How to prepare your house for a hurricane: The ultimate preparedness checklist
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be aa busy one; NOAA is forecasting 13 to 19 total named storms. A typical year averages about 14 tropical storms, seven of which spin into hurricanes, based on weather records that date from 1991 to 2020. With the threat of dozens of storms looming, now is the time to prepare your home and property for what's to come.
And while preparing your house and property for a hurricane can be expensive, experts say it will pay off with less damage and a quicker recovery after the storm.
Protective measures range from cutting down at-risk tree branches to replacing flimsy outside doors with stronger ones. You can do some of these yourself. For others, you may have to hire a professional.
It’s best to start getting ready for hurricanes or other weather-related disasters before they arrive. Assess your property for potential vulnerable areas and consult a professional if you are not sure what should be done.
Doing the work in stages can reduce the stress on your pocketbook. Here are a few tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you get started:
Clear your yard
Prepare the house
Power: Be ready and know how to turn off your electricity in case of flooding or downed power lines, or if you have to evacuate.
Doors: All exterior doors should be hurricane-proof, with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock at least 1 inch long.
Wall openings: Prevent water intrusion by sealing vents, electrical outlets and cables with a high-quality urethane-based caulk.
Don't forget the garage
Garage doors: Because of their size and structure, garage doors are vulnerable to high winds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It's best to replace old door systems with wind-resistant doors and tracks.
Do you rent your home?
Work with your landlord to prepare for storms.
What if you have a mobile home?
Though mobile homes are generally considered unsafe in hurricanes, the level of safety a mobile home provides depends on when it was built. It also depends on how the mobile home was constructed and whether it has adequate anchors. Check with a professional to determine the safety of a mobile home.
What can you do within days of a storm's landfall?
There are last-minute things you can do if you're unexpectedly facing a hurricane – or if you haven't prepared further ahead.
SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Associated Press; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
CONTRIBUTING Doyle Rice, Paste BN