Hurricane Prep Checklist for Pensacola Homeowners

Hurricane season in Northwest Florida runs from June 1 through November 30, and for homeowners in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton, Fort Walton, and Mary Esther, preparation is not optional — it is essential. The Florida Panhandle has experienced devastating storms including Hurricane Ivan (2004), Hurricane Dennis (2005), and Hurricane Sally (2020), each causing billions in damage.

At Baldies Handyman Services, we help Panhandle homeowners prepare their properties before storm season arrives. Here is our comprehensive hurricane prep checklist based on years of experience serving the Northwest Florida community.

1. Inspect and Clean Your Gutters

Clogged gutters are one of the most common — and most preventable — causes of storm damage. When gutters are blocked with leaves, pine needles, and debris, rainwater overflows and can damage your roof, fascia boards, siding, and foundation.

What to do:

• Remove all debris from gutters and downspouts
• Check that downspouts direct water at least 3 feet away from your foundation
• Repair any loose or sagging gutter sections
• Consider installing gutter guards if you have overhanging trees

Pro tip: Schedule professional gutter cleaning at least twice a year — once in spring before hurricane season and once in fall after the leaves drop. Call Baldies at 850-375-5992 to schedule.

2. Secure Your Fence, Deck, and Dock

High winds can turn loose fence boards, deck railings, and dock planks into dangerous projectiles. A fence or deck in disrepair is a liability during a hurricane.

What to do:

• Replace missing or rotting fence slats
• Tighten loose screws and bolts on decks and railings
• Reinforce fence posts that wobble or lean
• Remove loose items from docks and secure boats properly
• Consider temporary bracing for tall privacy fences

3. Check and Repair Window Screens

While window screens won't protect against hurricane-force winds, damaged screens allow debris, insects, and water into your home during tropical storms and the heavy rains that precede hurricanes.

What to do:

• Inspect all window screens for tears, holes, and bent frames
• Replace damaged screens before storm season
• Ensure screens fit snugly in their tracks
• Store removable screens safely if you plan to install storm shutters

Need screen repairs? Baldies Handyman Services handles window screen repair and replacement throughout Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton, Fort Walton, and Mary Esther.

4. Trim Trees and Clear Your Yard

Overgrown trees and yard debris are among the biggest hazards during hurricanes. Dead branches, leaning trees, and loose yard items become dangerous projectiles in high winds.

What to do:

• Trim dead or overhanging branches, especially those near your roof or power lines
• Remove dead trees or trees with compromised root systems
• Clear yard of loose items: patio furniture, grills, planters, garden tools
• Secure or store trampolines, swing sets, and play equipment
• Mow your lawn short so you can spot potential drainage issues

5. Inspect Your Roof and Siding

Your roof is your home's first line of defense against hurricanes. Even small issues can lead to catastrophic water damage during a major storm.

What to do:

• Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Check flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
• Inspect siding for loose panels or gaps
• Seal any visible cracks or openings with appropriate caulk
• Clean your roof and siding with soft washing to inspect for hidden damage

6. Test Your Plumbing and Drainage

Heavy rainfall during hurricanes can overwhelm drainage systems and expose plumbing weaknesses you didn't know existed.

What to do:

• Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets — you'll want your plumbing in top shape
• Clear floor drains in garages and laundry rooms
• Check your sump pump if you have one
• Know where your main water shutoff valve is located
• Fill bathtubs with water before the storm for emergency flushing and cleaning

7. Install or Check Safety Upgrades

For seniors and homeowners with mobility concerns, hurricane preparation includes ensuring your home is safe to navigate during and after a storm, especially if the power goes out.

What to do:

• Install grab bars in bathrooms if you haven't already
• Ensure non-slip surfaces in bathrooms and entryways
• Check that all handrails on stairs are secure
• Place battery-powered night lights in hallways and bathrooms
• Keep a clear path to all exits

Baldies specializes in bathroom safety upgrades for seniors throughout the Pensacola area. Call 850-375-5992 for a free estimate.

8. Pressure Wash Driveways and Walkways

This might seem cosmetic, but pressure washing before hurricane season serves a practical purpose. Clean surfaces allow you to spot cracks that need sealing, and removing algae and mildew prevents dangerously slippery surfaces during heavy rain.

What to do:

• Pressure wash driveways, walkways, and patios
• Seal any cracks in concrete to prevent water infiltration
• Clean garage floors so you can use the space for storage during the storm

9. Prepare Your Landscape Lighting

Outdoor lighting is critical after a hurricane when power may be out in some areas but restored in others. Properly installed landscape lighting helps you navigate your property safely.

What to do:

• Check all outdoor lights are working
• Replace burned-out bulbs
• Consider solar-powered landscape lights as backup
• Secure any loose light fixtures or posts
• Trim vegetation away from light fixtures

10. Create a Home Maintenance Schedule

The best hurricane preparation is year-round maintenance. A recurring maintenance plan ensures your home is always storm-ready, not just during hurricane season.

Baldies Handyman Services offers recurring maintenance plans starting at $99/month that include gutter cleaning, yard maintenance, minor repairs, and priority scheduling. Our premium plans include bi-weekly visits and a dedicated technician.

Don't Wait Until the Storm Warning

The time to prepare is now — not when a hurricane is bearing down on the Gulf Coast. Many of these tasks take days or weeks to schedule, and demand for handyman services skyrockets once a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico.

Call Baldies Handyman Services at 850-375-5992 to schedule a free home assessment. We'll walk through your property, identify vulnerabilities, and help you create a preparation plan that fits your budget.

We proudly serve homeowners in Pensacola, Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Milton, Fort Walton, and Mary Esther, Florida.

Baldies Handyman Services — Repair and Handyman Specialists serving Northwest Florida. Call 850-375-5992 for a free estimate.