Hurricane Season Prep for Your Home

As hurricane season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your home is ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, impacting the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico regions. In this blog, we’ll cover essential steps to prepare your home before and during hurricane season prep, so you’re not scrambling when a major storm approaches.

Pre-Storms: Early Hurricane Season Prep is Key

1. Review Your Insurance Policy Start your hurricane season prep checking your homeowners’ insurance policy. Ensure you know what’s covered for storm-related damage. Not all policies cover windstorms and flooding, common threats during hurricanes. Contact your insurer to confirm your coverage. If you don’t have flood insurance, now might be the time to get it. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance through many companies, but remember, there’s a 30-day waiting period before policies take effect unless certain conditions apply.
2. Weatherproofing Your Home Now is the time to assess how well your home is equipped to handle a hurricane. Inspect your roof for loose or damaged materials, and make any necessary repairs. Ensure your windows and doors are storm-ready by installing storm shutters or investing in wind- and impact-resistant windows. These preparations can make a big difference when protecting your home from wind damage. *Another key step in hurricane season prep is to stock up on plywood to board up windows and sliding glass doors if you don’t have stormproof options in place.
3. Trim Trees and Remove Debris Hurricane winds can turn tree branches and loose debris into dangerous projectiles. Trim any branches hanging near your home or other structures and remove dead or weak trees. If you’re unsure of what needs to be done, consider hiring a professional arborist.
4. Create a Backup Power Plan Power outages are almost inevitable during a hurricane. Think about investing in a generator to keep your essential appliances running. From small units that power a few devices to whole-house generators, choose one that fits your needs. Be sure to familiarize yourself with safe operation practices and have enough fuel on hand.
5. Secure Important Documents Gather essential documents (like insurance policies, deeds, medical records, etc.) and place them in waterproof containers. For added security, also consider making digital backups that you can access from any device.
6. Build a Comprehensive Emergency Kit One of the most crucial steps in hurricane preparation is having a well-stocked emergency kit. This kit will be your lifeline during and after the storm, ensuring that you have the essentials to keep your family safe and comfortable.

At a minimum, your kit should include:

• Water: One gallon per person, per day, for at least a week.
• Food: Non-perishable items like canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter, and instant noodles. Also, don’t forget a manual can opener!
• First aid kit: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, and any necessary medications.
• Tools: Wrenches to turn off gas lines, duct tape, plastic sheeting, and fire extinguishers.
• Light sources: Flashlights with extra batteries and lanterns.
• Sanitation supplies: Hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties.
• A battery-operated or hand-cranked radio: to stay updated on weather conditions if power is lost.
• Clothing and blankets: Pack enough for several days, especially if you anticipate evacuating.
• Personal items: Extra glasses, diapers, baby formula, and pet supplies.
• Entertainment: If you have kids, pack books, toys, and games to keep them occupied.

It’s also a great idea to include backup chargers or power banks for your devices. With these supplies, your family will be ready to weather the storm, even if help takes time to arrive. Being prepared can make all the difference in staying safe and comfortable during a crisis.

7. Pet Supplies and Emergency Kit Don’t forget to prepare for your pets as part of your hurricane season prep! Include a week’s supply of food, water, medications, and any comfort items like toys or blankets. If you’re evacuating, have carriers ready for safe transport and ensure your pets are microchipped in case you get separated.

Preparing When a Storm is Coming

If you’ve already done the early preparations, you’ll be in good shape when a storm is in the forecast. Here’s what to do when a hurricane is imminent:

1. Bring Loose Items Indoors Anything that isn’t anchored—patio furniture, grills, plant pots—needs to be brought inside since high winds can send these objects flying, causing damage to your home or others.
2. Secure Windows and Doors If you haven’t already installed storm shutters or impact-resistant windows as part of your earlier hurricane season prep, cover your windows and glass doors with plywood. Check that all doors are properly secured and reinforced.
3. Prepare for Water Shortages A storm can cut off your water supply, so it’s a good idea to fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets and basic needs. You can also freeze bags of water to help keep your refrigerator cold in case of a power outage and have a source of clean drinking water.
4. Sandbag Your Home Sandbags can help protect your home from flooding by redirecting water. Place them around entry points such as doors, and make sure they’re stacked properly with a wide base for stability.
5. Turn Off Utilities Before the storm hits, turn off your gas, electricity, and water. This can help reduce the risk of accidents, such as gas leaks or electrical fires, during and after the hurricane.
6. Stay Informed Keep a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio on hand to stay updated on the storm’s progress. Follow alerts from the National Weather Service and FEMA for the latest on evacuations, storm paths, and emergency information.

Planning Your Evacuation

In the event that authorities issue an evacuation order, don’t ignore it. Ensure your hurricane season prep includes a plan for your family and pets. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Map Out Your Evacuation Route Identify the routes you’ll take if you need to leave, and ensure your car is stocked with emergency supplies and has a full tank of gas. Ready.gov offers great resources for preparing your vehicle for emergencies.
2. Pack an Emergency Evacuation Kit Pack essentials like clothing, food, medications, and toiletries in case you need to leave quickly. Include important documents, cash, and any necessary items for your pets.
3. Secure Your Home Before You Leave Turn off utilities, secure windows and doors, and remove anything that could become a hazard if left unattended. Make sure your family and pets are safe, and check your evacuation plan with local authorities to avoid dangerous roads.

After the Hurricane

Once the storm passes, the work isn’t over. Here’s how to safely assess and repair damage:

1. Wait for the All-Clear Only return home when authorities have deemed it safe to do so. Roads may be flooded or blocked, so be cautious.
2. Check for Damage Carefully inspect your home for any damage, such as broken windows, roof leaks, or fallen debris. Take photos of the damage for insurance purposes and contact your insurer as soon as possible.
3. Cleanup and Repairs If your home has sustained damage, you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve refreshed our vendor list to connect you with the best professionals in the community! We took the time to handpick trusted vendors who we know will take great care of you. After 10 years in the community, we’re proud to partner with experts who share our commitment to high-quality service.

If you need help, give us a call, and we’ll connect you with our network of trusted professionals to assist in restoring your home.

4. Help Your Community After ensuring your home and family are safe, consider helping neighbors or your community in the cleanup efforts. Many local organizations may need volunteers, and lending a hand can make a big difference in recovery.

Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but preparation is key. By taking proactive steps before a storm hits and staying informed when one is on the horizon, you can better protect your home and loved ones. The Nickley Group is here to help guide you through the process—from pre-storm preparation to post-storm recovery. Stay safe, stay informed, and remember that with the right precautions, you can weather the storm.