Hurricane season home checklist: what to do before watches appear

Start before a storm is named

The best hurricane preparation happens before a watch or warning exists. Contractors, insurance agents, and supply stores all get harder to reach once a system is forecast near land.

Use baseline hurricane exposure to decide which tasks deserve attention first: wind and roof hardening, surge/evacuation planning, rainfall drainage, or outage preparation.

Insurance and documentation

Review coverage while changes are still possible. Hurricane and flood coverage can have different deductibles, exclusions, and waiting periods.

• Photograph roof, windows, exterior walls, major appliances, and valuables.
• Save policy declarations, flood policy details, and agent contact information offline.
• Check hurricane, wind, named-storm, and flood deductibles separately.
• Document recent roof, shutter, window, and mitigation upgrades.

Roof, windows, and openings

Most wind damage starts at weak edges and openings. Small fixes before the season can reduce expensive interior water damage after shingles, flashing, vents, or windows fail.

• Inspect shingles, tiles, flashing, vents, soffits, and gutters.
• Test shutters or panels and confirm all hardware is present.
• Secure garage doors and other large openings.
• Trim weak limbs near roof edges and utility lines.

Flooding and drainage

Hurricanes often become a rainfall problem even away from the coast. Low spots, clogged drains, and underperforming gutters can create damage even when surge is not a factor.

• Clear gutters, downspouts, yard drains, and street-side inlets where safe.
• Move vehicles and valuables away from low-lying areas before heavy rain.
• Know which routes flood first and identify alternate exits.
• Keep sandbags or barriers only where they can be installed safely.

Evacuation and outage planning

Surge zones and barrier areas need evacuation timing. Inland areas need power, water, and communication resilience.

• Know your local evacuation zone and route.
• Plan for pets, medications, fuel, cash, chargers, and documents.
• Test generators or battery backups before the first threat.
• Choose a check-in contact outside the affected region.

When a system forms

Once the NHC begins issuing advisories, shift from seasonal preparation to timing decisions. Watch the cone, rain forecast, surge products, and local NWS alerts together.

Do not wait for the category alone. Storm size, approach angle, rainfall speed, and local geography can matter more for your home.