Shutters
Not all shutters are created equal. Many builder-grade installations cut corners with lower-grade materials that may no longer meet code and may not stand up to today’s storms.
Our high-performance luxury shutters and impact-rated products are built for both strength and style. No compromises. Just proven protection designed to enhance your home’s curb appeal while defending against Florida’s fiercest winds
4. Ignoring the Entire Property Envelope
It’s not enough to cover your windows. Roof edges, garage doors, soffits, lanai enclosures these can all become points of failure in a major storm.
We recommend a complete “property envelope” review. This includes garage door bracing, roof strap inspection, and securing outdoor furniture. FEMA data shows that over 80% of storm-related structural failures begin with garage door breaches.
5. Mismanaging Generators and Fuel Storage
Portable generators are lifesavers—when used correctly. Improper placement (such as inside a garage) can result in deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
Follow FEMA safety guidelines and consider upgrading to a professionally installed standby generator system. These units power critical systems (lighting, HVAC, smart tech) automatically when the grid goes dark
The Fast-Track Action Plan
Step | Timeline | Result |
Book a free a assessment with Jansen Shutters | Today | Personalized checklist & quote |
Approve your design (shutters, impact glass, screens) | 24–48 hrs | Materials ordered—no supply-chain scramble |
Certified installation by JSS-trained crews | 1–2 days/home section | Full hurricane preparedness for upscale homes |
Protect what matters most before the next storm forms and avoid the common hurricane prep mistakes homeowners make. With the right plan, the right products, and expert guidance, you can stay safe and StormStrong all season long.
Here's how you can join us in making a difference right here in our community:
Volunteer: Sign up for free training and join our volunteer force.
Request Assistance: If your home or business requires storm cleanup support, connect directly with our volunteer crews.
Become a Sponsor: Local businesses and organizations are invited to sponsor and support community resilience.
Together, we are stronger.
Be Proactive. Be Prepared. Be StormStrong.
We want to hear from you! Which hurricane prep mistake do you think is the most common in your neighborhood?
Waiting too long to upgrade shutters/windows
Overlooking smart-home vulnerabilities
Relying on outdated or builder-grade shutters
Ignoring the whole property envelope
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