The short answer
Why You Need a Plan
A hurricane can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding that damage homes and disrupt utilities. Without a plan, you may waste precious time deciding what to do. A clear plan helps you protect your family and reduce the chance of water damage to your property.
Even if you live inland, hurricanes can cause flooding and power outages. Preparing ahead means you know where to go, what to pack, and how to shut off utilities. The goal is to make decisions before the storm, not during it.
Key Steps to Prepare
Start by identifying your evacuation routes and a safe place to go if you must leave. Gather emergency supplies like water, food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and make copies.
Protect your home by trimming trees, securing loose items, and installing storm shutters or boarding windows. Know how to turn off your electricity, gas, and water at the main switches or valves. Write down the location of your shutoff valves so you can find them quickly.
Also, prepare for the aftermath. Have a plan for checking your home for damage and for contacting local water damage pros if water gets in.
- Make a family communication plan
- Pack a go-bag with essentials
- Store important documents in waterproof bags
- Secure outdoor furniture and trash cans
- Know your flood risk and evacuation zone
What to Include in Your Kit
Your emergency kit should have enough supplies for at least three days. Include water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food, a manual can opener, and any personal medicines you take regularly. Add a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, and a flashlight.
Also pack personal items like cash, a phone charger, and a whistle. For your home, include tools to shut off utilities and a fire extinguisher. If you have pets, include food and water for them too.
- Water and non-perishable food
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit and personal medicines
- Copies of IDs and insurance documents
- Cash and a portable phone charger
- Pet supplies if you have animals
Protecting Your Home
Hurricane winds can turn objects into projectiles. Bring in or tie down anything that could blow away, like patio furniture, grills, and trash cans. Reinforce your garage door and check that windows and doors are sealed.
Water can enter through cracks and low points. Clean your gutters and downspouts to direct water away from the foundation. If you have a crawl space or lower level, check that any drainage system works. Consider sandbags if your area is prone to flooding.
After the storm, check for water damage. If you find standing water, local pros can help with emergency water extraction and structural drying.
- Bring in outdoor furniture and toys
- Secure windows with shutters or plywood
- Clear gutters and downspouts
- Check gutters and downspouts
- Place important items on upper floors
After the Storm
Once the storm passes, wait for official word that it is safe to go outside. Watch for downed power lines and standing water. Take photos of any damage before you clean up, as these may help with insurance claims. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
If water entered your home, act quickly to remove it and start drying. Standing water can cause mold and weaken structures. Local water damage pros can perform emergency extraction, drying, and moisture mapping to reduce long-term damage.
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Call Now (817) 799-6732Frequently asked questions
How long before a hurricane should I prepare?
Start preparing at least a few days before a storm is forecast to hit. Check your supplies, secure your home, and review your evacuation plan. If a hurricane watch is issued, you should be ready to act within 24 to 48 hours.
What should I do with important documents?
Keep them in a waterproof, fireproof safe or a sealed plastic bag. Make digital copies and store them on a cloud service or a USB drive. Include IDs, insurance policies, and medical records.
Can I stay home during a hurricane?
It depends on the storm's strength and your location. If officials recommend evacuation, you should leave. If you stay, be prepared to be without power and water for days. Have a plan for how to communicate with family and where to go if conditions worsen.