Hurricane planning for your home & family

If you live in an area vulnerable to hurricanes, it’s important to take proactive steps to safeguard your home, family, and assets.

Prepare your home

While no building can be made completely hurricane-proof, preventive measures can reduce damage and strengthen your home against the extreme winds, heavy rain, and flying debris that hurricanes bring.

Create a safe perimeter

Hurricane winds can turn outdoor items into dangerous projectiles capable of damaging your home or injuring others.

• Secure outdoor furniture: Use heavy, wind-resistant furniture that can be anchored or move lightweight items indoors when hurricanes are forecasted.
• Store or remove loose items: Relocate decorations, tools, toys, and yard equipment to a garage, shed, or sturdy storage area. Ensure storage structures are securely anchored.
• Relocate grills and woodpiles: Keep woodpiles and barbecues at least 30 feet from your home, and anchor them to prevent them from becoming airborne.

Strengthen your roof

Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane.

• Install sturdy, wind-resistant materials like metal roofing, impact-resistant asphalt shingles, or hurricane-rated tiles. Regularly inspect shingles and panels for loose sections that could be dislodged.
• Upgrade roof vents with durable mesh screens to block debris and water intrusion.
• Consider installing hurricane straps or clips that connect the roof to the home’s frame, reducing the risk of it being torn off by high winds.

Seal your home’s openings

Protecting windows, doors, and other entry points is critical during a hurricane.

• Windows and skylights: Install impact-resistant windows or apply shatter-resistant protective films. Use storm shutters or window covers that can be quickly deployed before a hurricane hits.
• Doors: Reinforce doors with heavy-duty deadbolts and consider installing wind-rated doors in hurricane-prone areas.
• Garage doors: Garage doors are often the weakest entry points in a home. Reinforce them with bracing kits or replace them with hurricane-rated models.
• Vents and eaves: Cover attic vents and soffit vents with fine mesh screens to block debris and water. Regularly check eaves for enclosures that reduce the risks of trapped wind pressure.
• Pet doors: Ensure pet doors are tightly sealed and remain closed during hurricane conditions.

Enhance outdoor spaces

Take precautions to secure outdoor spaces before a hurricane strikes.

Decks, fences, and sheds

• Reinforce decks with weather-rated materials designed to withstand high winds.
• Secure outdoor shelters or sheds with anchors. Avoid storing lightweight or combustible items in open areas or underneath your deck.
• Opt for fences made of durable materials like metal or masonry, which can better withstand high winds than wood.

Trim trees and landscaping

Hurricane winds can snap tree limbs, causing hazardous debris:

• Trim loose, dead, or overhanging branches regularly.
• Avoid planting trees too close to your home, garage, or driveway.
• Check neighborhood landscaping for potentially dangerous trees and take steps to mitigate shared risks.

Work together as a community

Individual preparations may be nullified if neighbors don’t secure their properties. Hurricanes affect entire communities, so coordinated efforts can help reduce risks:

• Collaborate to trim shared trees, remove unsecured outdoor items, and create community-wide emergency plans.
• Organize drills to ensure everyone knows evacuation routes, shelter locations, and communication procedures.
• Consult FEMA and local emergency management agencies for guidance on hurricane-resistant building practices and community safety programs.

Plan for emergency responder access

In the aftermath of a hurricane, emergency responders may need to access your residence.

• Clearly mark street signs and house numbers, ensuring they are visible even during heavy rain or nighttime conditions.
• Keep driveways clear and maintain wide access points for emergency vehicles.

Prepare your family and assets

Create a hurricane emergency plan

Make sure your family knows what to do before, during, and after a hurricane:

• Emergency supplies: Stock up on essentials, such as nonperishable food, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and personal identification.
• Evacuation planning: Know local evacuation routes and shelter locations. Practice evacuation drills with family members.
• Communication plan: Have an emergency contact list and a backup method for staying connected if phones or power are out.

Protect important documents and records

Store vital records, such as birth certificates, medical records, insurance documents, and photos, in waterproof, fireproof containers or digital backups.

Review your insurance coverage

Speak with your insurance provider to ensure your policies can cover hurricane-related damages. Consider flood insurance, as flooding often accompanies hurricanes.

Take proactive steps to mitigate loss

Hurricanes can be unpredictable, and the damage they cause can be devastating. By preparing your home, collaborating with neighbors, and creating an emergency plan, you can minimize risks and help increase your resilience in the face of these powerful storms.

Let us help protect what matters most to you and your family.