Storm Prep for Signage: How to Protect and Recover Your Signs During Hurricane Season

8/25/2025

In the Southeast, hurricane season is more than just a weather event—it's a major business disruption. From June through November, hurricanes and tropical storms can unleash powerful winds, torrential rain, and flying debris that wreak havoc on everything in their path, including your exterior signage. For businesses in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, and the Carolinas, preparing signs before a storm isn’t just a precaution—it’s a necessity. 

At Signs Now, we help businesses across hurricane-prone areas develop signage protection strategies that reduce downtime, maintain safety, and preserve brand visibility during and after severe weather. 

Why Hurricane Damage to Signage Matters 

Signage is one of the first elements to be damaged during hurricanes. High-speed winds can rip vinyl banners from buildings or snap feather flags like twigs. Floodwaters and salt air corrode metal hardware and can destroy the internal wiring of illuminated signs. In addition to the physical damage, missing or unreadable signs can make your business harder to find, which impacts both foot traffic and emergency response. 

Beyond aesthetics, signage damage can violate local codes, delay reopening, or even become a liability if structures topple or fly loose. 

How to Prepare Your Signs for Hurricane Season 

The best defense is a proactive strategy. The first step is a professional signage evaluation, tailored to the unique weather risks of your location. At Signs Now, we assess everything from wind exposure to mounting hardware and local building codes to ensure your signage can withstand the forces of a Category 1–5 hurricane. 

Reinforcing signs with hurricane-rated anchors, corrosion-resistant fasteners, and updated materials goes a long way toward storm-proofing your property. For temporary signs like banners, A-frames, and feather flags, we recommend storing them indoors at the first sign of a storm warning. 

Documenting your signage—photos, specs, and installation details—will simplify the insurance claims process if damage occurs. We can help create a digital sign inventory to speed up recovery. 

Just as important is making sure your facilities team is trained on your signage prep plan. Clear checklists and protocols will save time and reduce risk when a storm is approaching. 

Post-Hurricane Sign Recovery: What to Do Next 

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to return, a visual inspection of your signage is key. Look for structural instability, electrical issues in lit signage, or water damage that could worsen over time. Even if a sign appears intact, internal components may have been compromised. 

Our team can quickly assess the condition of your signs and advise whether they need to be repaired or replaced. We also help you salvage reusable parts—such as mounting brackets or LED components—so you can save on costs and get back to business sooner. 

Build Long-Term Resilience into Your Signage 

Storm prep isn’t a one-time effort. As hurricanes become more frequent and intense, your signage strategy should evolve. That means keeping an updated sign inventory, standardizing storm protocols across all locations, and reviewing your insurance coverage regularly to make sure signage is protected. 

At Signs Now, we offer local insight, industry expertise, and responsive service to help you navigate every phase—from preparation to recovery. 

Contact your local Signs Now center today to schedule a hurricane readiness evaluation. Protect your signs before the next storm strikes. 

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