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Hurricane Season Prep: The Complete Broward Guide (2026)
Before the season (May–June is the sweet spot)
Trim dead and overhanging branches near the roofline and haul off yard debris (a clear yard = fewer projectiles). Shore up fences, gates, sheds and pergolas — they fail first. Clear gutters, downspouts and drains. Fit storm shutters or pre-cut board-up so it goes up fast. Photograph the exterior, the roof from the ground, and major rooms for your insurance record. Seal and paint exterior surfaces so they shed water. And book your prep crew early — slots fill the second a storm is named. See our printable hurricane checklist.
Proactive vs. reactive — the cost is one-sided
Pre-season prep bundles run a fraction of post-storm repair. Industry data puts the median Florida storm-damage out-of-pocket in the thousands; pre-season shore-up, debris haul and board-up cost far less and directly reduce the claim you'll file. The proactive Floridian pays a little, early, on purpose. The reactive one pays a lot, all at once, behind everyone else in line.
What to DIY vs. hire
DIY-friendly: bringing in furniture, charging devices, basic yard cleanup, photographing. Worth hiring: board-up and shutter install (done right and fast), fence/shed shore-up, pre-storm debris haul (our 15-yard trailer), and post-storm cleanup. Leave roofing, electrical, and structural work to a licensed contractor — always.
After the storm
Safety first — stay clear of downed lines (call the utility / a licensed electrician). Document all damage with photos before you clean up. Tarp roof leaks as a temporary measure (roof replacement is a licensed-contractor job). Haul debris and destroyed materials, triage fences and board-up, and clean interior water fast to prevent mold. Get on the repair list early — see storm cleanup & repair.
What's a licensed-contractor job
Roofing, electrical, and structural repairs require a licensed contractor in Florida — we don't do those, and we'll point you to a licensed pro. Securing, board-up, debris haul, tarping, fence/deck triage, and surface repairs are property-maintenance work we handle. Not sure? Check it free.
Frequently asked
When does hurricane season start in Broward County?
Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity August through mid-October. The best time to prep is May and early June, before any storm is named.
What should I do to prepare my Broward home for a hurricane?
Trim trees and clear the yard, shore up fences and sheds, clear gutters, fit shutters or board-up, photograph the property for insurance, and book your prep crew early. See our printable hurricane checklist.
Do you board up homes before a storm in Broward?
Yes — 1st Integrity installs plywood or panel board-up, sets shutters, secures loose items, and clears drainage, with priority callbacks on advisory days. Book early in the season.
Is hurricane prep worth the cost?
Yes — pre-season prep is loss mitigation: it costs a fraction of post-storm repair and directly reduces the insurance claim and deductible you'll face. Proactive homeowners also skip the post-storm waitlist.
Talk to a real person
Questions on your specific job? Free written estimates, straight answers, no upsell. Call 954-995-1028 or request a free estimate.