Snowbirds Get Ready for Hurricane Season Early with Shutter Installation by The Southwest Sharks
It is time for departing snowbirds to put up hurricane shutters for Hurricane season… As the Florida sun starts to warm up and hurricane season looms just around the corner, many seasonal residents—lovingly known as snowbirds—begin packing up to head back up north. But before you hit the road and chase cooler climates, there’s one vital thing to take care of: hurricane preparedness. And at the top of that list? Shutter installation for hurricane season.
Protecting your Florida home while you’re away is not just a suggestion—it’s an absolute necessity. Fortunately, The Southwest Sharks are here to help make the process simple, efficient, and stress-free, ensuring you leave your property safe and secure until you return.
Why Shutter Installation Matters for Snowbirds
Every year, hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. While some years are less active than others, it only takes one storm to cause significant and costly damage. That’s why experts—and most insurance providers—recommend installing shutters before the season begins.
Snowbirds face a unique challenge. Since you may not be around when a storm approaches, you need to have everything in place ahead of time. Properly installed shutters are one of the best defenses against broken windows, water intrusion, and wind damage.
Leaving your home without shutters is like leaving your front door open to a storm. The Southwest Sharks offer full-service hurricane shutter installation tailored for seasonal residents, so you can depart Florida knowing your investment is well protected.
The Top Benefits of Pre-Season Shutter Installation
- Peace of Mind: You can travel back north with confidence knowing your home is protected even if a storm hits while you’re gone.
- Prevention of Glass Breakage: Shutters prevent flying debris from shattering windows, one of the primary causes of water damage during hurricanes.
- Insurance Compliance: Many policies require protective measures to be in place for full coverage. Pre-installed shutters are often a condition for claims.
- Discourage Looters: A shuttered home is less appealing to burglars and looters, who may take advantage of storm evacuations.
What Snowbirds Need to Do Before Heading North
Aside from shutter installation, there are several essential tasks snowbirds should complete before leaving their Florida property for the season. The Southwest Sharks can assist with many of these, making your departure smooth and secure:
1. Secure All Outdoor Items
Chairs, tables, umbrellas, grills, and decorative yard items can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. We recommend storing them indoors or anchoring them securely.
2. Gutter Cleaning
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause major issues during heavy rains. The Southwest Sharks offer professional gutter and roof cleaning services to ensure your drainage system works when you need it most.
3. Inspect and Trim Landscaping
Loose branches and overgrown trees near your home can damage roofs, windows, and siding. A quick trim can minimize risk. If you need help with yard cleanup, we can assist as part of your hurricane preparedness package.
4. Schedule Shutter Removal Service
We don’t just install shutters—we’ll also take them down and store them safely once hurricane season is over. Many of our snowbird clients take advantage of our prepaid seasonal packages for full coverage with no hassle.
The Southwest Sharks Hurricane Preparedness Services
The Southwest Sharks are based in Manatee County and proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and the surrounding areas. As locals, we understand just how crucial proper preparation is—and how easily it can be overlooked in the rush to leave for the season.