How to Best Protect Your Property Before a Hurricane: A Fort Myers Landlord’s Guide PART 2 OF 4

In Part 1 of this series, we covered the types of damage hurricanes cause in the Fort Myers area. Now let’s talk about what you can actually do to protect your property before the next big storm hits.

As a landlord or property owner—especially if you're managing from out of state—your window to prepare can be shockingly short once a hurricane is forecasted. And your ability to act early often determines whether your property weathers the storm—or suffers from it.

This guide breaks it down by:

1. The hurricane timeline most people don’t understand

2. Protection strategies based on property type

3. What landlords, renters, and managers are each responsible for

4. Tools, vendors, and waivers you need ready before hurricane season

1. Hurricane Prep Timeline: The Truth About How Fast It Moves

Here’s the reality most owners don’t realize:

• Two weeks out: It’s still a tropical wave somewhere off Africa. Not on anyone’s radar.

• Seven days out: Meteorologists start talking. Maybe it’ll hit the Gulf. Uncertainty still high.

• Five days out: People start filling gas cans, buying water, and clearing store shelves.

• Three days out: We enter panic mode. Your needed vendors may already be booked. Many will be unreachable within 24 hours.

• One day out: If you haven’t acted, it’s likely too late. Vendors are off the grid prepping their own homes or even left town.

Pro Tip: If you're going to act—do it 5 days before landfall. After that, options narrow fast.

2. Protection Strategies by Property Type

Every property needs different prep. Here’s how to approach each one:

• Single-Family Homes (SFH):

• Assess tree hazards, clear outdoor furniture, drain pools slightly if needed

• Install window protection: plywood, mesh, or shutters

• Sandbags at doorways (especially if prone to flooding)

• Condos and Multifamily Units:

• Upper units: Focus on window coverings

• Ground-level: Check for known flood risks and drainage

• HOA or building may cover some storm prep (verify in advance)

• Vacant Properties:

• Secure all entry points

• Pre-hire vendor to install shutters or coverings if storm is likely

• Store any outdoor materials or tools inside

• Older Homes (pre-1990s):

• Check roof condition, especially for shingle uplift or leaks

• Secure carports, lanais, and weaker fencing

• Make sure storm shutters fit and are functional

• Newer Builds:

• Confirm presence of hurricane-rated windows or shutters

• Don’t assume they’re safe without knowing flood history

• New fencing and AC condensers should be elevated or anchored

3. Who Does What: Landlord, Tenant, or Property Manager?

This is the most misunderstood—and legally risky—area for landlords.

✅ What Tenants May Be Asked to Do:

• Remove outdoor items (grills, plants, decor)

• Bring personal items inside

• Secure hurricane shutters (if basic and safe)

⚠️ But only if they’re willing and in town. Many evacuate days in advance.

❌ What Tenants Should NOT Be Asked to Do:

• Install plywood or heavy-duty shutters

• Use power tools, ladders, or risky methods

• Protect other people’s property

⚡ What Landlords Should Be Responsible For:

• Having a clear plan BEFORE hurricane season

• Contracting with vendors (window protection, tree service, flood mitigation)

• Communicating with your property manager or tenants early

🚜 What Property Managers (like Red Fortress) Can Do:

• Organize professional vendors for storm prep (if given lead time)

• Offer general liability waivers for tenants willing to help

• Inspect post-storm damage and coordinate emergency response

4. Tools & Waivers to Have Ready Before Hurricane Season

Be proactive—not reactive. Here’s what you should have in place by June 1st each year:

✅ Vendor List:

• General handyman for repairs

• Hurricane shutter installer

• Tree trimming service

• Pool maintenance (for draining, cleanup)

✅ Waiver Template:

• A general liability release form for tenants who volunteer to assist

• Should be signed in advance or at least 5 days before storm arrival

✅ Communication Plan:

• Decide: who contacts the vendor? You or the manager?

• How will updates be shared (email, SMS, portal)?

• Who’s your emergency backup contact?

“We can do a lot for our clients—but only if they give us enough time to act.” — Michael, Red Fortress PM

FAQ: Hurricane Prep for Fort Myers Landlords

Can I require a tenant to stay and protect the property?

No. Tenants have the right to evacuate. You cannot require them to act during a storm.

What if my tenant damages the home trying to help?

That is why we suggest having a vendor do the work.  Always use a signed liability waiver. Never assume coverage without it.

When should I contact my manager about hurricane prep?

If there’s a named storm in the Atlantic: contact us at least 5 days before forecasted landfall.

Do I need hurricane shutters if I have impact windows?

Probably not—but verify your insurance requirements. Some still require storm protection to be deployed.

Coming Next: Part 3 - Who Should Do the Work & Navigating Insurance Issues

We’ll explore legal gray areas, who pays for what, and how to protect yourself and your tenant legally and financially.

Stay tuned.