Hurricane Season Checklist for Naples Snowbirds | Vanguard Home Watch

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Seasonal Guide • Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Season Checklist for Naples Snowbirds

By Joe & Elizabeth Vangelakos · Vanguard Home Watch · Updated for the 2026 Season

Every spring, thousands of seasonal residents pack up and head north — leaving behind beautiful Naples homes that must weather Florida’s most dangerous months alone. Here’s what you need to do before you go.

June 1st marks the official start of Atlantic hurricane season, and it runs all the way through November 30th. For Naples snowbirds, that’s nearly half the year when your unoccupied home is potentially in the path of tropical storms, flooding, and high winds — with no one there to respond.

The good news? A little preparation before you leave goes a long way. We’ve put together this comprehensive checklist based on what we see every season as professional home watch providers in Naples. Follow these steps and you’ll significantly reduce your risk — and your stress — no matter what the season brings.

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Storm Shutters & Impact Protection

Install or close all storm shutters before leaving — don’t wait for a named storm. Accordion shutters should be fully closed and latched.
Inspect panels and hardware for rust, damage, or missing fasteners. Replace anything questionable before the season starts.
Know where your impact window keys are and leave a spare set with a trusted contact or your home watch provider.
Garage doors are a common weak point — make sure yours is rated for high wind and the bracing hardware is intact.

Pro Tip

If your community has hurricane shutters installed by the HOA, confirm the schedule for when they’ll be deployed. Don’t assume it’s automatic.

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Water, Plumbing & HVAC

Shut off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for extended periods. A burst pipe in an empty home can cause catastrophic damage.
Set your thermostat to no higher than 80°F (78°F is ideal) to prevent mold and humidity damage while keeping energy costs down.
Replace HVAC filters before you leave and schedule a pre-season A/C service if it’s been over a year.
Check the condensate drain line — a clogged drain is one of the most common causes of water damage in vacant Naples homes.
Run a dehumidifier if your unit has chronic humidity issues, or ask your home watch provider to monitor humidity levels remotely.

Did you know? Mold can begin forming in as little as 24–48 hours in a humid, unventilated space. A malfunctioning A/C in a closed-up Naples home during summer is one of the most common — and costly — issues we respond to.

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Electrical & Appliances

Unplug non-essential appliances to protect against power surges during storms.
Install whole-home surge protection if you haven’t already — it’s a small investment that can save thousands.
Clean out the refrigerator and freezer and leave the doors slightly open (or turn it off entirely) to prevent mold and odors.
Check smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries and test before leaving.
Consider a generator if you don’t already have one. Even a portable unit can keep your sump pump and refrigerator running after a storm.

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Exterior & Landscaping

Trim trees and palms — dead fronds and overhanging branches become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Secure or store all outdoor furniture, planters, and decorations. If it can be lifted by wind, bring it inside or remove it.
Check pool equipment and water levels. Pools should be properly balanced and the pump running on a timer to prevent algae growth.
Clear gutters and downspouts of debris before summer rains begin.
Inspect your roof and lanai screens for any damage that could worsen during a storm.

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Documents, Insurance & Emergency Contacts

Review your homeowner’s and flood insurance policies — confirm coverage limits and know your deductibles before a storm, not after.
Photograph every room and your valuables for insurance documentation. Store copies in the cloud.
Create an emergency contact list including your insurance agent, contractor, HOA manager, and home watch provider — keep a copy with you and one at the property.
Confirm your home watch provider has access and knows your alarm codes, gate codes, and utility shutoffs.
Register your home with Collier County’s special needs registry if applicable, and know the evacuation zones for your area.

Important

Flood insurance is not included in standard homeowner’s policies. If you’re in a flood-prone area of Naples — and much of it is — confirm you have a separate NFIP or private flood policy in place before the season starts.

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The Role of a Home Watch Provider

Even the most thorough pre-departure checklist can’t account for what happens after you leave. A/C units fail. Roofs develop leaks. Pipes burst. And when a hurricane is approaching, someone needs to be there — checking on your property, documenting conditions, and coordinating with your insurance company and contractors.

That’s where a professional home watch service comes in. At Vanguard Home Watch, we perform scheduled visual inspections of your property throughout the summer, provide detailed photo reports after every visit, and respond promptly when storms threaten or pass through the area. We’re not subcontractors — Joe and Elizabeth personally visit every home, every time.

Think of it as having a trusted neighbor with a law enforcement background keeping a professional eye on your home while you’re away.

Don’t Leave Your Naples Home Unprotected This Summer

Vanguard Home Watch provides owner-operated home watch inspections throughout Naples and surrounding areas. NHWA accredited. Fully insured. Never subcontracted.📞 Call (239) 207-6947 Today

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Joe & Elizabeth Vangelakos

Owners of Vanguard Home Watch LLC — Naples, Florida. Joe is a retired law enforcement lieutenant with 26 years of service. Elizabeth is a licensed real estate sales associate (NJ). Together they provide Naples’ most trusted owner-operated home watch service.

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” — Psalm 37:23