Hurricane Season Property Checklist for Coastal Bend Owners

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. On the Coastal Bend the difference between minor cleanup and major damage is usually decided weeks before a storm has a name — by whether limbs were trimmed, drains were clear and loose material had somewhere to go.

Before the season — May and early June

• Trim limbs that overhang the roof, driveway, or a power line. This is the highest-value item on the list.
• Remove dead palm fronds — in high wind they become projectiles.
• Clear gutters, downspouts and yard drains so heavy rain moves away from the foundation.
• Check that fence panels and posts are sound; a failing fence takes out landscaping when it goes.
• Photograph the property for insurance while everything is intact.
• Identify where patio furniture, grills and planters will go, and confirm they fit there.

72 hours out — a named storm is coming

• Bring in or secure everything loose: furniture, umbrellas, grills, planters, decor, trash carts, tools.
• Do not empty the pool. A drained pool can shift or crack from hydrostatic pressure. Lower the level slightly, balance chemistry and shock, turn off and protect equipment.
• Cut the lawn short right before the storm so debris is easier to clear afterward.
• Clear drains one more time.
• Turn off irrigation controllers.
• For rentals and second homes, confirm who has physical access after the storm.

After the storm

• Photograph everything before moving debris — insurers want the before state.
• Watch for downed lines and standing water before walking the property.
• Get organic debris off the turf fast; a wet mat of vegetation kills St. Augustine within days in heat.
• Expect the pool to need a full recovery: heavy debris, contaminated water and possible equipment damage.
• Check trees for cracked limbs still hanging — the injury risk is highest in the days after.
• Rinse salt spray off plantings if the storm pushed marine air inland.

Recurring maintenance clients get storm priority on our route, which in practice is the difference between cleanup this week and cleanup whenever the phones stop ringing.