Living in paradise means we enjoy year-round outdoor living, but it also means we know hurricanes aren’t “if,” they’re “when.” At Elegant Outdoor Living, we’ve weathered many hurricane seasons right alongside our customers in Naples, Bonita Springs, Sarasota, and our neighboring coastal communities.
Whether you’ve lived here for years or this is your first season, this patio prep checklist will help protect your outdoor furniture when preparing your patio for a hurricane.
Before the Storm: What to Do Now
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and early preparation is a great move. One of the simplest first steps? Start by taking clear photos of your lanai or patio setup—these images can be incredibly helpful for insurance claims or manufacturer warranties if damage occurs.
We also recommend getting ahead with:
- Investing in Heavy-Duty Covers
Even when storms aren’t in the forecast, covers help protect from salt spray, sun, and rain. We carry custom-fit options for all furniture sizes. - Creating an Accessory Storage Plan
Keep a designated bin in your garage or storage space so you’re ready to grab and go. Store items like:- Throw pillows
- Tabletop décor
- Rugs and lanterns
- Wall art and accessories
When a Hurricane Watch is Issued
As a hurricane approaches, it’s time to take immediate action to protect your outdoor investment. From our own experience and from helping countless customers post-storm, here are our most important tips:
- Bring in Cushions, Umbrellas, and Lightweight ChairsThese can become airborne projectiles. Store them in a garage or inside your home. Don’t assume they’ll stay put even if tucked into a corner.
- Close and Secure Umbrellas and CabanasWe can’t stress this enough: know your umbrella’s wind rating. Many are only rated to 15mph, less than an average summer thunderstorm here in Southwest Florida. Always close them when storms are brewing. We’ve seen 13-foot cantilever umbrellas invert entirely from wind gusts. Use built-in locking mechanisms or remove and store them flat.
- Stack and Tie Down What You CanStack dining or lounge chairs and secure them with bungee cords. Push heavier items like coffee tables or planters against the inside walls of your lanai to help shield them.
- Move Tables Indoors or to a Garage, Anchor or Flip Them OverGlass tables and lightweight metal frames are particularly vulnerable to flying debris. Move them inside when possible or anchor/flip them to minimize movement.
- Unplug and Cover Outdoor ElectronicsProtect any outdoor kitchen appliances, sound systems, or lighting. Even splash-resistant electronics can fail with hurricane-level wind and water intrusion.
- A Personal Tip from Our TeamAt home, we move all of our patio furniture against the lanai’s inner walls once a storm is on the way. For stronger storms (Category 3–5), we move everything into the garage. It’s a bit of work, but the peace of mind is worth it.
After the Storm Clears
Once the skies clear, resist the urge to immediately set everything back out. Take a moment to assess and clean before resuming use.
- Inspect for Damage Before UseLook for any structural cracks, dents, or loose parts that may have occurred during high winds or flooding.
- Clean with Fresh WaterEven if your furniture appears undamaged, salt spray and storm debris can degrade materials. Rinse off with fresh water to prevent corrosion or staining.
- Let Covers Dry Fully Before StoringMold and mildew love damp spaces. Lay out your covers flat in the sun before rolling or folding them for storage.
- Take Inventory for InsuranceSnap updated photos of your patio setup post-storm to document any changes in condition or losses for your records.
- Replace Soaked or Damaged CushionsWe’ve seen firsthand how our furniture frames can withstand the elements, even through hurricanes like Helene and Milton. However, cushions that are soaked—especially with floodwater—often cannot be salvaged. We offer replacement cushions from both local vendors and original manufacturers to help you restore your space with ease.
Local Emergency Resources
Always listen to the local authorities before, during, and after the storms. Their guidance can help keep your family and property safe, especially during evacuation orders or when roads and utilities are impacted.
Keep these official sites handy during hurricane season for accurate, up-to-date information:
- Naples Hurricane Preparedness
- Bonita Springs Emergency Resources
- Sarasota County Hurricane Preparedness and Hurricane Recovery
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but your patio preparation doesn’t have to be. At Elegant Outdoor Living, we’re here to help you protect and enjoy your outdoor furniture for years to come. Visit one of our showrooms or contact us for hurricane-rated solutions, storage tips, or replacement pieces, before or after the storm.