Pre-Hurricane Season Checklist for Davie Homeowners
Florida hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. If you're reading this in March, April, or May, you're in the perfect window to prepare. If you're reading it in July with a named storm in the Gulf, you're probably too late for new shutter installation — but not for the other items on this list.
March–April: Installation Window
This is when you should schedule new shutter or impact window installation. Most Davie installers have 2–4 week lead times in spring, but that stretches to 6–8 weeks once hurricane season starts. The Town of Davie permit office is also less backlogged in spring, meaning faster approvals.
If you don't have hurricane protection on your home yet, call an installer now. Don't wait until May — every week you delay in spring is a week closer to the rush.
April–May: Inspect Existing Shutters
If you already have shutters installed, test every one of them before you need them:
Accordion shutters: Unfold each one completely, lock it, then unlock and refold. If any shutter sticks, grinds, or won't lock, you need a repair visit before storm season.
Roll-down shutters: Deploy each one fully. For motorized units, test both the motor and the manual override. Batteries in backup systems should be replaced annually. If a motor is sluggish, get it serviced now.
Panel shutters: Locate every panel and match it to its opening. Replace any that are bent, corroded, or missing. Check that wing-nuts, bolts, and tracks are intact. A missing $3 wing-nut discovered during a hurricane watch is a problem you don't want.
Impact windows: Inspect seals and weatherstripping around each window and door. Look for cracks in the glass or gaps in the frame. Impact glass that's already compromised won't perform as rated.
May: Insurance Documentation
If you installed shutters or impact windows since your last insurance renewal, schedule a wind mitigation inspection. Most inspectors charge $75–$150 and can complete the inspection in under an hour. The resulting report goes to your insurance company and typically reduces your wind premium by 25%–45%.
Even if your shutters aren't new, make sure your insurer has a current wind mitigation report on file. Some carriers require re-inspection every 5 years.
May–June: Emergency Preparedness
This isn't a shutter issue, but it's on every Davie homeowner's list: verify your hurricane supply kit (water, batteries, first aid, medications, important documents in waterproof storage), know your evacuation zone (most of Davie is Zone B or C), and confirm your insurance policy is current with adequate coverage.
Don't Wait
The homeowners who call us in March and April are protected before June 1. The ones who call in August are on a waiting list. Call (954) 715-2452 for a free inspection of your existing shutters or a quote on new installation.