Preparing Your Home for Hurricane or Severe Weather Season

Depending on where you live, you probably already know that severe weather season isn’t something you want to meet without a plan. You’ve seen what a bad storm can do to a roof, a basement, a neighbor’s fence, or worse. And yet, when the forecast starts looking grim, plenty of homeowners feel like they’re playing catch up.

You’re not alone in that if that’s the case.

Now, we’re not meteorologists or emergency management specialists. What we are is a team that works alongside homeowners every day, people who’ve built something real and want to protect it.

And when hurricane and severe weather season roll around, we think it’s worth pausing to make sure you have helpful information in hand. So, we’ve pulled together some of the guidance out there to help you think through your plan before the next storm is on radar.

Start with a Plan

One of the most consistent pieces of advice from emergency preparedness experts is simple: don’t wait. Once a storm is named and tracking toward your area, your options narrow fast. Stores run low on supplies, roads get congested, and stress makes clear thinking harder.

The National Weather Service® recommends building a hurricane plan that covers several key areas, including evacuation routes, communication with family members, and where to go if you can’t stay home. You can find The National Weather Service’s® hurricane preparedness guidance here.

The core of a good plan isn’t complicated. Know where you’re going if you have to leave. Know how you’ll reach your family if phones are out. Know what you’ll take with you. Write it down. Practice it if you can.

Walk Through Your Property with Fresh Eyes

One of the most effective things you can do before storm season is a simple walkthrough of your property looking for vulnerabilities you may have stopped noticing.

Here’s a starting checklist for that walkthrough:

• Roof and gutters: Are there loose or missing shingles? Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and damage your home’s structure. Clear them out before storm season.
• Trees and landscaping: Dead or overhanging branches are a common source of storm damage. Trim them back, especially those near your home, car, or power lines.
• Windows and doors: Check seals and look for cracks. If you’re in a hurricane-prone area, storm shutters or impact-resistant glass can make a meaningful difference.
• Outdoor items: Furniture, grills, potted plants, anything that can become airborne in high winds would benefit from having a plan.
• Drainage and grading: Does water drain away from your foundation? Pooling near your home’s base is a risk factor for flooding, even in storms that don’t hit directly.

Build Your Emergency Supply Kit

Experts generally recommend having supplies on hand to sustain your household for at least several days without outside help, sometimes longer, depending on the storm and your location. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s® (NOAA) hurricane preparedness resources are a good reference for thinking through what that looks like for your household.

The basics to consider include:

• Water, typically at least one gallon per person per day for several days
• Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
• Flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• A first aid kit and any necessary medications
• Important documents in a waterproof container (insurance policies, IDs, bank info)
• Cash, since ATMs and card readers may be down
• Phone chargers and a backup power bank
• Supplies specific to your household, like items for pets, infants, or medical equipment

If you haven’t built a kit yet, the good news is you don’t have to do it all at once. Adding a few items per week well before storm season hits is a manageable way to get there.

Know Your Insurance Coverage

Many standard homeowners insurance policies may cover wind damage, but flood damage is a different story. Flooding is often excluded from standard policies and requires separate flood insurance.

Before storm season, it’s worth pulling out your policy documents (or calling your agent) and asking:

• What does my policy cover in the event of hurricane or wind damage?
• Am I covered for flooding? If not, what are my options?
• What is my deductible for hurricane or wind-related claims?
• What does my policy say about additional living expenses if I have to temporarily relocate?

It’s also a good time to make sure your coverage amounts still reflect the current value of your home and belongings.

After the Storm: Document Before You Clean Up

If your home does sustain damage, the steps you take next matter. Before moving or throwing anything away, document the damage thoroughly with photos and video from multiple angles. This documentation is essential when filing an insurance claim, and the more thorough it is, the more efficient the process may be able to go.

Contact your insurance company as soon as it’s safe to do so. Many insurers have 24-hour claims lines, and getting your claim started early can also help move the process along. Hold onto all receipts for repairs, emergency lodging, or supplies as these may be reimbursable depending on your policy.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your home from severe weather doesn’t require a perfect plan or an encyclopedic knowledge of meteorology. It does take some advance thought, a few practical steps, and a willingness to take it seriously before the skies turn gray.

We know homeownership comes with a lot to keep track of. This is one of those areas where a little preparation ahead of time can sometimes make a real difference for your home and your family’s peace of mind.