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How Do I Prepare My Home for Hurricane Season?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Secure Outdoor Items

Severe storm winds can turn everyday objects into dangerous projectiles. Bring in patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and children's toys. Anchor heavier items like sheds or playsets to the ground if possible. Walk around your yard and ask yourself what could blow away.

Check fences and gates for loose boards or hinges. A broken gate can slam and damage siding or windows. Store trash cans indoors or strap them down. If you have a detached garage, make sure the door is reinforced and closes tightly.

  • Bring in lightweight furniture
  • Anchor sheds and playsets
  • Trim dead branches from trees
  • Secure trash cans and recycling bins
  • Check fence posts for stability

Reinforce Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are the weakest points in your home during a severe storm. Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood that is at least 5/8 inch thick. For sliding glass doors, use a track lock or place a wooden rod in the track to keep them from sliding open.

Check the seals around windows and doors for gaps where water can seep in. Apply fresh caulk if needed. Consider upgrading to impact-resistant windows if you plan a renovation. For garage doors, a bracing kit can prevent them from buckling under wind pressure.

  • Install storm shutters or plywood panels
  • Seal gaps around window frames
  • Use a track lock on sliding doors
  • Brace your garage door with a kit

Prepare Your Water and Power

Severe storms often knock out power and contaminate water supplies. Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days. Fill clean containers and bathtubs with water for flushing toilets and cleaning. Have a manual can opener and a supply of non-perishable food.

Install a battery-powered sump pump if your basement is prone to flooding. Keep a portable generator outside, never indoors, and run it away from windows. Charge phones and power banks before the storm hits. Unplug major appliances to avoid surges when power returns.

  • Store one gallon of water per person per day
  • Fill bathtubs with water for sanitation
  • Get a battery-powered sump pump
  • Charge power banks and phones
  • Unplug appliances before the storm

Protect Important Documents

Floodwater can destroy passports, insurance policies, and medical records in a short time. Scan important papers and save digital copies in a password-protected cloud service. Keep originals in a waterproof and fireproof safe. Place the safe on an upper floor or high shelf to avoid direct water contact. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Make a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance company and local emergency numbers. Store this list with your documents. Take photos of your home's contents for insurance purposes. Update this inventory yearly as you acquire new items.

  • Scan and back up documents digitally
  • Store originals in a waterproof safe
  • List emergency contacts and insurance info
  • Photograph your belongings for inventory

Know Your Evacuation Route

Before a hurricane, learn your local evacuation routes and identify a safe destination, such as a friend's home inland or a public shelter. Plan for pets by finding pet-friendly hotels or shelters. Fill your car's gas tank early, as stations may run out or lose power.

Practice your evacuation plan with your household so everyone knows the route and meeting point. If you live in Columbus, keep a paper map in your car in case GPS fails. After the storm, wait for official word that it is safe to return. Do not drive through flooded streets, as water can be deeper than it looks.

  • Identify evacuation routes and shelters
  • Plan for pets in your evacuation
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full
  • Practice your route with your family

Need help right now?

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do with my gutters before a severe storm?

Clean gutters and downspouts so rainwater can flow freely. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your roof and into your walls. Also, check that downspouts direct water at least three feet away from your foundation to reduce flooding risk.

How can I protect my basement from flooding?

Install a sump pump with a battery backup and check it regularly. Seal cracks in the basement walls and floor with hydraulic cement. Keep valuables off the floor on shelves or pallets. Consider a water alarm to alert you to rising water early.

What should I include in an emergency storm kit?

Pack water, non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and a portable phone charger. Include copies of important documents, a change of clothes, and hygiene items. Add pet supplies if you have animals.

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