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January 20258 min read
Hurricane Season Home Cleaning & Prep Guide for South Florida
Hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30. Here's your complete guide to preparing your home before the storm and cleaning up after.
Hurricane Season Reminder
South Florida averages 6-8 tropical systems per season. Being prepared isn't optional—it's essential!
Pre-Storm Cleaning Checklist
When a storm is approaching, a clean and organized home makes preparations easier and safer:
Outdoor Prep
- • Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
- • Clean and secure hurricane shutters
- • Remove or secure all patio furniture
- • Trim trees and remove dead branches
- • Clear drains around your property
- • Clean lanai screens (damaged screens become projectiles)
Indoor Prep
- • Deep clean refrigerator and freezer (you may lose power)
- • Organize and clean closets (you'll need quick access to supplies)
- • Launder all bedding and towels (you may not have water/power after)
- • Clean and fill bathtubs (emergency water supply)
- • Stock cleaning supplies (bleach, mops, buckets, trash bags)
- • Document valuables with photos
Post-Storm Cleanup Guide
After a hurricane passes, cleaning up safely is critical. Here's what to do:
Safety First
- • Wait for official all-clear before returning home
- • Photograph all damage before cleaning for insurance
- • Wear protective gear (gloves, masks, closed-toe shoes)
- • Watch for downed power lines and gas leaks
- • Don't walk through standing water
Immediate Cleaning Priorities
- Remove standing water - Use wet vacuums, mops, and pumps
- Discard spoiled food - If power was out 4+ hours, toss perishables
- Ventilate - Open windows and doors when safe to prevent mold
- Clean and disinfect - Floodwater contains contaminants
- Remove wet materials - Carpet, drywall, insulation that got wet
Preventing Mold After a Storm
Florida's humidity plus water damage equals mold risk. Act within 24-48 hours:
- • Run dehumidifiers and fans continuously
- • Clean surfaces with mold-killing solutions (bleach 1:10 ratio)
- • Remove and discard wet carpet padding
- • Cut out wet drywall at least 12" above waterline
- • Check HVAC system before running
When to Call Professionals
Some post-storm cleaning requires professional help:
- • Significant water damage or flooding
- • Visible mold growth
- • Sewage backup
- • Structural damage
- • When you're overwhelmed and need help getting back to normal
TIDYWISE is Here for You
Whether you need pre-storm prep or post-storm cleanup, TIDYWISE servesBroward,Miami-Dade, andPalm Beach County. Call (561) 571-8725 for emergency cleaning services.