What Steps Protect a Property Before a Hurricane Hits?

Your home's exterior is its first defense. Install permanent storm shutters or cut plywood to board up windows and glass doors before a storm hits. Reinforce garage doors, as they are often vulnerable to wind pressure. Check your roof for loose shingles and secure them. Seal any gaps around doors and windows with weatherstripping to keep wind-driven rain from entering.

Inspect your siding and exterior walls for cracks or openings. Seal these with appropriate caulk or foam. Make sure all exterior doors, including the garage door, have sturdy deadbolt locks. If you have skylights, ensure they are securely fastened and consider covering them. These steps help maintain the structural integrity of your home against high winds and heavy rain.

Wind can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. Bring all lightweight outdoor furniture, grills, trash cans, potted plants, and decorations inside a garage or shed. For items too large to move, like large patio sets, use heavy-duty straps or chains to anchor them to a solid structure. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof or near power lines.

Remove any dead trees or limbs that could fall on your home. Secure children's play structures, trampolines, and sheds. If you have a boat or RV, park it in a designated safe area if possible, away from trees. Anchor fuel tanks and propane cylinders. A cleared yard significantly reduces the risk of impact damage to windows, siding, and roofing.

Create a detailed home inventory for insurance purposes. Take photos or video of every room, including closets, drawers, and high-value items. Store this digital inventory in a cloud service or on a waterproof drive you take with you. Review your homeowner's insurance policy to understand your coverage for wind and flood damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, and a first-aid kit. Plan your evacuation route and have a family communication plan. Identify a safe room in your home, preferably an interior room without windows. After the storm passes, if you find water damage, local water damage pros can perform services like emergency water extraction and moisture mapping.