Every June, Southwest Florida holds its breath, and the Naples homes that come through hurricane season best are the prepared ones, not the lucky ones. If your home sits empty for part of the season, the work you or True North Home Watch handle now separates a minor cleanup from a five-figure claim.
- True North Home Watch pre-schedules client storm plans in June so Naples owners are never at the back of the line when shutter crews and contractors book up.
- Test shutters or panels in June, not 48 hours before a storm, because hardware seizes in the salt air and wing nuts go missing.
- Before the season, trim branches near the house and take dated photos from every angle to support any insurance claim.
- After a storm, a prompt documented assessment catches hidden water intrusion, lifted tiles or cracked window seals before they turn into mold.
What should you do before hurricane season starts?
Test your shutters or panels in June, not when a storm is 48 hours out. Hardware seizes in the salt air and wing nuts vanish. Confirm every opening has its panel and that you — or your home watch company — can deploy them quickly. Trim branches near the house and photograph the property from every angle; dated "before" photos are worth their weight in gold if you ever file a claim.
What should you do when a storm is named?
This is where absentee owners get stuck: shutter crews and contractors are booked solid and serve whoever is standing in front of them first. That's exactly why TrueNorth pre-schedules client storm plans in June — our clients are never at the back of the line. Secure or store all lanai furniture, grills and planters, set the refrigerator to its coldest, and consider shutting off the main water supply.
What should you check after a storm passes?
Damage isn't always obvious. A lifted tile, a cracked window seal, or hidden water intrusion can go unseen for weeks and turn into mold. A prompt, documented post-storm assessment protects both your home and your insurance claim.
Rather not fly in to manage all of this? That's exactly what a home watch service is for. Explore our plans or request a free walkthrough.