When a hurricane is in the forecast, the prep that matters most is keeping water moving away from the house, since most storm damage starts with water getting in through a weak roof or a backed-up drain. Clear the gutters, check the roof for loose shingles, and know where your water and power shutoffs are before the wind picks up. This prep reduces damage; it doesn't replace evacuation. In a major storm, leave when local officials tell you to.
Quick hurricane prep checklist
- Clear gutters and downspouts.
- Check the roof for loose or missing shingles from the ground.
- Locate the water and power shutoffs.
- Test the sump pump.
- Test the backup generator if you have one.
- Secure the grill and propane tank.
- Check that fences and gates are secure.
Clear the gutters and downspouts
A hurricane dumps more rain in hours than most storms do in days. Packed gutters send that water over the edge and against the foundation, so clear them and confirm downspouts carry water well away from the house before the storm arrives.
Check the roof from the ground
Use binoculars to scan for lifted, curled, or missing shingles and loose flashing, since wind peels the roof up at any weak spot. Have a roofer secure problems beforehand. Don't go up on the roof, especially with a storm coming.
Locate the water and power shutoffs
Know where the main water valve and the electrical panel are before the storm, so you can cut water if a pipe breaks or kill power if flooding reaches outlets. Ready.gov walks through when to shut off utilities.
Test the sump pump
Pour a bucket of water into the pit and confirm the pump kicks on and drains. A storm surge or heavy rain is exactly when it has to work, and a battery backup keeps it running if the power goes out.
Test the backup generator
Start it and let it run under load so you know it works, and check that you have fresh, stabilized fuel. Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows; its exhaust is carbon monoxide and kills quickly. Keep it outside at least 20 feet from the house, and leave any wiring connection to a licensed electrician.
Secure the grill and propane tank
Loose outdoor items become projectiles in hurricane winds. Bring in or tie down the grill, and store the propane tank upright and outdoors, away from the house.
Check fences and gates
A leaning fence or an unlatched gate comes apart in high wind and can take siding or windows with it. Secure loose posts and latch the gates.
Good maintenance rhythm
The checklist gets you through storm prep once. Stay ready every storm season by following a regular maintenance schedule.
- Before hurricane season: check the roof, clear the gutters, and service the generator.
- When a storm is forecast: clear gutters again, test the sump pump, and confirm the shutoff locations.
- Monthly in season: run the generator briefly and check the fuel.
- Before the storm: secure the grill, propane tank, and any loose outdoor items.
- Yearly: check fences and gates for loose posts and latches.
- Never: run a generator indoors or near windows.