Hurricane season can bring heavy rain, strong winds, flooding, and unexpected property damage. While you can’t control the weather, taking steps to prepare your home ahead of time can help reduce risks and make recovery easier if a storm hits.

“Hurricanes are among the most destructive natural disasters, causing over $2.9 trillion in damage in the United States since 1980.

Here are some hurricane preparedness tips homeowners should know before storm season ramps up.

Review Your Insurance Coverage Early

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until a storm is approaching to review their insurance policy.

Take time now to:

• Review your homeowners insurance coverage
• Understand your deductible
• Check if you have flood insurance
• Confirm your coverage limits are up to date

It’s important to remember that standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage. According to FEMA, just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage to a home.

Understanding your coverage before hurricane season begins can help prevent surprises later.

Create a Home Inventory

Documenting your belongings can make the claims process much smoother after a storm.

Consider:

• Taking photos or videos of each room
• Saving receipts for major purchases
• Recording serial numbers for electronics and appliances
• Storing copies in cloud storage or a secure location

Having a home inventory can help support your insurance claim if damage occurs.

Secure Outdoor Items

Patio furniture, grills, umbrellas and decorations can quickly become dangerous projectiles during high winds.

Before a storm:

• Bring loose items indoors
• Secure outdoor furniture
• Trim weak tree branches
• Clear gutters and drains

These small steps can help reduce damage to your home and surrounding property.

Protect Windows and Doors

Your windows and doors are some of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane.

Homeowners may want to consider:

• Installing storm shutters
• Reinforcing garage doors
• Sealing gaps and cracks
• Checking roof condition and loose shingles

Preventative maintenance can go a long way during severe weather.

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Power outages and road closures are common during hurricanes.

A basic emergency kit should include:

• Water and non-perishable food
• Flashlights and batteries
• Medications
• Important documents
• Phone chargers
• First aid supplies

It’s also a good idea to keep cash on hand in case electronic payment systems are unavailable.

Know Your Evacuation Plan

If local officials issue an evacuation order, it’s important to act quickly.

Before hurricane season:

• Review evacuation routes
• Know where you would stay
• Plan for pets
• Keep your vehicle fueled

Having a plan in place can help reduce stress during an emergency situation.

Don’t Wait Until a Storm Is Coming

Many insurance policies have restrictions on binding or changing coverage once a storm has been named or is approaching your area.

That’s why preparation matters long before severe weather appears in the forecast.

The Bottom Line

Hurricane preparedness starts before the storm arrives. Reviewing your insurance coverage, protecting your property and creating an emergency plan can help homeowners feel more prepared during hurricane season.

Even small preventative steps today can make a major difference when severe weather strikes. Find the right coverage for your home today by completing a free quote through Shop Insurance USA!