Preparing for Hurricane Season 2027: Your April and May Checklist

If you've been meaning to address your windows and doors since last hurricane season ended, here's the straightforward truth: April and May are your final realistic window to get work completed before June 1. Orders placed in late April can make it. Orders placed in June almost certainly won't be installed until mid-season at the earliest.

The Math on Lead Times

Window orders placed with us today follow approximately this timeline:

• Week 1: Measurement, product selection, contract
• Weeks 2–3: Permit application (Pinellas County is currently running 10–14 business days for residential permits)
• Weeks 3–8: Window fabrication and delivery (current lead times from our primary suppliers)
• Weeks 8–9: Installation scheduling and crew assignment
• Week 9: Installation (1–3 days)
• Week 10–11: Permit inspection and close

An order placed the first week of April has a realistic chance of being fully installed and inspected before June 1. An order placed after May 1 likely extends into June.

If It's Too Late for This Season

If your project can't be completed before June 1, don't let perfect be the enemy of good. Here's what to focus on for this season:

• Inspect and service all shutters — ensure every panel is accounted for, hardware is functional, and you know the deployment procedure
• Identify your most vulnerable openings and prioritize shutter coverage for those
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy and confirm your wind deductible
• Know your evacuation zone and have a plan

And call us now to get on the schedule. We'll have your windows in well before the end of the year, with spring off-season pricing and the least competition for installation slots.

Non-Window Prep Checklist for May

• Generator fuel and operation test
• Emergency water supply (1 gallon/person/day for 7 days minimum)
• Prescription refills (minimum 30-day supply)
• Cash on hand (ATMs fail in power outages)
• Important documents in waterproof container
• Outdoor furniture tie-down plan
• Tree trimming — branches within 15 feet of windows are potential missiles