Hurricane Home Preparation Tips

Hurricanes bring destructive winds, heavy rain, storm surge, and flooding that can cause extensive damage to your home. Proper preparation before hurricane season can protect your property and, most importantly, keep your family safe.

Pre-Season Preparation

Home Maintenance

Complete before hurricane season:

• Inspect and repair your roof (missing or damaged shingles, loose flashing)
• Clean and secure gutters and downspouts
• Trim trees and remove dead branches (especially those near your home)
• Inspect and repair windows and doors
• Check foundation for cracks or damage
• Ensure proper drainage around your home
• Test sump pump if you have one
• Inspect and maintain your HVAC system
• Check that all exterior structures are secure

Structural inspection:

• Have a professional inspect your roof if it's older or you're unsure of its condition
• Check that your home meets current building codes for wind resistance
• Ensure garage doors are reinforced (weak point in many homes)
• Inspect and reinforce entry doors

Emergency Supplies

Build your hurricane kit:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
• Non-perishable food (3-day supply minimum)
• Manual can opener
• First aid kit
• Prescription medications (at least 2-week supply)
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Cell phone chargers and backup batteries
• Cash (ATMs may not work)
• Important documents in waterproof container
• Pet supplies if applicable
• Personal hygiene items
• Change of clothes
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Additional supplies:

• Generator and fuel (use safely, never indoors)
• Coolers and ice
• Tools (wrench, pliers, hammer, screwdriver)
• Duct tape and plastic sheeting
• Fire extinguisher
• Whistle to signal for help
• Local maps
• Emergency contact information

Protecting Your Home

Windows and Doors

Critical protection:

• Install hurricane shutters or have plywood cut to size for all windows
• Reinforce entry doors (especially garage doors)
• Install impact-resistant windows if possible (long-term solution)
• Ensure all doors and windows close and seal properly
• Check that sliding glass doors are properly secured
• Consider installing storm doors

Plywood installation:

• Measure all windows and doors before storm season
• Cut plywood to size (at least 5/8 inch thick)
• Pre-drill holes for easier installation
• Mark which piece goes where
• Store plywood in a dry place
• Have necessary hardware (screws, washers) ready

Roof Protection

Secure your roof:

• Inspect roof for loose or damaged shingles
• Check flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights
• Ensure roof is properly attached to structure
• Consider roof straps or clips for additional security
• Remove debris from roof and gutters
• Trim tree branches that could fall on roof

When to call a professional:

• If you notice significant roof damage
• If your roof is more than 20 years old
• If you're not comfortable inspecting the roof yourself
• For major repairs or reinforcement

Outdoor Items

Secure or store:

• Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, and potted plants
• Secure or store grills, propane tanks, and outdoor equipment
• Store garbage cans and recycling bins
• Remove or secure awnings
• Trim trees and remove dead branches
• Secure or remove yard signs and flags
• Store or secure play equipment
• Remove or secure satellite dishes if possible

Important: Anything that can be picked up by wind can become a dangerous projectile. When in doubt, bring it inside or secure it.

Garage Doors

Reinforce weak points:

• Install garage door braces or reinforcement kits
• Ensure garage door is properly balanced and functioning
• Consider upgrading to impact-resistant garage door
• Have backup plan if garage door fails (know how to secure it manually)

Why this matters: Garage doors are often the weakest structural element. If they fail, wind can enter and cause catastrophic roof failure.

Evacuation Planning

Know Your Zone

Understand your risk:

• Know if you're in an evacuation zone
• Understand storm surge risk in your area
• Know your elevation and flood risk
• Sign up for local emergency alerts
• Have multiple evacuation routes planned
• Know where evacuation shelters are located

Evacuation Checklist

If evacuation is ordered:

• Follow evacuation orders immediately (don't wait)
• Take your emergency kit and important documents
• Turn off utilities (gas, water, electricity) if instructed
• Lock all doors and windows
• Move outdoor items inside if time permits
• Let family/friends know where you're going
• Take pets with you (many shelters don't accept pets - plan accordingly)
• Fill your car's gas tank before leaving
• Take cash and credit cards
• Bring medications and medical supplies

If You Stay

Only if authorities say it's safe:

• Ensure your home is properly secured
• Have adequate supplies (food, water, medications)
• Stay informed about storm conditions
• Stay away from windows during the storm
• Be ready to evacuate if conditions worsen
• Know where the safest room in your home is (interior room, no windows)

During the Storm

Safety Precautions

Stay safe:

• Stay indoors away from windows and glass doors
• Go to an interior room on the lowest level (avoid basements if flooding is possible)
• Don't go outside, even if it seems calm (could be the eye of the storm)
• Avoid using candles (fire risk if power is out)
• Don't use generators indoors (carbon monoxide risk)
• Stay informed with battery-powered radio
• Don't use electrical appliances if you're standing in water

Monitoring

Stay informed:

• Listen to battery-powered radio for updates
• Monitor weather conditions if possible
• Watch for signs of structural damage
• Monitor for flooding
• Be ready to move to safer location if needed

After the Storm

Safety First

Before assessing damage:

• Wait until authorities say it's safe to go outside
• Watch for downed power lines (treat all as live)
• Avoid walking through standing water
• Don't enter damaged buildings until they're inspected
• Be cautious of gas leaks (smell for gas, don't use electrical switches)
• Check for structural damage before re-entering your home

Assessment

Check for damage:

• Inspect roof for damage or leaks
• Check windows and doors for damage
• Look for signs of water intrusion
• Check for gas leaks
• Inspect electrical system (don't turn on if damaged or wet)
• Check plumbing for damage
• Document all damage with photos for insurance

Cleanup

Address issues safely:

• Remove debris carefully (watch for nails, glass, etc.)
• Dry out water damage as soon as possible
• Clean and disinfect areas that were flooded
• Address mold issues promptly
• Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage
• Contact insurance company to file claim
• Hire professionals for major repairs

Insurance and Documentation

Before the Storm

Prepare for claims:

• Review your homeowner's insurance policy
• Understand what's covered (wind, flood, etc.)
• Consider flood insurance (standard policies don't cover flooding)
• Document your home's condition with photos or video
• Create inventory of belongings
• Keep important documents in waterproof container or safe deposit box

After the Storm

File claims properly:

• Contact insurance company as soon as possible
• Document all damage with photos and video
• Keep receipts for temporary repairs and supplies
• Don't make permanent repairs until insurance adjuster has inspected
• Keep detailed records of all communications
• Be patient (insurance companies are busy after major storms)

Long-Term Improvements

Structural Upgrades

Consider investing in:

• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• Reinforced garage doors
• Roof reinforcement (straps, clips)
• Storm shutters (permanent or removable)
• Improved drainage systems
• Sump pump with battery backup
• Generator installation (properly installed and maintained)

Landscaping

Reduce risk:

• Plant wind-resistant trees (away from structures)
• Remove trees that could fall on your home
• Create proper drainage to prevent flooding
• Use native plants that can handle storm conditions
• Maintain trees and shrubs regularly

When to Call Professionals

Contact professionals for:

• Roof repairs or replacement
• Window and door installation
• Structural repairs
• Electrical work
• Plumbing repairs
• Water damage restoration
• Tree removal (especially large trees)
• Generator installation
• Insurance claims assistance

Cost Considerations

Typical costs:

• Hurricane shutters: $200-$1,000+ per window
• Plywood and hardware: $50-$200 (temporary solution)
• Impact-resistant windows: $500-$1,500+ per window
• Garage door reinforcement: $200-$1,000+
• Generator: $500-$5,000+
• Emergency supplies: $200-$500+
• Insurance: Varies based on coverage and risk

Money-saving tips:

• Prepare early (supplies are cheaper before storm season)
• Do maintenance yourself when possible
• Prioritize most critical improvements
• Take advantage of insurance discounts for improvements
• Maintain your property regularly

Conclusion

Preparing for hurricanes requires advance planning and ongoing maintenance. Start preparing before hurricane season begins, secure your home properly when storms approach, and always prioritize safety over property. Have an evacuation plan ready and follow orders from local authorities.

Remember: Your safety and your family's safety are the top priorities. Property can be replaced, but lives cannot. Always err on the side of caution and evacuate when ordered to do so.