When Minutes Matter
A hurricane evacuation order for Naples or Marco Island can come with as little as 24 to 48 hours of notice. In that window, you need to secure your home, gather your family and pets, and get on the road before traffic becomes unmanageable. Having a pre-planned, practiced home security protocol means you can execute it quickly and confidently — without second-guessing yourself as the storm approaches.
John at Blue Harbor Home Watch can assist with pre-storm preparation for clients who are away when a storm threatens, or who need help completing their storm protocol before evacuating. Here is what a thorough pre-evacuation home security checklist looks like.
Exterior Preparation
The exterior of your home is the first line of defense against hurricane damage. Before evacuating:
- Deploy all hurricane shutters or verify that impact windows and doors are in good condition
- Remove or secure all outdoor furniture, planters, decorations, and loose items — these become dangerous projectiles in high winds
- Trim any tree branches that could fall on the home (this should be done well before storm season, not the day before a storm)
- Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
- Check that all exterior doors and garage doors are properly secured
Interior Water Management
Water damage is the most common and most costly consequence of a hurricane. Before evacuating:
- Shut off the main water supply to prevent flooding from supply line failures during the storm
- Move valuable items from lower floors to upper floors if storm surge is a risk
- Move electronics, documents, and valuables away from windows and exterior walls
- Unplug all electronics and appliances
- Fill the bathtub with water (for flushing toilets if water service is interrupted after the storm)
Pool Preparation
Contrary to popular belief, you should not drain your pool before a hurricane. An empty pool can pop out of the ground if the water table rises during a storm. Instead, lower the water level by 6 to 12 inches to accommodate rainfall, remove all pool accessories and furniture, turn off the pool equipment, and add extra chlorine to prevent contamination from storm debris.
Utility and System Management
- Turn off the gas supply if your home uses natural gas or propane
- Leave the HVAC running until you leave — it will help maintain humidity control until power is lost
- Verify that your generator is fueled and ready (if you have one)
- Take photos of your home's interior and exterior for insurance documentation
- Gather important documents (insurance policies, identification, financial records) to take with you
Why Neighbors Are Not Enough
Many homeowners rely on neighbors to check on their property after a storm. While a good neighbor is valuable, they are not a substitute for professional home watch. After a major storm, neighbors have their own properties to deal with, roads may be impassable, and the systematic inspection that identifies all damage — not just the obvious — requires professional training and experience.
John at Blue Harbor Home Watch conducts post-storm inspections as soon as re-entry is permitted, providing a comprehensive photo-documented report of your property's condition. For seasonal homeowners who are away during hurricane season, this service provides critical peace of mind — and the documentation needed for insurance claims.
Contact Blue Harbor Home Watch to discuss how professional property monitoring — including storm preparation and post-storm inspection — protects your Naples home throughout hurricane season.
