How to prepare your home for a hurricane step by step (with emergency supply checklist)

Introduction

Hurricanes are a major threat to people who live in Gulf Coast states and along the Eastern Coast. It’s important to know how to prepare for a hurricane before the storm hits. Preparation means taking steps across four key areas: structural protection, emergency supplies, documentation, and last-minute decisions as the storm approaches.

Timing matters when preparing for a hurricane. Hurricane season home prep should start before June 1 each year, and you should always review your homeowners insurance policy ahead of hurricane season to ensure you’re properly covered. You’ll also want key non-perishable supplies before a storm is announced. Other steps — like shutting off utilities — don’t happen until the hurricane is days away.

Secure the exterior of your home

When it becomes clear that your home is in the path of a hurricane, you need to immediately secure your home’s exterior. This is important even if you’re relatively far inland, as hurricanes bring heavy wind and rains long after they leave the ocean.

1. Protect windows and doors

First and foremost, close and latch all hurricane shutters, if your home has them. If you don’t have hurricane shutters, you should install pre-cut plywood in each window to prevent glass from breaking upon contact with projectiles. The plywood should be at least ¾ of an inch thick for proper protection.

Purchase urethane-based caulk to seal all gaps around window and door frames. You’ll also need to use specialized caulk or sealant to cover all exterior holes and pipe penetrations. For your dryer vent, install a double-door vent and seal the flap the day before the storm.

Seal all exterior electrical outlets or install weatherproof in-use covers. Turn off the power to these outlets before the storm hits.

2. Reinforce the garage door

Garage doors (on attached garages) are the largest opening into your home, making them particularly vulnerable during hurricanes. If the garage door fails under wind pressure, the sudden change in air pressure inside your home can lift the roof and compromise the entire structure.

If you can afford to, replace your garage door with a hurricane-proof door. These are designed to withstand hurricane-force winds. However, you can retrofit your existing garage door with a bracing system (either a ready-to-install kit or a custom solution, if you’re handy).

3. Clear the yard

Before the storm arrives, bring in anything that isn’t bolted down: grills, patio furniture, planters, bikes, trash cans, you name it. Store these inside a shed, garage, or your actual home.

Inspect your landscaping, and trim any dead or weak tree branches. Ideally, you should do this regularly so that you can ensure the resulting yard waste is picked up before the storm. In some counties, debris pickup may be halted as soon as a storm is named. If it’s too late to have the debris picked up, store it in your garage.

4. Check gutters, downspouts, and the roof

You should stay on top of gutter and downspout maintenance all year long, but you’ll absolutely want to do one final sweep before the storm hits. Clear out any debris that could cause water backup, and make sure your downspouts properly drain far away from your home’s foundation to prevent water damage.

Before the high winds pick up, inspect your roof to identify and remove loose shingles. Hurricane ties (also called straps or clips) are a good investment if you live in a hurricane-prone area; these better reinforce your roof. Or, when it’s time to replace your roof, consider impact-resistant shingles or even a FORTIFIED roof system, which may qualify you for homeowners insurance discounts where you live.

Build your emergency supply kit

Before hurricane season begins, create an emergency supply kit. You can always take from it and add to it as needed, but having one ready to go is your best bet to safely ride out a tropical storm or hurricane.

Here’s what to include:

Water: Each person in your home needs roughly 1 gallon a day, per Ready.gov. Ideally, store enough water to last your whole family up to two weeks.
Food: Stock up on non-perishable foods, specifically those that don’t rely on a microwave, stove, or oven to be prepared and don’t need to be kept refrigerated.
Medications and first aid: Always have at least a two-week supply of prescriptions and any over-the-counter medications you or your family rely on.
Power and lighting: You’ll need multiple flashlights and/or headlamps (and extra batteries). If you want power for small kitchen appliances or to charge devices, you can invest in a generator, but never run your generator indoors.
Hygiene and sanitation: Your hurricane emergency kit should also include hygiene essentials, including hand sanitizer, paper towels, and garbage bags.
Documents: Store all of your important documents — passports, birth certificates, medical records, insurance policies, deeds, etc. — in a fire- and waterproof safe.

Review your insurance before the storm

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage from hurricanes but not water damage from storm surge. To be covered for that flood damage, you'll need flood insurance.

Notably, in high-risk coastal areas, home insurance may also exclude wind damage. Before each hurricane season, review your policy or talk to your insurance agent to ensure you have the right types of home insurance coverage.

Final steps when a storm is approaching

A good portion of our hurricane preparedness checklist involves tasks to complete in the final 24 to 48 hours before the storm hits:

Get fuel and cash: Top off fuel tanks and store additional fuel in a gas can.
Preserve food: Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings.
Move furniture: Move all furniture away from the windows and towards the interior walls.
Shut off utilities: Shut off gas, electricity, and water before leaving if you plan to evacuate.
Monitor for updates: Stay tuned for updates about the storm and evacuation orders.
Know your route: If you need to evacuate, map out multiple exit routes to get out safely.

Frequently asked questions

What are 10 things you need to prepare for a hurricane?

Here are 10 crucial steps:

Ensure proper homeowners insurance including flood insurance.
Install hurricane shutters and reinforce your roof.
Pack an emergency kit with ample water, food, and medical supplies.
Clear your yard of all debris.
Charge all devices.
Seal up windows and doors.
Clear gutters and ensure water drains away from your home.
Top off fuel tanks.
Move furniture away from windows and shelter in an interior room without windows.
Shut off utilities if evacuating, and plan exit routes.