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Hurricane Season Prep: Home Protection Checklist by Month

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Early Spring Preparation

Begin your severe storm prep in early spring, a few months before the season peaks. Walk around your property and look for loose roof shingles, cracked caulking around windows, and gaps in exterior doors. These small openings let wind-driven rain push water into your home. Fix what you find or hire a local contractor for repairs.

Check your gutters and downspouts for leaves and debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to pool on the roof and spill over the foundation. Clear them and make sure downspouts direct water at least a few feet away from your home's base. Also inspect your sump pump and any floor drains to confirm they work.

  • Inspect roof for loose or missing shingles
  • Clear gutters and downspouts of debris
  • Caulk around windows and door frames
  • Test your sump pump and floor drains
  • Check exterior caulking and seals
  • Trim tree branches near your roof

Late Spring Home Hardening

As severe storm season approaches, focus on hardening your home's exterior. Install storm shutters or have plywood panels cut to fit your windows and doors. If you have a garage, reinforce the garage door with bracing kits, as these are common failure points. Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and potted plants that can become projectiles.

Look at your landscaping. Remove dead trees or weak branches that could fall on your house. Anchor sheds, playsets, and fence panels. If you live in Burnsville, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can cut water quickly if a pipe bursts. This simple step helps limit water damage after a storm.

  • Install storm shutters or cut plywood panels
  • Reinforce garage door with bracing kit
  • Secure or store outdoor furniture and grills
  • Trim dead or weak tree branches
  • Anchor sheds, playsets, and fence panels
  • Locate and mark your main water shutoff valve

One Month Before Storm Season

About a month before the peak of severe storm season, review your insurance policy. Understand what your policy covers for wind, flood, and water damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Flood damage is often not included in standard homeowners policies, so consider separate flood coverage if you live in a flood-prone area.

Two Weeks Before a Storm

When a storm is predicted within two weeks, start preparing your home's interior. Move valuable items and documents to upper floors or elevated shelves. Place important papers like passports and insurance documents in a waterproof bag. If you have a basement, move anything off the floor and onto raised pallets or shelves.

Check your sump pump battery backup and test it. If you have a generator, run it to confirm it works and have extra fuel on hand. Charge your phone and power banks. Clear your yard of any loose items that could blow around. Fill bathtubs and containers with water for flushing and drinking if you lose power.

  • Move valuables and documents to upper floors
  • Test sump pump battery backup
  • Run generator and store extra fuel
  • Charge phones and power banks
  • Clear yard of loose debris
  • Fill bathtubs and containers with water

During and After the Storm

During the storm, stay inside away from windows and doors. Do not go outside until officials say it is safe. If you experience flooding, do not wade through moving water. Turn off your electricity at the main breaker if water has entered your home, but only if you can do so safely. Avoid touching electrical equipment if it is wet.

After the storm passes, check for gas leaks and structural damage. Take photos of any water damage for your records. If water has entered your home, start drying out as soon as possible. Open windows and use fans or dehumidifiers if power is available. For serious water damage, contact local water damage pros to assess the situation and begin cleanup.

  • Stay indoors and away from glass
  • Do not walk through moving floodwater
  • Turn off electricity if safe to do so
  • Check for gas leaks and structural damage
  • Photograph all water damage
  • Begin drying with fans and dehumidifiers

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Frequently asked questions

What should I do first when preparing for severe storm season?

Start by inspecting your home's exterior for weak points like loose shingles, cracked caulking, and clogged gutters. Fix these issues early. Also, review your insurance policy to understand what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. This gives you time to make changes before a storm threatens.

How can I reduce water damage during a severe storm?

Clear gutters and downspouts so water flows away from your foundation. Install storm shutters or plywood on windows. Move valuables to upper floors and elevate items in basements. Have a working sump pump with battery backup. After the storm, dry wet areas quickly with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth.

When should I call water damage professionals after a storm?

Call local water damage pros if you have significant flooding, standing water, or water that has soaked into walls, floors, or insulation. They can help with extraction, drying, and preventing mold. Act quickly because moisture can cause further damage within days. You can also contact them for a water damage inspection to assess hidden issues.

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