Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Homeowners: Essential Steps Before the Storm Hits

Of all weather-related hazards, hurricanes are the most destructive and costly. Even well-built homes suffer severe structural damage in strong winds. But wind isn’t the only problem. Coastal storm surges, heavy rain, inland flooding, landslides, and tornadoes spawned by these storms cause deaths and injuries along with billions of dollars in property damage each year.

In the U.S., hurricane season officially begins on June 1 and lasts until November 30. Millions of people living along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, as well as hundreds of miles inland, are affected each year.

Don’t wait until the last minute to stand in long lines or learn stores are out of water, batteries, and other essentials. Get ready early so you can relax before the hurricane season begins. Protect your home and family now with a hurricane preparedness checklist.

What to Do Before the Hurricane Season Starts

Peak hurricane activity occurs between mid-August and October, but storms sometimes strike early. Hurricane Agnes, for example, made landfall near Panama City, Florida, on June 19, 1972, and slowly moved north as a tropical storm. By June 24, the storm caused 122 deaths and more than $3 billion (roughly $17.5 billion today) in damage, mainly from extreme flooding.

Here are some initial steps you can take before hurricane season starts:

Know Your Zone

If you live near the Atlantic or Gulf Coasts, determining your evacuation zone is essential. Evacuation zones are typically low-lying areas prone to storm surges and flooding.

In Delaware, for example, evacuation zones are designated A, B, C, or D. For hurricanes in Florida, the primary zones are designated from A to F.

Be sure to identify safe evacuation routes and nearby shelters before the storm arrives.

You should also be familiar with the National Hurricane Center (NHC) updates and terminology. This step is part of your emergency plan, which you and your family can discuss to ensure everyone knows when to leave, where to go, the route to take, and how to communicate.

Review Your Insurance Policies

Make sure you have adequate coverage for hurricane damage. Although “hurricane insurance” doesn’t exist as a standalone policy, a combination of separate policies can protect you.

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, and whether a home inspection report is required. You can read more about insurance and inspections below.

Clean Gutters and Drainage Systems

Reduce the risk of roof leaks and flooding issues by clearing gutters, downspouts, and exterior drainage systems of leaves, twigs, debris, and sediment.

Make Copies of Essential Documents

Create physical copies of important information and records to pack in an emergency. Enclose them in waterproof bags or a fireproof binder. Upload digital scans to a password-protected cloud account or an encrypted USB drive.

• Identification: Driver's licenses, passports, Social Security cards, birth/marriage certificates, and military IDs.
• Financial and property records: Property deeds, vehicle titles, recent tax returns, bank/credit card account numbers, and wills.
• Insurance documents: Homeowners/renters insurance policies, flood insurance, and auto or life insurance.
• Medical Information: Vaccination records, prescriptions, health insurance cards, and medical histories.
• Proof of Address: A recent utility or lease bill to prove residency for re-entry after an evacuation.
• Emergency phone numbers: Create a paper list of important numbers, such as doctors, out-of-state family members, and utility companies, in case your phone battery dies or you lose your phone.
• Veterinarian records: Vaccination and immunization records, medical history, a recent photo of your pet, and microchip registration numbers.

The American Red Cross provides additional information about pet disaster preparedness.

Create or Evaluate Your Emergency Hurricane Prep Kit

Organize your emergency equipment and basic disaster supplies kit. Here are a few items you may want to purchase in advance if you don’t already have them (these sell out quickly when a hurricane is approaching):

• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Portable generator with a carbon monoxide detector
• Gas can if your generator uses gas
• Portable power station to keep phones charged
• Collapsible water containers (around 5 gallons)
• Rigid water containers (5-55 gallons)
• Cooler and reusable ice packs
• Battery-powered or rechargeable lanterns
• Flashlights and headlamps
• Batteries
• First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, basic medicines for injuries and emergencies)
• Pet carrier(s) or crates
• Cash (in case of power outages or card system failures)

If a hurricane is forecast, keep your vehicle fueled up and have essentials ready in case evacuation becomes necessary.

An additional list of hurricane prep kit items is provided below.

What Supplies Are Needed for Hurricane Season?

Make sure you have enough essentials for at least three days. Seven days is better, especially if you have children, care for elderly relatives, or have a medical condition.

• Water: Store at least 1 gallon per person per day in unbreakable containers for drinking and sanitation. Sealed jugs of water you can buy at a grocery store are best for storage.
• Additional water: Include water for food preparation and mixing baby formula, if needed. Store extra for bathing, cleaning, and flushing toilets.
• Non-perishable food: Include anything that doesn’t need refrigeration, such as canned goods (fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, juices), dried goods (crackers, breakfast bars, dried fruit, granola bars, trail mix, cookies), and jarred baby food, if needed.
• Personal hygiene needs: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, hand sanitizer, feminine products.
• Pet food and water: Include medications, if applicable.
• Medication: Plan for at least two weeks.

Additional emergency supplies depend on your household. Review this comprehensive hurricane preparedness checklist for more details.

How to Strengthen Your Home Before a Hurricane

An emergency supply list is vital, but so is preparing your home. Take these steps to protect your home when the hurricane forecast calls for a storm.

Start With Your Home’s Exterior

Review typical damage based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. Even a Category 1 hurricane can damage roofing, gutters, and siding. Plus, large branches can snap, and large trees may fall, especially as wind speeds increase.

• Reinforce vulnerable areas, such as garage doors.
• Ensure doors, windows, and entry points are properly sealed and secured.
• Secure loose items, such as patio furniture, grills, and garbage cans, or bring them indoors.
• Garden ornaments and planters can become missiles in high winds, so bring them indoors.
• 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.

Inspect and Repair Your Home

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, flashing, and siding, since it increases the risk of further damage.
• Check for loose gutters and downspouts.
• Indoors, look for signs of potential roof leaks, such as water stains on the ceiling, especially in the attic.

Your home insurance policy may require a 4-point inspection, which is discussed below.

Prepare the Interior of Your Home

If you don’t have evacuation orders, you’ll probably be at home during a hurricane. Take refuge in a designated shelter room, small interior room, hallway, or closet on the ground floor if you’re not in a flood or surge zone. Stay away from windows and doors to avoid flying debris.

When a hurricane is on the way, here are some steps to prepare your home’s interior:

• Check your hurricane preparedness checklist and supplies to make sure you have everything you need.
• Move furniture to the center of rooms and remove smaller items, including rugs, to protect them from potential water damage.
• If you have electrical systems or appliances on the ground floor, consider elevating them to avoid water damage.
• Store loose items, such as picture frames and decorative items, in a closet, bin, or dresser drawers.
• Plan your safe room and consider using a mattress as a protective barrier.
• Close all interior doors to distribute pressure and reduce the roof load.
• Clean and fill your bathtub(s) with water for use after the storm, if needed.
• Freeze water containers or reusable ice packs for your cooler or to help your refrigerator and freezer stay cool during a power outage.
• Keep all mobile phones, power banks, and backup devices fully charged.

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.

Here are key considerations regarding home insurance coverage:

• Dwelling coverage: For home damage repair
• Personal property coverage: To repair or replace damaged items
• Loss of property use coverage: If your home is uninhabitable, and you need to relocate

Contact your insurance company to determine what your policy covers and the applicable deductibles.

Keep in mind that the cause of the damage matters. If you live in a flood-prone area, you’ll likely need a separate flood insurance policy. Learn more about wind vs. flood damage and confirm details with your provider.

Taking these proactive steps could mean the difference between having coverage and not having it, 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
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)

This inspection is typically faster and less thorough than a full home inspection, but it provides plenty of valuable information.

If you live in Florida, many insurers require a 4-point home inspection for homes 15-20 years old, and some require it for certain newer homes. Check with your insurance company’s policies concerning 4-point inspections for policy renewals.

This inspection also helps you take proactive action to prevent costly repairs or insurance claims. In addition, it’s often a prerequisite if you’re seeking wind mitigation discounts.

Learn how 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 hurricanes and tropical storms, a wind mitigation inspection is another one you should consider.

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

Completing this inspection can help you reduce insurance costs, increase your property's value, and gain peace of mind. WIN Home Inspection 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

Hurricane Preparedness for Homeowners: FAQs

When does hurricane season start?

The Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until November 30, but that’s not a strict hurricane schedule. Storms can develop earlier or later, though it’s rare.

What should I inspect before hurricane season?

You should thoroughly inspect your home, paying close attention to the 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?

Standard home policies typically cover wind damage. However, you’ll likely need a separate policy for flood or storm-surge protection. High-risk coastal areas may also need more specialized insurance. It’s best to discuss your current policy and options with your provider.

Why is it important to consider wind mitigation?

While high winds are typically associated with hurricanes, damaging winds can occur at any time, especially in high-risk areas. 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 learn 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