Preparing for Florida Hurricane Season

A Proactive Guide to Clearing Yard Debris and Securing Loose Items

Critical Public Safety Information
74%

of hurricane damage from projectiles

1-5

mph wind lifts unsecured items

30+

days debris cleanup post-storm

4

separation categories required

⚠️ The Hidden Danger in Your Yard

When hurricane-force winds arrive, unsecured yard items become deadly projectiles. A grill left on the patio, stacked lumber, or even an unpruned dead branch can transform into a missile capable of shattering windows, piercing roofs, or causing injury. Proactive preparation—not reactive panic—is the key to protecting your property and community.

Pre-Storm Preparedness Checklist

Yard Debris Removal
  • Trim dead or overhanging branches (6+ ft from roof)
  • Remove dead trees and stumps
  • Clear gutters of leaves and pine needles
  • Bag loose leaves and yard waste
  • Dispose of piled lumber and construction scrap
  • Remove hanging plants and wind chimes

⚡ Deadline: 48 hours before storm arrival

Loose & Unsecured Items
  • Patio furniture (chairs, tables, umbrellas)
  • Grills and propane tanks
  • Trash cans and recycling bins
  • Children's play equipment
  • Garden tools and hoses
  • Decorative flags and yard art

⚡ Store indoors or anchor securely

Securing What Remains
  • Anchor propane tanks to concrete slab
  • Sandbag light structures (sheds, dog houses)
  • Close and lock pool cage doors
  • Secure boat or RV per county codes
  • Move vehicles to higher ground
  • Document property with photos

✓ Complete 24 hours before landfall

Post-Storm Debris Separation: Critical for Recovery

Counties mandate separate piles for efficient collection. Mixed piles will not be picked up.

Vegetative Debris

Tree limbs, branches, leaves, plants

Place at: Curb, not in street
Max length: 4 ft
Diameter: ≤ 6 inches

Construction & Demolition

Fencing, lumber, drywall, roofing, siding

Separate pile: No mixing with vegetation
No: Asbestos, hazardous waste

White Goods

Appliances: refrigerators, washers, dryers, water heaters

Freon-free required
Doors removed for safety

Household Hazardous

Paint, oil, batteries, chemicals, pesticides

Never place curbside
Call county for HHW pickup

Hernando, Pasco, Citrus, Sumter: Each county activates specific disaster debris management plans post-storm. Sign up for emergency alerts and follow local solid waste social media for real-time pickup schedules.

🚫 Items That Cannot Wait Until Storm Watch

Bulk furniture

Sofas, mattresses, dressers

Electronics

TVs, computers, monitors

Tires

Passenger, truck (limited per load)

Hazardous waste

Paint, oil, pesticides

Curbside bulk pickup schedules often suspend 72 hours before storm arrival. Schedule disposal now.

When Preparation Requires Professional Help

Large tree debris, abandoned furniture, construction scrap, or full property cleanouts often require timely removal before the storm window closes. Professional junk removal services offer pre-storm priority scheduling.

Sumter Florida Appointment Netlify
Hurricane preparedness tip: Take photos of your property—including all outdoor areas—before the storm. This documentation is essential for insurance claims and FEMA assistance. Store photos in the cloud with your homeowner's policy number.