Preparing Your Historic Home for Hurricane Season 

If you own—or dream of owning—a historic home in Florida, you probably adore its charm: original woodwork, vintage windows, and a general old‑world feel. But when hurricane season rolls around, preserving that character while keeping your property safe becomes a tricky balance, especially in flood-prone St. Petersburg.

Below are some short-term and longer-term steps you can take to protect your home along with links to more in-depth information from trusted sources. 

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Before the Storm

1. Document critical features. 

• Take photos inside and out now, so if damage does occur, you have a record to help insurance or preservation efforts.

2. Trim nearby trees and vegetation 

• Falling limbs can do more damage to roof shingles than storms themselves.

3. Protect exterior features

• Clear out gutters and downspouts so water drains away as much as possible.

4. Secure or remove loose items 

• Décor, shutters, flower boxes—anything that can fly off during a gust should be stowed or fastened.

‍5. Check the roof and flashing

• Keep slate or tile roofs well maintained. If repairs are due, use historically appropriate replacement materials—but consider adding strapping.

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Longer-Term Preparation

1. Seek out contractors with experience working on historic homes

• Call in pros who “get” old houses. Don’t let just anyone start tearing into your walls. Work with contractors or preservationists who understand how to repair—not replace—historic elements.

• Remember: There’s a subtle but important distinction between “we can’t do that” and “we don’t know how to do that.”

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2. Elevate wiring, HVAC equipment, and ductwork above typical flood levels

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3. Use water-resistant finishes on lower levels or basements where practical

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4. Add flood vents that allow water to pass through safely instead of building pressure on walls

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5. Install wind-rated shutters or impact‑resistant windows that match the historic profile of your home

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6. Reinforce roof-to-wall connections with structural straps or adhesives when replacing roofing—even if you're just doing minor repairs.

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After the Storm

1. Document the Damage

• Photograph and video all affected areas, focusing on historic features like wood trim, plasterwork, and original windows.
  

• Record measurements, materials, and any distinctive details that may need replication later.

2. Stabilize the Structure

• Cover openings in the roof, walls, or windows with tarps or boards to prevent further water intrusion.
  

• Shore up weakened sections temporarily to prevent collapse.
  
  

3. Remove Standing Water and Debris Carefully

• Use pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or mops to remove water as soon as possible.
  

• Avoid high-pressure sprays that could erode historic masonry or finishes.
  
  

4. Dry Slowly and Evenly

• Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers to circulate air.
  

• Take it slow: Avoid rapid drying with excessive heat, which can cause wood to crack or warp and plaster to crumble.
• Let it breathe! Older properties were designed to "breathe," allowing moisure that has been absorbed to evaporate.
  
  

5. Salvage Historic Materials

• Save original elements like doors, moldings, flooring, and hardware, even if damaged—they may be repairable.
  

• Remember: Just because something is soaked doesn’t mean it’s trashed. Old materials often handle water better than modern stuff if treated properly.
  
  

6. Clean with Gentle Methods

• Use mild detergents, soft brushes, and non-abrasive sponges.
  

• For masonry, use only approved preservation cleaning methods—avoid harsh chemicals or sandblasting.
  
  

7. Prevent Mold Growth

• Remove damp carpets, insulation, and fabrics promptly.
  

• Treat wood and plaster with mild, preservation-safe fungicides if mold appears.
  
  

8. Consult Preservation Professionals

• Contact contractors or conservators experienced with historic structures.
  

• Work with your State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) if you’re pursuing grants or insurance claims that require compliance with preservation standards.
  
  

9. Plan for Long-Term Repair

• Use “like-for-like” materials when replacing damaged elements.
  

• Follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation to retain historic character while upgrading resiliency.

Your historic home has survived for decades with its character intact. With careful planning, you can protect its future without erasing its past. Start small with documentation and gutter prep, and consider bigger projects in the future. 

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Additional Resources:

Florida Division of Historical Resources

Storm Guidance of Florida's Historic Properties

National Trust for Historic Preservation

• Treatment of Older Flood Damaged Buildings
• Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery for Owners of Historic Properties

Florida Trust Preservation Toolkit: Proactive Preservation

Main Street Disaster and Resilience Toolkit

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