Preparing Your Home for Hurricane and Severe Storm Season
If you live somewhere that sees hurricanes, tropical storms, or severe seasonal weather, the best time to think about storm damage is before the forecast turns, not after. A few hours of prep can meaningfully reduce what you're cleaning up later.
“Severe weather can happen anytime, in any part of the country. It can include hazardous conditions from thunderstorms – such as damaging winds, tornadoes, large hail, flooding and flash flooding – as well as winter storms with freezing rain, sleet, snow and strong winds.”
Around the exterior
- Trim dead or overhanging tree branches well before storm season, not during a watch
- Clear gutters and downspouts so heavy rain drains away from the foundation
- Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and anything that can become wind-borne debris
- Check your roof for loose or missing shingles — small gaps become bigger leaks under wind-driven rain
Documentation, before anything happens
Walk through your home and take dated photos or video of its condition, including your roof, siding, and any valuable contents. This single step makes a post-storm insurance claim dramatically easier to document and settle.
Know your coverage gaps now
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage — that requires separate flood insurance, which often has a waiting period before it takes effect. If you're in a flood-prone area, this is not a decision to make the week a storm is forecast.
After the storm passes
Don't approach downed power lines or standing water near electrical sources. Once it's safe, photograph damage before clearing debris, and if a tree is on your structure or your roof has active leaking, treat it as an emergency and get a request in right away — those situations tend to compound quickly if left exposed to additional weather.
Need a storm & debris contractor?
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