Preparing your home for hurricanes

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Local codes, regulations, and best practices vary by region.

If you live in a hurricane zone, preparing your home and having a plan is essential. Hurricanes combine wind, rain, and storm surge. Homes face wind damage (roofs torn off, windows blown in), water damage (flooding from rain and surge), and debris hazards. Preparation reduces risk and damage.

The key steps are home hardening (making the structure more resilient to wind and water), gathering emergency supplies, and having an evacuation plan.

Home Hardening

Impact-resistant windows and doors resist wind and debris. They’re expensive ($50 to $100+ per window installed) but reduce damage significantly. If your home is older or hasn’t been updated, windows are a vulnerability.

Roof straps attach the roof to the wall structure, preventing roof uplift in high winds. Professional installation during roof replacement is best. Retrofitting is possible but labor-intensive.

Shutters (permanent or removable) protect windows from debris and wind. Impact-resistant shutters are most effective. Plywood sheeted over windows is a low-cost alternative but labor-intensive to install quickly.

Trim trees, especially those overhanging the house. Large branches become wind-driven projectiles. Removing hazardous limbs before hurricane season reduces damage risk.

Secure outdoor furniture, trash cans, and equipment. Anything loose becomes a projectile. Store or secure everything.

Evacuation Zones and Planning

Know whether your property is in a hurricane evacuation zone. This determines if you should evacuate or shelter in place. Know your zone number and what it means.

Have an evacuation plan including routes, pet preparation, and what to bring. Know which shelters accept pets if you have animals.

Ensure family members know the plan and communication methods.

Storm Surge Risk

Storm surge is rapid water rise during the hurricane, pushing ocean water inland. Lower-elevation coastal properties face surge risk even if far from the coast. Properties even slightly elevated are safer.

Understanding your home’s elevation relative to storm surge maps helps assess risk.

Emergency Supply Stockpiling

Before hurricane season, stockpile supplies: water (1 gallon per person per day for several days), non-perishable food, medications, first aid, batteries, flashlights, hand-crank radio, and important documents in waterproof containers.

Fuel your vehicles before the storm approaches. Gas stations run out during hurricanes.

Before Season

Get your home inspected for vulnerabilities. Have a professional roofing contractor assess roof condition and strapping.

Review insurance coverage. Understand what’s covered and what’s not. Document property with photos/video.

Stock supplies early, before stores sell out.

Practice evacuating with pets if needed.

Know where emergency shelters are located.

During Hurricane Season

Monitor forecasts. When a hurricane threatens, follow official guidance about evacuation.

Secure the home: close shutters, bring in lawn furniture, fuel the car, gather supplies.

Evacuate if ordered, even if you think you’ll be fine. Official evacuation orders are based on safety.

After the Storm

Document damage with photos for insurance claims.

Stay out of floodwaters. They’re dangerous and likely contaminated.

Stay away from downed power lines.

Listen to official guidance about when it’s safe to return.

Hurricane preparation is more about planning and small improvements than large investments. Know your risk, have a plan, and make basic improvements to reduce vulnerability.

© The Whole Home Guide