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How Do I Protect My Home Before a Hurricane Arrives?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Secure Your Home's Exterior

Clear your gutters, downspouts, and any outdoor drainage areas of leaves and debris. This simple step helps prevent heavy rain from overflowing and pooling against your foundation. Trim any tree branches that hang over your roof or near power lines. Remove or anchor outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and secure them if it is safe to do so. Install storm shutters or have pre-cut plywood ready to board up windows. Reinforce your garage door, as it is a common point of failure. Keep your utility shutoff locations written down in case you need to turn them off quickly.

  • Trim tree branches near your roof.
  • Secure or store outdoor furniture and decor.
  • Clear all gutters and downspouts.
  • Board windows with plywood or shutters.
  • Reinforce your garage door.
  • Know your utility shutoff locations.

Prepare for Interior Water Damage

Move valuables, important documents, and irreplaceable items to upper floors or high shelves. Use waterproof containers for critical papers. Elevate major appliances in basements or low areas if possible, and consider placing items on blocks. Unplug electronic devices and small appliances to protect them from potential power surges when the storm hits.

Check that your sump pump is working by pouring a bucket of water into the pit. Ensure the discharge pipe directs water well away from your home's foundation. If you have a backup battery for the pump, test it. Look for cracks in your basement walls or floor and seal them with hydraulic cement to limit water intrusion.

Create a Home Inventory and Plan

Walk through your home and photograph or video each room, opening drawers and closets. This visual inventory helps if you need to file an insurance claim later. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Store these files digitally in a cloud service or on a flash drive you keep with your evacuation supplies.

Plan for potential evacuation by knowing your local routes and having a kit ready. Include any necessary personal items. Decide on a safe room in your home, typically an interior room on the lowest level without windows, where you can shelter if you cannot leave.

Address Plumbing and Electrical Safety

Know the location of your main water shutoff valve and how to turn it off. This can prevent contaminated floodwater from backing up into your home's plumbing lines. If you have a septic system, have it inspected and pumped if it is near capacity before hurricane season to reduce the risk of backup during flooding.

Turn off electricity at the main breaker if flooding is imminent and you are evacuating. This reduces fire risk and protects your electrical system. Unplug sensitive electronics even if you stay. If you rely on a generator, ensure it is positioned outside and far from windows to prevent deadly carbon monoxide from entering your home.

What to Do After the Storm Passes

Wait for official word that it is safe to go outside. Be extremely cautious of downed power lines and standing water, which may be electrically charged. Do not wade in floodwater, as it can contain sewage, chemicals, and sharp debris. Document any damage to your property with photos before you begin cleanup or move anything.

If your home has taken on water, act quickly. Contact local water damage pros for water extraction and drying. They have the equipment to dry your home thoroughly. For historic homes or luxury properties, specialized care is often needed to preserve materials and finishes.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I turn off my electricity before a hurricane?

If you are evacuating or if flooding is imminent, turn off electricity at the main breaker. This prevents electrical fires and protects your appliances from potential surges when power is restored. Always prioritize your safety and follow guidance from local authorities.

How can I protect important documents from water?

Place critical documents like insurance policies, passports, and deeds in waterproof containers or sealed plastic bags. Store them on a high shelf or in an upper floor. Creating digital copies stored in a secure cloud service provides an additional layer of protection.

What is the first thing to check for water damage after a storm?

Safely check for standing water, damp drywall, and wet flooring. Look for signs of leaks in your ceiling and around windows. If you find moisture, contact local water damage pros for an inspection and drying to prevent structural issues and mold growth.

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