When Should I Put Up Hurricane Shutters?
- Jansen Shutters & Specialties
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
In Florida, hurricane season isn’t just a time of year, it’s a mindset. From Naples to Sarasota, coastal homeowners know one truth: when it comes to protecting your home, timing is everything.
One of the most common questions we hear at Jansen Shutters & Specialties (JSS):
“When should I put up hurricane shutters?”
Whether you’ve invested in luxury hurricane shutters or are considering automated hurricane screens, knowing when to deploy them is just as important as having them installed.
Here’s your definitive guide, straight from Florida’s storm experts, on how to stay protected, not panicked.
The Golden Rule: 48 Hours Before Landfall
When to Put Up Hurricane Shutters According to FEMA and the National Hurricane Center, you should aim to secure your shutters at least 48 hours before projected landfall. Why? Because:
Storm paths can shift rapidly.
Traffic and supply lines get congested.
Winds often pick up well before the storm officially arrives.
At JSS, we tell our clients:
"Don’t wait for the wind, act when the warnings begin." - Travis Jansen
Use the Cone of Uncertainty. Not Just the Category.
It’s a mistake to wait until a storm becomes a Category 3 or higher. The reality is:
A Category 1 hurricane can still produce flying debris, power outages, and structural damage.
Even a strong tropical storm can push surge into Gulf-front homes.
Instead, monitor the “cone of uncertainty” in forecasts. If your home falls within the cone—it’s time to activate your custom storm protection.
Don’t gamble on last-minute changes.
Manual vs. Automated: Timing Matters More Than You Think
Shutter Type | Ideal Timing | Key Benefit |
Manual Shutters | 48–72 hrs before landfall | Requires hands-on setup—don’t wait too long |
Automated Hurricane Screens | 24–48 hrs before landfall | Remote-controlled—fast and effortless |
Impact-Resistant Windows | No setup required | Always active storm defense |
If you’ve chosen automated or smart-integrated shutters, you’re already ahead of the curve. With smart home storm integration, you can even program your shutters to deploy when an official alert is issued. Check out Jansen Shutters’ best-in-class storm protection.
Don’t Wait for the Last Minute
Here’s why delaying shutter deployment is risky:
High winds can make setup dangerous.
You might be evacuating when it’s time to install.
Supply chains tighten—fast. Even pros like us face demand spikes just days before a big storm.
Pro Tips from Gulf Coast Hurricane Protection Experts
Do a Dry Run in Early Summer - Practice installing manual shutters or test your automated system. Schedule a maintenance check to ensure all tracks and hardware are storm-ready.
Watch for “Hurricane Watch” Alert - Issued roughly 48 hours before impact—this is your signal to act.
Have a Family Storm Plan - Assign clear roles for who secures each part of your home (and your pets).
Book Early for Custom Solutions - Demand for high-end storm protection across Sarasota County surges mid-season.
In hurricane season, timing is everything. Don’t risk a last-minute scramble. With the right tools—and the right timing—you can protect your family, your property, and your legacy.
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.
Hear what Gulf Coast homeowners are saying—Jansen Shutters delivers protection you can trust and craftsmanship you can see.
Together, we are stronger. Be proactive, Be prepared, and Be StormStrong.
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