Home Preparations for a Hurricane

Storm season puts our homes at risk, but with the right home preparations for a hurricane, you can minimize damage and ensure the safety of your loved ones and your possessions.  As we can see with the recent Typhoon that has hit Japan, China and Southeast Asia. Here’s a quick checklist of how you can prepare your home in the event of a hurricane:

Before a hurricane

Secure your home

Make a weatherproofing plan to secure your home from strong winds and flash floods. Seal your roof, shield your doors and windows, and secure your outdoor structures and furnishings. Then, trim the trees around your property to minimize the onset of debris.

Remember to arrange for backup power, and consider investing in a generator in case of a power outage.

Create an Emergency Plan

In the event of an evacuation, it's crucial to have a well-thought-out plan in place to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Start by identifying potential evacuation destinations—whether it's a designated shelter, a friend’s house, or a hotel—and plan out how you'll get there. Familiarize yourself with multiple routes to your destination, and if you're relying on public transportation, know the schedules and alternative options in case service is disrupted.

Communication is key during emergencies. Make sure you have a way to stay informed about the latest developments by signing up for emergency alerts from your local government or weather service. Additionally, plan how you’ll stay connected with family and friends throughout the situation. Equip yourself with backup charging options for your phone, and establish a personal support network—a group of people you can rely on for help in case you need assistance, shelter, or transportation. Consider coordinating with neighbors, coworkers, or community groups to further strengthen your plan.

By preparing in advance, you can react calmly and efficiently, reducing the risk of confusion or danger during an actual emergency.

Prepare a ‘go bag’

Build a ‘go bag’ that contains everything you might need to wait for a storm to pass. This can include items like a flashlight, extra clothes, snacks, water, a battery-powered radio, etc.

It may also be a good idea to stock an emergency kit that includes copies of important documents and identification, phone chargers, non-perishable food, water, first-aid kit and medications, etc. Be sure to gather supplies for your pets, too.

Plan an evacuation route

If the local authorities tell you to evacuate, go immediately. Plan an evacuation route, ensuring that your path to the emergency area is clear and passable. Prepare your car for the drive, making sure its tank is full of gas and that everything is working properly.

Protect your home

As soon as you're aware of an incoming hurricane, it's time to put your weatherproofing plan into action. Begin by safeguarding your home’s most vulnerable areas, like doors and windows. Install storm shutters or cover windows with plywood to prevent breakage from flying debris. Seal all openings and gaps to keep rain and wind from infiltrating your home. Check that your roof, doors, and any vents are secure and reinforced. If you have a garage, ensure that the door is properly braced, as it’s one of the weakest points in a home during high winds.

Outdoor furniture, decorations, and any loose items in your yard should be brought indoors or securely fastened to avoid them being tossed around by strong winds. If you own a pool or have large outdoor equipment, take extra steps to secure them, as these can become hazards in storm conditions.

In areas prone to flooding, sandbags can be essential in redirecting water away from your home. Place them strategically around doors, windows, and low-lying areas to minimize water entry and reduce potential flood damage. Also, consider moving important items to higher ground or an elevated part of your house to keep them safe from rising waters.

Before the storm hits, turn off utilities like gas, electricity, and water to avoid fire hazards or contamination. However, make sure to have backup power sources such as battery-operated or hand-cranked radios and flashlights so you can stay informed about the hurricane’s progression. Stock up on extra batteries and charge all portable electronic devices ahead of time. This will allow you to maintain communication with loved ones and receive emergency updates even if the power goes out.

Taking these precautions can greatly reduce the risk of damage to your property and ensure that you remain safe and connected throughout the storm.

During a hurricane

Stay informed

Monitor weather forecasts and announcements from local authorities and stay up-to-date on where the storm is passing and about the possibility of floods. Remain alert for advisories on evacuation.

After a hurricane

Stay safe

Don’t leave the evacuation center until officials say it’s safe. On your way home, avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and wires.

When you arrive home, assess any damage. Monitor your local health department’s website and official social media platforms for information about the safety of drinking water from the tap before doing so.

Clean up your home

Clean up any debris left by the storm. Wear the appropriate protective equipment and disinfect everything that gets wet. If you need to do some heavy lifting, ask for help if needed.

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