Preparing Your Outdoor Area for Hurricane Season in 2025

Hurricane season brings high winds, heavy rain, and unpredictable conditions that can cause serious damage to homes and outdoor spaces. While most people focus on preparing the inside of their home, your outdoor area is just as vulnerable — and often where the most damage occurs. Patio furniture, landscaping, outdoor kitchens, and even screen enclosures can become hazardous during a storm if not properly secured.

At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we understand how important it is to protect every part of your property. This guide walks you through the steps to prepare your outdoor space before hurricane season so you can keep your home, family, and investment safe.

Why Outdoor Preparation Matters

Outdoor areas are full of items that can quickly turn into flying debris during a hurricane. Lawn chairs, grills, umbrellas, and planters can be lifted by strong winds and damage your home or your neighbor’s property. Even heavy items can shift and cause problems. Preparing your outdoor space:

• Reduces the risk of damage to your home and surrounding structures
• Prevents outdoor items from becoming dangerous projectiles
• Saves money on post-storm repairs and replacements
• Helps protect your family and neighbors from injury

A few proactive steps now can make a major difference when a storm hits.

Step 1: Take Inventory of Your Outdoor Area

Before hurricane season officially begins (June 1 – November 30), take a careful walk through your yard and patio. Make a list of:

• Loose items – patio furniture, cushions, planters, toys, grills, decor
• Large items – pergolas, playsets, trampolines, storage sheds
• Permanent structures – screen enclosures, pool cages, fencing, gates

Taking inventory helps you know what needs to be stored, secured, or reinforced before a storm. Keep this list handy so you can quickly prepare when a storm is forecast.

Step 2: Secure or Store Outdoor Furniture

One of the easiest ways to protect your outdoor space is to store lightweight items indoors.

• Move furniture inside – Store chairs, tables, and cushions in a garage or shed.
• Stack and tie down – If you can’t bring items inside, stack them in a corner and secure them with heavy-duty straps or bungee cords.
• Remove umbrellas and canopies – Collapse and store them indoors. These catch wind easily and can become dangerous projectiles.

If you have a large amount of furniture or limited indoor space, consider investing in heavy-duty furniture covers and tie-down kits to keep items from moving.

Step 3: Protect Outdoor Kitchens and Grills

Outdoor kitchens and grills are big investments — and they are especially vulnerable to wind and water damage.

• Shut off utilities – Turn off gas lines to built-in grills and outdoor appliances.
• Cover appliances – Use waterproof covers for grills, refrigerators, and sinks.
• Store small items – Bring in utensils, propane tanks, and accessories.
• Seal cabinets – If your kitchen has cabinets or drawers, make sure they are latched securely.

Taking these steps helps prevent rust, water damage, and loose items from blowing away.

Step 4: Check Screen Enclosures and Structures

If you have a pool cage, pergola, or patio screen, inspect it before hurricane season.

• Tighten loose screws and bolts – This adds strength and reduces the risk of panels being ripped off.
• Repair any rips or tears – Small damage can grow worse under pressure.
• Consider removing some panels – For major storms, removing a few screen panels can reduce wind resistance and help the structure survive.

If you’re unsure about the stability of your enclosure, schedule a professional inspection. Lafferty Hurricane Protection offers screen enclosure reinforcement services to help keep your structure safe.

Step 5: Trim Trees and Remove Debris

Trees and landscaping can become a major hazard during a hurricane.

• Trim branches – Cut back limbs that hang over your roof or near power lines.
• Remove dead trees – Weak or diseased trees are more likely to fall in high winds.
• Clear debris – Pick up sticks, leaves, and other loose materials regularly.

Keeping your yard clear makes last-minute storm prep much easier.

Step 6: Secure Fences and Gates

High winds can easily knock down weak fences or cause gates to swing open and break.

• Check hinges and latches – Make sure they close securely.
• Reinforce fence posts – Replace rotting or wobbly posts before hurricane season.
• Consider removable fence panels – If your area is prone to flooding, removable panels can allow water to flow freely and reduce damage.

Step 7: Prepare Pools and Water Features

If you have a pool, spa, or fountain, it needs special attention before a storm.

• Do not drain your pool – The weight of the water helps keep it in place during flooding.
• Lower the water level slightly – This allows for rainwater without overflowing.
• Turn off power – Shut off pumps and heaters to avoid damage from power surges.
• Remove pool accessories – Take out floats, vacuums, toys, and skimmer lids.

Step 8: Install Hurricane Protection

The best way to safeguard your outdoor space is to install permanent hurricane protection systems.

• Roll-down shutters – Secure patios, outdoor kitchens, and lanais quickly.
• Accordion shutters – Great for enclosing outdoor spaces with minimal effort.
• Storm screens – Strong mesh that blocks flying debris while allowing airflow.

If you’re considering adding these systems, now is the time. Lead times can get long as storms approach, so schedule a consultation early. Learn more about hurricane shutters here.

Step 9: Make a Last-Minute Checklist

Even with the best preparation, you’ll need to take a few final steps when a storm is on the way. Create a checklist that includes:

• Bringing inside or strapping down any loose furniture
• Covering grills, appliances, and outdoor electronics
• Turning off propane and electrical connections
• Double-checking that gates and doors are secure
• Gathering tools and tie-down straps for last-minute items

Having this checklist ready reduces stress when you’re short on time.

Step 10: Have a Post-Storm Plan

Once the storm passes, safety is still a priority.

• Inspect your property carefully – Look for downed power lines, broken glass, and standing water.
• Take photos of damage – This helps with insurance claims.
• Clean up debris safely – Wear gloves and boots when handling sharp or wet materials.

If you notice damage to your screen enclosure, shutters, or other storm protection systems, schedule repairs quickly before the next storm threat.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your outdoor space for hurricane season is one of the smartest investments you can make as a Florida homeowner. A few hours of preparation can save thousands of dollars in repairs and keep your family safe.

At Lafferty Hurricane Protection, we are proud to help our community stay protected. Whether you need new roll-down shutters, retractable storm screens, or screen enclosure repairs, our team is here to help.

➡ Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get your home and outdoor area ready before the next storm.