Welcome to Part 4 of our Fort Myers hurricane readiness series. By now, you’ve learned about the real risks, how to prepare, and who’s responsible for what. Now, let’s talk about what happens when the winds pick up, the storm hits—and you're hundreds or even thousands of miles away.
Click here for the first start of this blog:
Here’s what Red Fortress Property Management does before, during, and after a storm to protect our clients, their properties, and their tenants.
1. Before the Storm: Vendor Prep & Client Communication
Our team actively monitors storm development during hurricane season. If a named storm has the potential to hit our area:
✅ What We Do:
Reach out to property owners with preparation options
Coordinate vendors to install window protection, drain pools, sandbag entryways
Notify tenants with instructions and reminders for personal item removal
Distribute liability waivers for any tenant volunteers
Secure vendor resources early to beat the 48-hour rush
“The first 3–5 days out from landfall are the most important. That’s when we’re moving fast behind the scenes.” — Michael, Red Fortress PM
2. During the Storm: Emergency Monitoring & Staff Coordination
We do not operate in unsafe conditions—but we are monitoring and preparing to act the moment it's safe.
✅ What We Do:
Monitor curfews, evacuation orders, and storm trajectory
Maintain emergency communications between staff across our 3 offices
Position field staff for earliest safe access post-landfall
⚠️ What Limits Action:
Downed power lines or flooded roads
Gas shortages or restricted access
Phone/data throttling (common after major storms for emergency crews)
3. After the Storm: On-the-Ground Response
This is where our experience shines—and where out-of-state landlords breathe easier.
✅ What We Do:
Visit properties ASAP (once safe and accessible)
Document damage with photos, videos, and tenant feedback
Coordinate emergency repairs (tree removal, tarping, boarding, etc.)
Check on tenant safety and ensure livability
Report findings back to property owners promptly
In Ian, we had team members out with chainsaws clearing trees from roofs and fences within 24 hours of landfall.
4. Long-Term Recovery & Claims Support
Once immediate issues are handled, we help clients navigate recovery.
✅ What We Do:
Provide documentation for insurance claims
Help owners get quotes for repairs or replacements
Work with tenants to keep communication flowing
Provide updates even if owners are out of country or unreachable
“In some cases, our offices had no power or water for days—but we stayed operational thanks to redundancy and local staff.”
5. Why This Matters for Out-of-State and Local Owners Alike
Whether you live in Fort Myers or manage property from New York, Denver, or even internationally:
You need local eyes and boots on the ground
You need a team that doesn’t panic—and doesn’t ghost you
You need pros who know what to do long before the news says it’s time
That’s exactly what we do at Red Fortress.
Final Takeaways: Your Hurricane Management Checklist
✅ Review your lease for hurricane prep clauses
✅ Have your vendor plan and waivers ready by June 1
✅ Talk to your insurance agent about wind + flood coverage
✅ Reach out to your property manager BEFORE a named storm hits the news
✅ Partner with a team that’s done this many times before
We’ve been through over a dozen hurricanes. We know what works—and what fails.
Want to Know If Your Property Is Hurricane-Ready?
Reach out to Red Fortress Property Management and let us walk you through what’s missing—or what’s already working great.
📧 mike@redfortresspm.com
🌐 www.redfortresspm.com
📍 Fort Myers, FL | Cape Coral | Lehigh Acres | Bonita Springs
Stay safe, stay smart, and stay prepared.
