How to Prepare Your House for a Hurricane

Severe weather events such as hurricanes are becoming more frequent and costly for homeowners as the years go on. According to the NOAA, an average hurricane causes damage over $22 billion. A recent report from ValuePenguin stated that homeowners can expect to incur losses of over $15,000 due to a severe hurricane.

Adequately preparing your home is essential to avoid heavy financial losses and, even worse, the destruction of your home.

Preparing your home for a hurricane involves several steps to ensure your safety and minimize damage to your property, such as reinforcing your home, protecting your roof, and trimming trees. However, we’re here to protect your property and your family, so today, we will cover the most essential tips for protecting your home and family from a hurricane.

Keep reading to find out how to prepare your house for a hurricane.

Key Takeaways

• Being prepared helps minimize property damage, protects your belongings, and ensures your family’s safety during and after a hurricane.
• Reinforce doors and windows, trim trees, and bring outdoor items inside to prevent damage from high winds.
• Charge devices, have backup power sources, and unplug sensitive electronics to protect them during outages.
• Create a hurricane emergency kit with non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, and necessary medications.
• Know your evacuation routes, arrange for accommodations and prepare a go-bag with essentials for each family member.

What is a Hurricane?

A hurricane is a large, rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, high winds, and heavy rainfall. It forms over warm tropical waters and gains strength as it moves across the ocean.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes hurricanes from one to five based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. Category three and above are considered major hurricanes due to their potential for significant damage and loss of life.

So, what issues do you have to worry about when a hurricane approaches?

How Hurricanes Cause Damage to Homes

Storm surges, heavy rains, and strong winds can all cause severe damage to your home. Knowing the biggest threats to your home will help you determine how best to prepare for a hurricane.

Here are the biggest threats to consider during a hurricane.

Storm Surge

Storm surge, an abnormal rise in sea level caused by a hurricane’s winds, is often the greatest threat to life and property along the coast.

Heavy Rainfall

Flooding from heavy rainfall is another primary concern, as hurricanes can produce several inches to feet of rain quickly. According to the NOAA, hurricanes can quickly produce six or more inches of rain per hour.

High Winds

High winds over 110 mph can also cause damage to buildings, infrastructure, and power lines.

Why Preparing Your House for a Hurricane Matters

Preparing your house for a hurricane can help prevent costly damage, protect your belongings, and keep your family safe. Taking proactive steps before a storm hits is key for weathering the hurricane with minimal impact.

Here are the biggest reasons to prepare your home for a hurricane:

Property Damage and Financial Losses

Securing doors, windows, and roofs can help prevent wind and water damage to your home’s structure and interior. However, failing to prepare your home for a hurricane can result in significant financial losses.

The average cost of hurricane damage to a home is over $11,000. This figure can vary greatly depending on the storm’s severity and your property’s location.

Safety

In addition to financial losses, hurricanes can also pose serious safety risks. Flying debris, fallen trees, and flooding can all cause injuries or even fatalities. A well-prepared home and an evacuation plan can help keep you and your family out of harm’s way.

Post-Storm Recovery

Preparing your house for a hurricane also helps minimize the time and effort required for post-storm recovery. By securing your property and protecting your belongings, you can reduce the amount of cleanup and repairs needed after the hurricane passes.

Now that we know why preparing your home for a hurricane is essential, let’s discuss how.

How to Prepare Your House for a Hurricane

Preparing your home for a hurricane is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of you and your loved ones. Taking proactive steps can make a significant difference from creating a hurricane emergency kit to protecting your property from high winds and flooding.

Here are some comprehensive measures you can take to prepare your house for a hurricane:

1. Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit

Before preparing your home, you should create an emergency hurricane kit. Your hurricane emergency kit should contain essential items to sustain you and your family for at least 72 hours.

Here are some of the essentials to include in your hurricane emergency kit:

• Stock up on non-perishable food, such as canned goods, energy bars, and dried fruits.
• Store at least one gallon of water per person daily for drinking and sanitation purposes. Include a manual can opener, paper plates, and plastic utensils.
• Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and any prescription medications your family needs.
• Remember to include pet supplies, such as food, water, and any necessary medications.
• In a waterproof container, include essential documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records.
• Keep some cash on hand in case ATMs are not functioning after the storm.
• Other essential items for your hurricane emergency kit include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a cell phone with chargers.

For a fully comprehensive emergency kit, shop the many options available at Batten Safe.

With your emergency kit in place, it’s time to secure one of your home’s most important sections: the roof.

2. Protect Your Roof

Your roof is your home’s first defense against hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall. Ensuring it’s ready for heavy winds and rain is crucial.

Here’s how to prepare your roof for a hurricane:

Inspect and Repair Your Roof

Inspect your roof for loose, damaged, or missing shingles and make necessary repairs. Apply roof cement or waterproof tape around the edges of shingles to prevent them from being lifted by strong winds.

If you have time before the storm hits, consider applying a roof sealant or coating to help prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall and high humidity.

Install Hurricane Straps or Clips

Consider installing hurricane straps or clips to secure your roof to the walls of your home. These metal connectors help keep the roof attached to the house during high winds, reducing the risk of roof failure and water damage.

Clear Gutters

Clear your gutters and downspouts of debris to allow water to flow freely and prevent clogs that could cause water to back up and damage your roof or walls. Secure any loose gutters or downspouts to prevent them from being torn off by high winds.

Replace Your Roof

If your roof is over 15 years old or in poor condition, consider replacing it with a new, hurricane-resistant roof before the storm season begins. Look for roofing materials rated for high wind speeds, such as metal, tile, or asphalt shingles with a high wind resistance classification.

Prepare the Chimney

If you have a chimney, ensure it is properly secured and in good condition. Install a chimney cap to prevent water from entering your home through the chimney.

With your roof secure, it’s time to move on to the doors and windows, which are some of the most vulnerable parts of your home.

3. Secure Windows and Doors

Your home’s entry points and windows are susceptible to damage due to high winds and heavy rains. If the elements penetrate doors and windows, the rest of your home is at risk of severe damage.

Here’s how to secure your doors and windows for a hurricane:

Cover Windows

Protect your windows from shattering by installing storm shutters or cutting plywood to fit and fasten securely over each window. Place shutters or plywood on the outside for sliding glass doors, or install hurricane-resistant laminated glass.

Reinforce Entryways

Reinforce all entry doors, especially double doors and garage doors, as these are more susceptible to wind damage. Add a heavy-duty deadbolt, replace weak hinge screws with longer ones, and consider installing additional locking mechanisms.

Install Flood Barriers

To prevent water intrusion, choose the best flood barriers for your doors. Options include sandbags, water-filled barriers, and quick-dam flood gates that can be easily deployed when a hurricane approaches.

Seal Gaps

Seal gaps around windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulk to reduce drafts and keep water out. Also, check for cracks in the foundation or exterior walls and repair them promptly.

Hurricane-Resistant Doors and Windows

Consider installing hurricane-resistant windows and doors if you live in a high-risk area. These feature impact-resistant glass and reinforced frames to withstand high winds and flying debris.

However, preparing your home for a hurricane must be done from the inside and outside, as discussed below.

4. Trim Trees and Secure Outdoor Items

The area outside of your home can also pose a risk, especially regarding trees and loose items. Here’s how to prepare your property for a hurricane:

Trim Trees and Branches

Inspect trees around your property for dead, damaged, or overhanging branches that could break off and cause damage during high winds. Trim these branches back, especially those close to your home, to reduce the risk of them falling and damaging your roof or windows.

Secure Loose Items

Bring outdoor furniture, decorations, and toys inside your home or garage to prevent them from being blown away or becoming projectiles in strong winds. If you have a grill or propane tank, ensure they are securely anchored or stored in a safe place.

For larger items that cannot be brought inside, such as a trampoline or shed, anchor them securely to the ground using hurricane straps or ground anchors. Remove any loose items from your yard, such as garden tools or potted plants, and store them in a safe place.

Repair Fences

If you have a fence around your property, check for loose or damaged panels and repair them before the storm hits. A damaged fence can easily be blown over by strong winds, potentially damaging your home or your neighbor’s property.

With the inside and outside of your home ready, it’s time to prepare for those inevitable power outages.

5. Prepare for Power Outages

Power outages are common during hurricanes due to high winds and flooding that can damage power lines and transformers. To prepare for a power outage, charge your devices, have battery backups, and install surge protectors.

Here are all of the ways to prepare for power outages during a hurricane.

Charge Devices

Charge all your electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets, before the storm hits.

Invest in a Backup Power Source

Consider investing in a backup battery or power bank to keep your devices charged during an extended outage.

If you have a generator, ensure it is in good working condition and has enough fuel to last for several days. Store the generator in a dry, well-ventilated area away from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Never operate a generator inside your home or garage.

If you don’t have a generator, consider investing in a solar power bank or a battery-powered radio to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any emergency instructions from local authorities.

Account for Lighting

Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries on hand, and avoid using candles as they can pose a fire hazard.

Turn Off the Power and Your Appliances

When the power comes back on, unplug any appliances or electronics that could be damaged by a power surge. This includes televisions, computers, and air conditioners. Turn off your main circuit breaker to prevent damage to your electrical system. However, a surge protector can help prevent electrical damage.

Install Surge Protectors

Finally, consider installing a whole-house surge protector to protect your appliances and electronics from power surges caused by lightning strikes or downed power lines. This can help prevent costly damage to your home’s electrical system and valuable possessions.

Speaking of electrical damage, preparing your home for flooding is the next item on the agenda.

6. Prepare for Flooding

If you live in a flood-prone area, protecting your home from water damage is essential. To determine if you live in a flood-prone area, use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to determine your property’s flood risk and elevation.

Here are some tips to follow to prepare for flooding:

Elevate Valuables

Elevate important items, such as electrical appliances, furniture, and valuables, to higher ground or upper floors of your home. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent floodwater from backing up into drains.

Ready the Sandbags and Pumps

Have sandbags or a pump ready to divert water away from your foundation. Place sandbags around doorways, vents, and other potential entry points for floodwater.

Consider installing a sump pump to remove excess water if you have a basement. Ensure the pump is in good working condition and has a backup power source in case of electrical outages.

Seal the Foundation

Seal cracks in your foundation, walls, and windows to prevent water infiltration. Apply waterproof coatings or sealants on exterior walls and weather stripping around doors and windows.

Direct Water Away from Your Home

Disconnect downspouts and gutters from your home’s sewer system to prevent sewage backups during heavy rainfall. Instead, direct the water flow from your foundation into a storm drain or retention pond.

Despite these preparations, having a safe space in your home where everyone can ride out the storm is a good idea.

7. Identify a Safe Room

Designate a safe room in your house where you and your family can shelter during the hurricane.

Picking the Right Room

This room should be an interior room on the first floor, away from windows and exterior walls. A closet, bathroom, or hallway can serve as a safe room. Your safe room should be on the lowest floor possible if you live in a mobile home or a high-rise building. If you live in a flood-prone area, your safe room should be on the highest floor possible to avoid rising water.

Stock Up the Safe Room

Stock your safe room with essential supplies, including your hurricane emergency kit, blankets, pillows, and a mattress or sleeping bag to lie on. Ensure you have a battery-powered radio or TV to stay informed about the storm’s progress and any emergency instructions.

Inform Your Family

Make sure all family members know where the safe room is located and how to get there quickly in case of an emergency. Practice your family’s hurricane safety plan, including evacuating to the safe room before the storm hits.

Reinforce the Safe Room

Consider reinforcing your safe room with hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows to provide an extra layer of protection against high winds and flying debris. If you have a large family or live in a high-risk area, consider building a hurricane shelter or safe room that meets FEMA guidelines.

No matter how secure you think your home is, you never know when the worst will occur, which means having an evacuation plan ready.

8. Make an Evacuation Plan

Making an evacuation plan is one of the most important ways to prepare for a hurricane or any other type of severe weather. The plan includes choosing a destination, preparing evacuation supplies, accounting for special needs, and more.

Here are some tips to follow when creating an evacuation plan:

Start Early

Develop an evacuation plan well in advance of a hurricane. Familiarize yourself with your local evacuation zones and routes. Identify multiple paths to safety in case primary roads become impassable due to flooding or debris.

Pick an Adequate Destination

Decide on a destination, such as a friend or family member’s home outside the affected area, a hotel, or a public shelter. Arrange accommodations in advance, as hotels and shelters may fill up quickly.

Accounting for Pets

If you have pets, research pet-friendly hotels or shelters along your evacuation route. Gather pet supplies, including food, water, medications, and carriers. Make sure your pets have identification tags and up-to-date vaccinations.

Accounting for Special Needs

Create a plan that addresses the specific requirements of family members with special needs, such as the elderly, disabled, or those with medical conditions. This may include arranging transportation, packing necessary medications and equipment, and identifying medical facilities near your evacuation destination.

Assemble Emergency Supplies

Assemble a Hurricane and Tornado Preparation go-bag for each family member. This should include essentials such as non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Remember to include important documents, cash, and a change of clothes.

Communicate Your Evacuation Plan

Communicate your evacuation plan to all family members and practice it before a hurricane threatens. Designate an out-of-area contact person who can relay messages between separated family members.

Monitor Weather Updates

Monitor local news and weather reports for evacuation orders. When advised to evacuate, do so immediately. Don’t wait until the last minute, as roads may become congested or flooded. Follow the instructions of local officials and stay informed about the storm’s progress.

Remember, the most important aspect of hurricane preparation is ensuring your and your loved ones’ safety. By having a well-thought-out evacuation plan, you can minimize stress and confusion during a potentially chaotic situation. That said, no matter how well you prepare, damage may still occur to your home, in which case insurance is your last line of defense.

9. Review Your Insurance Coverage

Having a good insurance policy can mean the difference between being covered and paying out of pocket if the worst were to happen. You should be up to date with your policy, have a copy on hand, and consider hurricane-specific insurance.

Here’s what to consider when reviewing your insurance coverage:

Understand Your Policy

Review your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policy to understand what is covered in the event of hurricane damage. Standard policies typically do not include flood damage, so consider purchasing separate flood insurance, especially if you live in a high-risk area.

Contact your insurance agent to discuss your coverage and ensure you have adequate protection for your home and belongings. Ask about your policy’s deductible and any hurricane-specific deductibles that may apply.

Update Your Policy

If you have made any recent home improvements or major purchases, make sure they are reflected in your policy to ensure proper coverage. Take photos or videos of your belongings and store them in a safe place or cloud storage for later insurance claims if needed.

Keep a Copy with You

Keep a copy of your insurance policy and your agent’s contact information in your hurricane emergency kit or a secure digital location for easy access after the storm. If you need to evacuate, bring a copy of your policy.

Thoroughly Document Damage

After the hurricane, document any damage to your property with photos and videos before making temporary repairs. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process and discuss the next steps for repairs and reimbursement.

Don’t Miss Filing Deadlines

Remember that insurance policies have deadlines for filing claims, so act promptly to ensure you receive the coverage you are entitled to. Keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance company, including dates, names, and what was discussed.

Final Thoughts on Preparing Your Home for a Hurricane

Preparing your home for a hurricane takes time and effort, but it is worth it to ensure the safety of your family and belongings. Following these steps and staying informed about the storm’s progress helps you confidently face a hurricane.

Secure your roof, doors, and windows, prepare an emergency kit, secure your home against flooding, make an evacuation plan, and ensure your insurance policy is adequate.

Taking these proactive measures protects your home and family during hurricane season. For additional resources and top-quality hurricane preparedness products, visit Batten Safe and ensure you’re fully equipped to handle any storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Far in Advance Should I Start Preparing My Home for a Hurricane?

Start at the beginning of hurricane season or several weeks before a storm is forecasted.

Do I Need Flood Insurance if I Don’t Live in a Flood Zone?

Yes, Hurricanes Can Cause Flooding in Unexpected Places.

What Should I Do if I Can’t Evacuate Before a Hurricane?

Shelter in a windowless interior room on the lowest level, away from exterior walls. If needed, move to higher ground.