Here are some general guidelines:
1. Monitor Weather Alerts: Pay attention to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and local weather alerts. Once your area is under a **hurricane watch**, which means that hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours, it’s a good time to start preparing your shutters.
2. Hurricane Warning: When a **hurricane warning** is issued, meaning that hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours, shutters should be fully installed.
3. Wind Speed Consideration: Shutters should be in place before winds reach tropical storm strength (39-73 mph), as winds can make it dangerous to install them later.
4. Personal Comfort and Safety: If you feel unsure about the timing, it’s always safer to install them earlier rather than risk installing shutters in bad weather conditions. In Florida, storms can intensify quickly.
5. Evacuation Orders: If your area is under an evacuation order, it's critical to have storm shutters in place before you leave.
By planning ahead and keeping track of storm developments, you can ensure your home is protected without last-minute rushing.