Essential Hurricane Prep List: What You Need Before the Storm Hits

When you own a home, disaster preparedness is a serious concern. In the U.S., hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30, affecting millions of people along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as hundreds of miles inland. Of all weather-related hazards, hurricanes are the most destructive and costly, and they are intensifying.

Research indicates that disastrous hurricanes are three times more frequent than they were a century ago, with the proportion of Category 3 or higher hurricanes doubling since 1980. Hurricane storm surges, high winds, and flooding pose the worst threats. However, you can take a proactive approach to protect your home and family. Here’s how to prep for a hurricane.

Initial Steps During Hurricane Prep

Although August through October is peak hurricane season, storms can and do strike early, so you’ll want to be prepared. Here are some initial steps for your home’s hurricane prep list.

• Know your zone: Determining your evacuation zone is particularly important if you live near the Atlantic or Gulf Coasts. Evacuation zones are often low-lying areas prone to storm surges and flooding. For example, in Delaware, evacuation zones are identified as A, B, C, or D. In Florida, zones are designated from A to F, with A being the most vulnerable and F being evacuated last. Know your zone before a hurricane hits, and get familiar with National Hurricane Center (NHC) updates. This step is part of a larger emergency plan that you and your family discuss, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding where to go and how to communicate.

• Create your emergency hurricane prep kit: Evaluate what you need for a basic disaster supplies kit and emergency equipment, including a backup generator. A more thorough list of hurricane prep kit items is provided below.

• Review your insurance policies: Do you have adequate coverage for hurricane damage? As discussed below, there is no “hurricane insurance.” You will likely need a combination of separate policies. Confirming this before hurricane season is crucial, especially in vulnerable areas. Plan early because, in some cases, you can’t get coverage for storm-related damage after a specific date. Be aware of the available coverages, the deadlines for coverage, and whether a home inspection report is required.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Hurricane

Reviewing hurricane safety tips and having an emergency plan are vital, but so is preparing your home. Take these steps to help protect your home in the event of a hurricane in your community.

Start With Your Home’s Exterior

Review the type of damage that can happen based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, as even a Category 1 hurricane can create wind speeds between 74 and 95 mph. At this speed, roofing, gutters, and large branches are all a concern, with potential damage worsening as wind speeds increase.

• Secure loose items like patio furniture, barbecues, and garbage cans or bring them indoors. The same applies to anything in your yard that could become a hazard, such as garden ornaments and planters.

• Assess trees and remove dead limbs or branches that could fall on your home or your neighbor’s home. If you have a fence or gate, look for missing posts or broken boards that could become airborne.

• Use plywood sheets across doors and windows or install storm shutters if you don’t already have them. If you have a garage door, ensure it’s reinforced.

Inspect and Repair Your Home’s Exterior

Wind, rain, and debris damage all threaten the strength of your home’s exterior. Consider the following home inspection and repair tips.

• Inspect your home’s roof for existing damage, such as loose shingles or flashing, since it increases the risk of further damage. The same applies to your siding. Indoors, look for signs of potential roof leaks, such as water stains on the ceiling (especially in the attic).

• Cleaning out gutters and downspouts helps prevent water buildup and potential flooding.

• If you have electrical systems or appliances on the ground floor, consider moving or elevating them to avoid water damage.

Prepare the Interior of Your Home

If you don’t have evacuation orders, you will take shelter in your home during a hurricane. If you do not have a designated shelter room, take refuge in a small interior room, hallway, or closet. You want to stay away from windows and doors, taking shelter from any potential flying debris.

Before a storm, here are some steps to prepare your home’s interior:

• Organize and secure your belongings. Move furniture to the center of the room and remove smaller items, including rugs, to protect them from potential water damage. Put away loose items, such as picture frames and decorative items, and store them in a closet, a bin, or dresser drawers.

• Plan your safe room and consider using a mattress as a protective barrier. Close all interior doors to reduce the roof load. This step helps compartmentalize pressures.

• Clean and fill your bathtub with extra water for use after the storm. You can also freeze water containers to help your fridge and freezer stay cooler during an outage. Prepare your hurricane prep kit (below) and ensure your cell phone is fully charged (with access to a backup power source).

What to Put in Your Hurricane Prep Kit

Create a disaster supply kit, including the following:

• One gallon of water per person daily (for several days)
• A food supply of non-perishable food and beverages (to last a minimum of seven days)
• Battery-powered radio
• Lighting (battery-powered flashlights and a rechargeable lantern)
• Extra batteries and power banks
• First aid kit

Additional emergency supplies will depend on your household. Some items, such as sleeping bags, a fire extinguisher, cash, clothing, and sanitizers, apply to everyone. However, you may also need the following based on your household:

• Pet food and water (to last at least seven days)
• Baby supplies
• Medication (for at least two weeks)
• Essential and personal documents (copy of your will, insurance documents, vet records, etc.)

You can find a comprehensive hurricane prep kit list here.

Does Insurance Cover Hurricane-Related Damage?

Homeowners' insurance policies typically cover damage caused by strong winds, including those associated with hurricanes. However, your policy may include a separate deductible for hurricane-related damage, which may be higher than your policy’s standard deductible.

Several key considerations exist regarding home insurance coverage, including dwelling coverage (to repair damage to your home’s structure), personal property coverage (to repair or replace damaged items), and loss of property use coverage (if you are unable to live in your home and need to relocate). Contact your insurance company to determine what your policy covers and the applicable deductibles.

Know that the cause of damage matters in terms of coverage. If you live in an area prone to flooding, you will likely need a separate flood insurance policy. Learn more about wind vs. flood damage and confirm details with your provider. Taking this proactive step could mean the difference between coverage and not seeing any payouts, even among those with policies they thought were comprehensive, as seen in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

What Is a 4-Point Inspection, and Why Does It Matter?

A 4-point inspection gives your insurance company insight into the current condition of your house. It focuses on four major systems: plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC. This inspection process is often recommended when selling a home. It’s typically faster and less thorough than a full home inspection, but it still provides plenty of valuable information.

If you live in Florida, a 4-point inspection is necessary due to the warm climate and risk of hurricanes. Schedule a 4-point inspection every two years, booking it outside hurricane season. When preparing for this inspection, there is some overlap with your hurricane home prep.

• Check your HVAC system to ensure it’s functioning as expected.
• Look for any leaks and associated water damage or pipe deterioration.
• Fix or replace ungrounded or exposed wiring, as it poses a fire hazard.
• Have a roofing expert evaluate the current condition of your home, especially if you have shingles.

If you have an older home, your insurance company usually requires a 4-point inspection before renewing your policy. This process also helps you take proactive action that could later result in costly repairs or insurance claims. This inspection is often a prerequisite if you’re seeking wind mitigation discounts, too.

Learn to prepare and schedule your 4-point inspection.

What About Wind Mitigation Inspection? How Does It Help?

Since wind damage is a significant concern during hurricane season, wind mitigation is another inspection you should consider.

A comprehensive wind mitigation inspection can help identify vulnerable areas that may sustain damage during hurricanes and high winds. Again, if you live in a high-risk state like Florida, insurance companies will require this inspection to obtain new insurance or to renew your policy.

Completing this inspection can help you cut insurance costs, enhance your property value, and bring peace of mind. WIN Home Inspection services set the standard for professional Wind Mitigation Inspection.

Learn more about how you can prepare for hurricane season and why routine home inspections matter with these WIN resources:

• How to Prepare Your Home for Summer Storm Season
• Wind Mitigation Inspection: Storm-Proofing Your Home, Saving on Insurance
• Importance of Routine Home Inspections

Still have questions? Want to book an inspection? Contact WIN Home Inspection today!

Hurricane Preparedness for Homeowners: FAQs

What should you inspect before hurricane season?

You should thoroughly inspect your home, paying close attention to your roof, windows, doors, and gutters. You should also book a 4-point and wind mitigation inspection to ensure your home is in the best condition. These professional services will help you pinpoint high-risk concerns.

Will my insurance company cover damage caused by hurricanes?

Whether you’re covered will depend on your property and coverage. Standard home policies typically cover wind damage. However, you will likely need a separate flooding or storm surge protection policy. High-risk coastal areas may also need more specialized insurance. It’s best to discuss your current policy and options with your provider to ensure you’re covered.

Why is it important to consider wind mitigation?

While high winds are typically associated with hurricanes, severe winds can occur at any time, especially in high-risk areas. For this reason, it’s essential to perform routine preventive home maintenance and be aware of any loose debris or unhealthy trees on your property. Assess your roof, windows, doors, and gutters. Your state may also offer home insurance discounts, grants, or tax credits for wind-resistant features.

Where can I find out more about hurricane home preparedness?

For more hurricane safety tips and hurricane prep lists, visit:

• FEMA.gov
• Ready.gov
• National Hurricane Center (NOAA)
• The National Weather Service