Hurricane Preparedness and Home Maintenance

Maintenance Before Hurricane Season (June 1 – November 30):

Review and Update Insurance Policies:

• Homeowners Insurance: Ensure you have adequate coverage for wind damage.
• Flood Insurance: Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Purchase a separate flood insurance policy well in advance (there’s often a 30-day waiting period). Document your possessions with photos or videos for insurance claims.

Roof Inspection and Repair:

• Have your roof professionally inspected for loose or damaged shingles, flashing, and any potential leaks. Repair these proactively.
• Consider investing in hurricane straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure for added wind resistance.

Tree and Shrub Trimming:

• Trim all trees and shrubs around your home, especially those with branches overhanging the roof or close to power lines. Remove any dead, dying, or diseased limbs that could become projectiles.

Gutter and Downspout Cleaning:

• Clear all gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris to ensure proper water drainage away from your foundation. Extend downspouts if necessary.

Seal Gaps and Cracks:

• Caulk and seal any cracks or gaps in exterior walls, around windows, doors, electrical boxes, vents, and pipes to prevent water intrusion.

Garage Door Reinforcement:

• The garage door is often the most vulnerable part of a home during a hurricane. Consider reinforcing it with a vertical bracing system or upgrading to a wind-rated garage door. Have it serviced annually.

Window and Door Protection:

• Storm Shutters: Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection. Install them if you have them.
• Plywood Boards: If you don’t have shutters, cut 5/8-inch marine-grade plywood to fit all windows and glass doors. Label them for quick installation. Have the necessary hardware (screws, drills) readily available. Do not rely on tape; it does not prevent windows from breaking.

Generator Maintenance:

• If you have a portable or whole-home generator, ensure it’s in good working order. Test it regularly and have it serviced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Sump Pump Check:

• If you have a basement or live in a flood-prone area, test your sump pump and consider a battery backup.

Elevate Appliances/Utilities:

• If your home is in a flood zone, consider elevating critical utilities like your water heater, HVAC system, and electrical panel.

Create a Home Inventory:

• Document all your belongings with photos or video and store this information offsite (cloud storage, external hard drive in a safe place).

Hurricane Preparedness Maintenance As a Storm Approaches

As a Hurricane Approaches (Within 72-24 hours):

Secure Outdoor Items:

• Bring everything loose indoors: patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, trash cans, recycling bins, garden tools, toys, pet supplies, hanging plants, bird feeders, trampolines, etc.
• For items that cannot be brought inside (e.g., propane tanks, large outdoor equipment), secure them to the ground with strong straps or tie-downs.

Pool Preparation:

• Do NOT drain your swimming pool. The water in the pool provides pressure against the ground, helping to prevent the pool from popping out of the ground due to rising water tables.
• Turn off pool pumps and filters, and secure all pool equipment and accessories.

Fill Vehicle Fuel Tanks:

• Top off the gas tanks of all your vehicles. Gas stations may be closed or out of fuel after a storm.

Charge All Devices:

• Charge cell phones, laptops, tablets, and any portable power banks.

Lower Refrigerator/Freezer Temperatures:

• Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to help food stay cold longer during a power outage. Avoid opening them unnecessarily.

Fill Bathtubs/Containers with Water:

• Fill bathtubs, sinks, and other large containers with water for sanitation purposes (flushing toilets, washing).

Turn off Propane Tanks:

• If you have exterior propane tanks, turn off the main valve.

Unplug Electronics:

• Unplug non-essential appliances and electronics to protect them from power surges.

Secure Doors and Windows:

• Close and lock all windows and doors. Install shutters or plywood.

Designate a Safe Room:

• Identify a small, interior room on the lowest level of your home (away from windows) to take shelter during the storm.

Hurricane Survival Supplies (Emergency Kit)

Assemble a “Go-Kit” (3-day supply for evacuation) and a “Stay-at-Home Kit” (at least 7-14 day supply, ideally more). Store in clearly labeled, waterproof containers.

Essentials (Minimum 3-day supply per person, aim for more):

• Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. (Store more if possible, especially if you have pets.)
• Food: Non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items.
• Canned goods (with a manual can opener)
• Protein bars, granola bars
• Dried fruit, nuts
• Peanut butter
• Crackers
• Ready-to-eat cereals
• Baby food and formula (if applicable)
• Pet food and extra water for pets

First Aid Kit:

• Sterile bandages, gauze, medical tape
• Antiseptic wipes, rubbing alcohol
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream for itching/rashes
• Tweezers, scissors
• Any necessary prescription medications (at least a 7-day supply, ideally a 30-day supply if possible)
• Personal hygiene items (soap, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products)
• Corrective eyeglasses/contact lenses and solution

Lighting:

• Flashlights (multiple)
• Extra batteries (check expiration dates regularly)
• Headlamps
• Glow sticks (safer than candles)
• Avoid candles if possible due to fire risk, especially if gas lines are damaged.

Communication & Information:

• Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio (with extra batteries)
• Fully charged cell phone(s) with portable chargers/power banks
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Local maps (in case GPS is unavailable)

Tools & Utilities:

• Manual can opener
• Multi-tool or basic tool kit
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (gas, water)
• Duct tape
• Heavy-duty garbage bags and ties (for sanitation)
• Dust masks
• Work gloves
• Plastic sheeting/tarps

Documents:

• Waterproof bag or container for important family documents:
• Identification (driver’s license, passport)
• Social Security cards
• Birth certificates
• Marriage licenses
• Insurance policies (home, flood, auto, health)
• Medical records
• Bank account information
• Credit card numbers
• Copies of prescriptions
• Important contact information (doctors, relatives, insurance agent)

Cash:

• ATMs and credit card machines may not work during power outages. Have small bills on hand.

Sleeping & Comfort:

• Sleeping bags or warm blankets
• Extra clothing for each family member

Pet Supplies:

• Food and water for at least 7 days
• Leash, collar with ID
• Carrier
• Litter box/bags (if applicable)
• Medications
• Photos of your pet for identification

Special Needs:

• Infant supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, bottles)
• Items for elderly or disabled family members (e.g., mobility aids, medical equipment)
• Entertainment (books, games, cards) to help pass the time.

Additional Considerations:

• Evacuation Plan: Know your evacuation zone and routes. Plan where you will go (friend/relative’s home outside the flood zone, designated shelter) and how you will get there. Practice with your family and pets.
• Family Communication Plan: Establish an out-of-town contact person who can serve as a central point for family members to check in. Write down emergency contacts.
• Generator Safety: If using a portable generator, never operate it indoors, in a garage, or near windows/vents due to carbon monoxide poisoning risk.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local news, NOAA Weather Radio, and emergency alerts.
• Community Support: Check on elderly neighbors or those who may need extra assistance with preparations.

Being prepared can significantly reduce stress and enhance safety during hurricane season. Take these steps seriously and update your plans and supplies regularly.

Additional information can be found at: Ready.gov and NOAA.gov