How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season can be stressful, but some thoughtful planning makes a big difference. Even if you don’t live on the coast, remember that strong storms can track far inland. Take advantage of the calm weeks before a hurricane to review your plans and supplies. It’s always better to prep early than scramble at the last minute.
Even small waves can do damage: in a major storm, boats and docks get pounded by massive surf. Surges and high winds can carry loose items hundreds of feet, so securing everything outside is crucial. Think of that crashing wave as a reminder to bring in patio chairs and tie down trash cans well before the weather turns bad.
May 15th, 2025
Find out if you live in an evacuation zone or floodplain and plan accordingly. Make a plan with your household: decide how you’ll communicate and where to meet if you must evacuate. Write down emergency phone numbers and out-of-area contacts now – NICB suggests doing this before a storm to avoid making decisions under stress. Include pets or family members who need extra help in your plan (don’t forget carriers, supplies or medications). Practice your plan so everyone knows what to do if a hurricane approaches. Sign up for weather alerts from local authorities and be ready to evacuate if ordered; if officials say “leave,” take your emergency kit and go immediately.
Know Your Risk and Make a Plan
Stock up on emergency supplies long before a storm hits. Agencies recommend having at least a 3-day supply of water (about 1 gallon per person per day) and non-perishable food. Your kit should also include essentials like:
Water and Food: ≥1 gal water/person/day and canned or shelf-stable food.
Communications: Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and flashlights with extra batteries.
First Aid and Meds: A first-aid kit and at least a 7-day supply of prescription medications.
Documents: Copies of important documents (ID, insurance policies, deeds) in a waterproof container.
Other Items: Phone chargers (battery/solar), extra cash, and any special supplies (baby formula, pet food, etc.)
Prepare an Emergency Kit and Stay Informed
Organize a small “Go Bag” with 3 days of supplies in case you must evacuate, and keep a larger 2-week kit at home. Keep devices charged and have a backup battery. Know evacuation routes and alternative roads (storms can flood highways). Stay tuned to alerts – if local officials tell you to evacuate, do it without delay.
Long before the storm arrives, batten down your house. One top tip is to cover windows and doors. Install permanent hurricane shutters or cut plywood to fit every window – this prevents flying debris and rain from breaking through. If you don’t have shutters, consider asking a handyman or contractor to install them (proper installation may even lower your insurance rate).
Meanwhile, secure everything outside: bring in lawn furniture, grills, trash cans, and hanging plants, or anchor them so they can’t blow away. Trim trees and remove weak branches that could fall on the house. Clean gutters and drains so rainwater can flow away – clogged gutters can back up and flood your roof. If flash flooding is possible, have sandbags or plastic sheeting ready to protect doors and low windows.
Do the following to batten down your house before a storm:
Install hurricane shutters or board up all windows and glass doors.
Secure or bring indoors all outdoor items (furniture, grills, trash cans, etc.) so they don’t become flying debris.
Trim and remove tree limbs near the house; falling branches cause many storm repairs.
Inspect and repair the roof: replace loose shingles, fix damaged flashing, and reinforce fascia/soffits along the roof edge. (These roof edge boards are known weak spots in high winds.)
Clean gutters/downspouts; if flooding is likely, have sandbags or elevation measures ready.
It’s wise to get a professional roof inspection too. Roofers often spot issues an amateur might miss, especially at the roof edges (fascia and soffits). A qualified handyman or roofer can fasten loose items, secure roofing parts, and trim high branches. Fix any leaks or cracks now – a small repair today prevents a big leak during the storm.
Protect Your Home from Wind and Water
Review your insurance coverage well before any storm. Make sure your homeowner’s policy is up to date and covers the home you live in (including recent renovations). Standard home policies usually don’t cover flood damage, so consider flood insurance if you’re in a flood zone. Take an inventory of your belongings (photos or video help) and store copies of all insurance papers, IDs, and house deeds in a safe place or online. Having these documents handy will speed recovery if you need to file a claim.
Check Insurance and Important Documents
Hurricanes disrupt entire neighborhoods, so plan to help each other. Check on elderly or disabled neighbors when you prepare and after the storm. Share tools (like a generator or gas) or supplies if needed. Once the storm has passed, stay off flooded roads and heed warnings.
When it’s time to make repairs, be cautious. Only hire reputable contractors. NICB warns about door-to-door storm “specials” – always check references (Better Business Bureau or local reviews) and never pay the full cost upfront. Spread payments out over progress milestones. This helps avoid repair scams and ensures the job gets done right.
A little preparation now goes a long way. By understanding your risk, gathering supplies, and fortifying your home, you’ll be in great shape before hurricane season arrives. Stay safe out there, and good luck weathering the storm!
Neighbors and After the Storm
Don’t wait until the last minute — if you need help installing shutters, securing your roofline, or making basic home repairs before hurricane season, reach out to a trusted local handyman. A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress (and damage) later. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or get help with storm-proofing your property.