Preparing Your Home for Tropical Storms: Practical Steps to Protect Property and Family

Your Ultimate Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Strong storms bring high winds, heavy rain, and flooding. You reduce risk when you prepare before the season begins on June 1. Use this checklist to protect your home and family.

• Know your evacuation zone and local routes.
• Review your insurance and keep copies of key papers.
• Install or stage shutters and reinforce garage doors.
• Secure outdoor items and trim weak tree limbs.
• Build an emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, and batteries.
• Monitor official watches and warnings and act early.

Understanding Tropical Storms

Tropical storms can cause flooding, storm surge, and strong winds that damage homes and roads. You need clear, current information to lower your risk.

Stay alert to weather updates in your area and check forecasts often. Know these key terms:

• Watch: Storm conditions are possible.
• Warning: Storm conditions are expected.

Review your local evacuation routes and read official preparedness guides from your city or county so you can act quickly if needed.

Create a Family Preparedness Plan

A clear plan helps you stay calm and act fast when a storm nears. Write it down and review it with everyone in your home.

Monitor trusted sources.
Follow updates from the National Weather Service and local officials. Use alert apps on your phone so you receive warnings right away.

Map out your exit.
Decide where you will go if officials tell you to leave. Plan for pets, older adults, and anyone with medical or special needs.

Prepare a supply kit.

• Three days of water and non‑perishable food
• Prescription drugs and basic first aid items
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a weather radio
• Hygiene supplies
• Key papers sealed in a waterproof bag

Protect vital records.
Store IDs, insurance papers, property records, and medical files in a waterproof container you can grab quickly.

Set a contact plan.
Choose one out-of-town person to share updates. Make sure everyone knows how to reach that contact.

Home Preparation Checklist

Take steps now to reduce storm damage and protect your property.

• Check and strengthen your roof. Hire a licensed roofer to inspect shingles, flashing, and fasteners. Fix weak spots and consider materials rated to resist strong wind and flying debris.
• Protect windows and doors. Install storm shutters or impact-rated glass. Brace garage doors, since they often fail first during high winds.
• Manage trees and loose items. Trim branches that hang over your house. Store or tie down patio furniture, grills, tools, and yard décor.
• Clean gutters and drains. Remove leaves and debris so rainwater flows away from your roof and foundation.
• Raise key electrical parts. Place outlets, breakers, and major appliances above expected flood levels.
• Add flood defenses. Set up barriers or sandbags in low areas and lift valuable equipment.
• Test backup power. Run your generator and keep fuel stored safely before storm season begins.

Before the Storm

As the storm nears, complete these last steps to protect your home and family.

• Move or secure patio furniture and loose yard items.
• Go over your evacuation plan with everyone in your household.
• Check your emergency kit and replace expired supplies.
• Charge phones and backup power banks fully.
• Seal vital papers in a waterproof container.
• Monitor local weather reports and follow evacuation orders.

While the Storm Is Active

Stay indoors and keep away from windows. Move to a small room or hallway in the center of your home.

• Use battery-powered flashlights, not candles.
• Save phone power for emergency calls and alerts.
• Check trusted weather updates and local warnings until conditions improve.

After the Storm

Wait for local officials to say it is safe before you return home. Move with care as you check your property.

• Inspect the roof, walls, and foundation for cracks or leaks.
• Look for signs of water damage inside ceilings and floors.
• Stay away from downed power lines and standing floodwater.

Take clear photos and videos of all damage. Contact your insurance company right away to start your claim.

If windows, doors, or screens were harmed, speak with Lafferty Hurricane Protection about stronger shutters, impact screens, or needed repairs.

Protect Your Home with Lafferty Hurricane Protection

You strengthen your home when you plan before storm season starts. Lafferty Hurricane Protection equips you with systems built to handle high winds and flying debris.

Choose from options such as:

• Roll-down shutters for quick, simple coverage
• Accordion shutters for secure and flexible protection
• Impact screens for added defense around patios and openings

Review the FAQ page to understand your options. Schedule a free consultation and take clear steps now to prepare your home for the next storm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items do you need in a home storm emergency kit?

Build your kit before storm season starts. Keep it in a dry, easy-to-carry container.

Include these basic supplies:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
• Nonperishable food for several days
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• First aid kit
• Prescription medicines
• Personal hygiene items
• Cell phone chargers and backup power banks

You should also pack:

• Important documents in a waterproof bag
• Cash in small bills
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Pet food and supplies

Check your kit every six months and replace expired items.

How can you strengthen windows, doors, and your roof against strong winds?

High winds can break glass and lift weak roofing materials. You need to secure these areas before a storm approaches.

For windows and doors:

• Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood panels
• Use impact-resistant glass if possible
• Reinforce garage doors with a bracing kit
• Check that door hinges and locks are tight

For your roof:

• Inspect shingles and replace loose or damaged ones
• Secure roof flashing
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts

Trim tree branches near your home. Store outdoor furniture and tools inside so they do not become flying debris.

What actions reduce the risk of flooding and water damage?

Heavy rain can cause serious damage. You should manage water flow around your home.

Take these steps:

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Extend downspouts away from the foundation
• Seal cracks in your foundation
• Install a sump pump with battery backup if your home floods often

Move valuable items to higher shelves or upper floors. Review your insurance policy to see if you need separate flood coverage.

How do you get ready for power loss and use generators safely?

Power outages can last for days. You should plan for light, communication, and food safety.

Prepare by:

• Charging all devices before the storm
• Freezing ice packs to keep food cold
• Setting refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting

If you use a generator:

Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup. Test them before the storm.

When should you leave, and how do you plan for evacuation and communication?

Leave if local officials issue an evacuation order. Do not wait until roads flood or winds increase.

Create a clear plan:

• Know your evacuation zone
• Map at least two escape routes
• Choose a meeting place outside your area
• Share contact numbers with all family members

Keep your car fueled during storm season. Pack a “go bag” with clothes, medications, documents, and basic supplies.

How do you stay safe inside during the storm?

Stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Choose a small interior room on the lowest level that is not prone to flooding.

Follow these safety steps:

• Keep your emergency kit nearby
• Use flashlights instead of candles
• Avoid using electrical appliances during lightning
• Do not go outside during calm periods, as winds may return quickly

Listen to weather updates on a battery-powered radio. Wait for officials to confirm it is safe before you go outside.