Home Preparation

Hurricanes can expose one property to several hazards at the same time.

Possible hazards include:

• Damaging wind
• Wind-driven rain
• Flying debris
• Storm surge
• Freshwater flooding
• Falling trees and branches
• Tornadoes
• Power outages
• Water-service interruptions
• Sewer or septic problems
• Fire
• Extreme heat after an outage

Your preparation should reflect the hazards affecting your specific address, not only the storm’s forecast category.

Know whether the property is in an evacuation zone, flood zone, storm-surge area, low-lying neighborhood, mobile-home community, or location that depends on bridges or flood-prone roads.

Preparing the structure does not replace evacuation. Shutters, sandbags, supplies, and backup power cannot make an evacuation zone safe from storm surge.

The strongest time to improve a home is before a hurricane appears on the forecast.

Arrange appropriate professional inspections and repairs early enough that materials, permits, and qualified contractors remain available.

The roof is one of the home’s most important defenses against wind and rain.

Look for:

• Missing, loose, cracked, or damaged shingles or tiles
• Deteriorated flashing
• Damaged roof vents
• Loose soffits or fascia
• Signs of previous leaks
• Water stains in the attic or ceilings
• Weak or damaged roof decking
• Unsealed openings
• Aging sealants
• Debris collecting on flat-roof drainage areas

Have suspected damage evaluated by a qualified professional.

Do not climb onto a wet roof or attempt roof repairs when wind, lightning, or heavy rain is approaching.

If the roof is being replaced, ask the contractor about current Florida requirements, wind ratings, secondary water barriers, improved roof-deck attachment, and recognized resilient-construction standards.

Walk around the home and look for:

• Cracks
• Loose siding
• Damaged stucco
• Gaps around pipes and cables
• Deteriorated seals
• Loose vents
• Damaged screens
• Openings that may admit wind-driven rain
• Signs of rot or previous water intrusion

Seal or repair vulnerable areas using materials appropriate for the surface and exposure.

Caulk and sealants can help with minor gaps, but they cannot correct structural damage or substitute for properly installed storm protection.

Flying debris can break unprotected glass and allow wind and rain into the home.

Use protection designed and installed for the opening, such as:

• Code-approved storm shutters
• Properly rated impact-resistant windows and doors
• Professionally designed protective systems
• Properly sized and installed plywood when approved systems are unavailable

Label removable panels and shutters so they can be installed quickly. Store the correct fasteners with each panel and practice installation before hurricane season.

Protect all vulnerable openings, not only those facing the expected direction of the storm. Wind direction can change as the hurricane moves through the area.

Do not tape windows. Tape does not prevent glass from breaking and may create larger pieces of dangerous debris.

Do not attempt to install shutters after winds make ladder use or exterior work unsafe.

Confirm that exterior doors close, latch, and lock correctly.

Check:

• Hinges
• Strike plates
• Deadbolts
• Frames
• Weather stripping
• Door seals
• Sliding-door locks
• Glass protection
• Thresholds

The garage door deserves special attention because it is often the largest opening in the home.

Inspect the door, tracks, rollers, brackets, fasteners, and reinforcement system. Use only a bracing or reinforcement method intended for that specific door.

Do not improvise a brace that could fail or prevent the door from operating safely.

If the garage door is aging, damaged, or not rated for local wind conditions, consult a qualified garage-door or building professional before hurricane season.

Outdoor objects can become dangerous projectiles.

Bring inside or properly secure:

• Patio furniture
• Umbrellas
• Grills
• Trash and recycling containers
• Potted plants
• Decorations
• Garden tools
• Toys
• Bicycles
• Sports equipment
• Pool equipment
• Ladders
• Signs
• Loose fencing materials
• Lightweight storage containers

Lower or remove items that may catch the wind.

Inspect sheds, carports, screen enclosures, gates, antennas, satellite dishes, awnings, and temporary structures for loose or damaged components.

Secure boats, trailers, recreational vehicles, and other equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local requirements.

Do not place a fuel-burning grill or generator inside the home or garage simply to protect it from rain. Store equipment safely, then move it to an appropriate outdoor operating location after the storm.

Inspect trees before hurricane season.

Look for:

• Dead branches
• Cracked limbs
• Diseased areas
• Leaning trees
• Root damage
• Branches touching the roof
• Limbs near power lines
• Trees that could strike the home or vehicle

Use a qualified tree professional for work that involves large branches, unstable trees, climbing, or proximity to electrical lines.

Do not trim trees immediately before landfall unless the work can be completed and all debris removed safely. Cut branches left outside may become additional projectiles.

Move vehicles away from weak trees, large branches, utility poles, and areas that regularly flood.

Heavy tropical rain can reveal drainage problems that are not obvious during ordinary weather.

Before hurricane season:

• Clear gutters and downspouts.
• Remove debris from roof drains.
• Keep street drains and nearby drainage paths clear when permitted.
• Confirm that water flows away from the foundation.
• Inspect exterior drains and catch basins.
• Test sump pumps where applicable.
• Prepare backup power for essential pumps.
• Repair known leaks.
• Move valuables away from low areas.
• Elevate vulnerable equipment when practical.
• Understand how the property has flooded in the past.

Never enter moving water or open a storm drain during flooding.

Sandbags and temporary barriers may reduce shallow water intrusion in some situations, but they cannot stop storm surge or major flooding. Follow local instructions for filling, placing, and disposing of sandbags.

Identify equipment that could be damaged by wind, water, or loss of power.

Consider:

• Electrical panels
• Air-conditioning equipment
• Pool pumps
• Well equipment
• Irrigation controls
• Water heaters
• Appliances
• Elevators
• Septic systems
• Sump pumps
• Solar equipment
• Battery systems
• Outdoor electrical connections
• Internet and communications equipment

Do not attempt electrical modifications without the appropriate knowledge, permits, or qualified professional.

If equipment is located in a flood-prone area, ask a qualified professional whether it can be elevated, protected, or relocated.

Every responsible adult in the household should know where the main electrical panel, water shutoff, and gas shutoff are located.

Before an emergency:

• Label the controls clearly.
• Keep access unobstructed.
• Store the correct shutoff tool nearby.
• Learn the proper procedure.
• Follow instructions from the utility provider.
• Arrange professional help when required.

Do not shut off a utility simply because a hurricane is approaching. Shut it off when directed by officials or the provider, or when damage creates an immediate hazard and you can act safely.

Never touch an electrical panel or appliance while standing in water.

If you smell gas, hear escaping gas, see damaged utility equipment, or suspect an electrical fire, leave the area and contact emergency services or the utility provider from a safe location.

A power outage may continue long after the wind and rain have ended.

Prepare:

• Flashlights
• Headlamps
• Battery-powered lanterns
• Spare batteries
• Charged power banks
• Vehicle chargers
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
• Surge protection
• Portable power equipment
• Backup power for medical devices
• Carbon monoxide alarms
• Smoke alarms

Test equipment before hurricane season. Label charging cables and keep frequently used equipment accessible.

Avoid candles whenever possible. Battery-powered lighting is safer.

Portable generators must remain outdoors and at least 20 feet from the home, with exhaust directed away from windows, doors, vents, and neighboring buildings.

Never operate a generator inside:

• A home
• A garage
• A carport
• A shed
• An enclosed porch
• A crawl space
• Any enclosed or partially enclosed area

Keep the generator dry without enclosing it. Allow it to cool before refueling and store fuel outdoors in approved containers.

Never connect a portable generator directly to a household outlet. Use a properly installed transfer switch when powering household circuits.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or anyone develops headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, chest pain, or confusion, move outside into fresh air and call 911.

Use Power and Lighting for detailed backup-power planning.

Exterior protection is only part of home preparation.

Inside the home:

• Move valuable items away from windows and exterior doors.
• Elevate items that could be damaged by shallow flooding.
• Protect documents and electronics from water.
• Clear hallways and exits.
• Charge devices.
• Complete laundry and necessary household cleaning.
• Fill prescriptions.
• Bring pet supplies inside.
• Set refrigerators and freezers to their coldest practical settings.
• Freeze containers of water.
• Prepare coolers and ice packs.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible.
• Place sturdy shoes and flashlights near sleeping areas.
• Close and lock exterior doors and windows.
• Close interior doors before the strongest winds arrive.

Do not block exits with supplies, furniture, shutters, or storage containers.

Identify the safest available room before conditions deteriorate.

Look for:

• A small interior room
• No exterior windows
• Distance from exterior doors
• Space for everyone in the household
• Room for pets
• Protection from likely flooding
• Access to emergency information
• A clear path from sleeping areas

A hallway, closet, bathroom, or interior room may be appropriate depending on the building.

Keep helmets, sturdy shoes, flashlights, medication, first-aid supplies, a weather radio, and pet leashes nearby.

If flooding may occur, identify a safer elevated location. Do not enter a sealed attic unless you have a safe way to escape to the roof.

Create a household inventory before a storm threatens.

Photograph or record:

• Every room
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Appliances
• Tools
• Valuable belongings
• The roof
• Exterior walls
• Windows and doors
• Fencing
• Outdoor equipment
• Vehicles
• Existing damage

Record model numbers, serial numbers, receipts, and other identifying information when practical.

Protect copies of:

• Insurance policies
• Identification
• Mortgage or lease information
• Property records
• Vehicle documents
• Medical information
• Emergency contacts
• Contractor information
• Pet records
• Important account numbers

Store copies in a waterproof container and maintain a secure digital backup away from the property.

Review homeowners, renters, condominium, windstorm, and flood coverage with the appropriate insurance professional before hurricane season. Most homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage, so do not assume every type of hurricane-related water damage is included.

Store enough drinking water and shelf-stable food for the household’s realistic needs.

Account for:

• Every household member
• Infants
• Older adults
• Medical diets
• Medication requirements
• Pets
• Florida heat
• The possibility of a lengthy outage

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, with additional water for heat, illness, pregnancy, medical needs, and pets.

Bathtub water should be reserved for cleaning or toilet flushing. Do not treat it as drinking water.

Choose food that can be eaten without electricity and requires little or no cooking.

Use the Bug In Preparation guide for detailed planning around water, food, refrigeration, sanitation, generators, heat, medical needs, and living safely through an extended outage.

Residents of apartments and condominiums may not control the entire building, but they still need a personal preparation plan.

Before hurricane season:

• Learn the building’s hurricane procedures.
• Ask how management communicates with residents.
• Confirm who installs common-area protection.
• Review balcony and patio rules.
• Know whether elevators will be disabled.
• Identify every stairwell and exit.
• Learn the generator and backup-power policy.
• Ask how water interruptions are handled.
• Understand parking-garage restrictions.
• Review pet procedures.
• Confirm whether building management can enter units during an emergency.
• Know where evacuation notices will be posted.
• Review renters or condominium insurance.
• Protect personal windows and doors when permitted.

Remove every loose item from balconies, patios, walkways, and shared exterior areas.

Higher floors may avoid shallow flooding but can experience stronger wind and longer stair access when elevators are unavailable.

A building’s hurricane rating does not override an evacuation order.

Renters should document the condition of the property and understand which responsibilities belong to the tenant and which belong to the owner or property manager.

Before a storm:

• Report existing roof, window, door, drainage, and electrical problems.
• Ask who provides and installs shutters.
• Request hurricane procedures in writing.
• Photograph the home and personal belongings.
• Review renters insurance.
• Protect important documents.
• Keep the owner or manager’s contact information accessible.
• Avoid making unauthorized structural modifications.
• Prepare an evacuation destination.

Do not assume the property owner’s insurance covers your personal belongings

A mobile or manufactured home is not a safe place to remain during tropical-storm or hurricane-force winds.

Before hurricane season:

• Identify a safe evacuation destination.
• Confirm how everyone will travel.
• Prepare for pets, medication, and mobility needs.
• Inspect the roof, anchors, tie-downs, skirting, shutters, and exterior attachments.
• Secure outdoor items.
• Keep bug out bags ready.
• Leave early enough to avoid unsafe conditions.

Structural improvements may reduce property damage, but they do not make remaining inside safe during a high-wind event.

Follow evacuation instructions from local emergency management.

When a storm may threaten your area:

• Monitor official forecasts and local emergency information.
• Check evacuation zones and orders.
• Confirm whether the home remains an appropriate place to stay.
• Install shutters or approved window protection while conditions are safe.
• Finish roof, yard, and exterior work.
• Bring loose objects inside.
• Clear gutters and drains.
• Photograph the property.
• Test backup power.
• Obtain approved generator fuel.
• Charge batteries and portable power stations.
• Store drinking water.
• Prepare refrigerators, freezers, and coolers.
• Fill prescriptions.
• Withdraw a reasonable amount of cash.
• Confirm insurance and emergency contacts.
• Prepare pets.
• Fuel or charge vehicles.
• Pack bug out bags.
• Review the evacuation plan.

If local officials recommend leaving, do not delay evacuation to finish protecting the property.

Before conditions deteriorate:

• Review the latest official forecast.
• Recheck evacuation orders.
• Complete exterior work.
• Bring everyone and every pet inside.
• Close and lock windows and exterior doors.
• Close interior doors.
• Move emergency supplies where they can be reached.
• Prepare the interior safe area.
• Charge every device.
• Place medication and important documents together.
• Move vehicles to the safest available location.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Unplug unnecessary sensitive electronics.
• Keep sturdy shoes and flashlights nearby.
• Tell your designated contact where you will be.
• Stop outdoor work before wind, lightning, or flooding makes it dangerous.

Shutters, repairs, insurance reviews, tree work, and contractor appointments become much harder to arrange once a storm threatens Florida.

Tape does not stop hurricane debris or prevent glass from breaking.

Wind direction changes. Protect every vulnerable opening.

A lightweight object can become dangerous in hurricane-force wind.

Failure of a large opening can allow wind and rain into the structure.

No unfinished preparation task is worth being outside in dangerous wind, lightning, or flooding.

Temporary barriers may help with limited shallow water but cannot make a storm-surge area safe.

Carbon monoxide can enter through doors, windows, vents, and neighboring buildings.

Unrepaired roof, window, door, drainage, and electrical problems can become much worse during a hurricane.

A protected home is not always a safe home. Keep transportation, bags, medication, documents, pets, and a destination ready.

Wait for official confirmation before leaving the protected area or returning to an evacuated neighborhood.

When conditions are safe:

• Watch for downed power lines.
• Avoid floodwater.
• Look for gas leaks and electrical damage.
• Stay away from unstable trees and structures.
• Photograph damage before beginning cleanup.
• Contact the insurance provider.
• Prevent additional damage when it can be done safely.
• Save receipts.
• Follow boil-water notices.
• Keep generators outdoors.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment.
• Keep children and pets away from damaged areas.
• Use licensed and insured contractors.
• Confirm permit requirements.
• Monitor official information about roads, utilities, water, and debris collection.

Do not enter a severely damaged home until the appropriate authorities or qualified professionals determine that it is safe.

Home Preparation explains how and why to protect the property.

The Home Prep List turns that guidance into an actionable checklist you can follow before hurricane season and again when a storm threatens.

Use the checklist to inspect the home, assign responsibilities, track unfinished tasks, and complete a final walkthrough.

Use the Home Prep List for actionable household preparation steps.

Review Bug In Preparation if you may remain home through the hurricane or an extended outage.

Use Power and Lighting to prepare backup electricity, charging, and safe lighting.

Review Medical and Safety for first-aid supplies, medications, alarms, and household safety equipment.

Use Communications to prepare alerts, emergency contacts, offline information, and backup communication.

Review Family and Pets for children, older adults, disabilities, pets, and service animals.

Keep Bug Out Bags ready in case remaining home is no longer safe.

Complete Vehicle Preparation before transportation becomes urgent.

Use Evacuation Planning to choose a destination, route, departure time, and backup plan.