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How Do You Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season?

Last updated October 23, 2026

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The short answer

Secure Your Roof and Exterior

Inspect your roof for any loose or damaged shingles and have them repaired by a qualified roofer. Secure any loose siding, fascia, or trim, as these can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Clean out your gutters and downspouts thoroughly to ensure they can handle heavy rainfall. If you have any trees with overhanging branches, consider trimming them back away from your house.

Look for any cracks in your home's foundation or exterior walls and seal them with appropriate caulk or mortar. Check that all exterior doors, including garage doors, are properly secured and have sturdy deadbolt locks. Reinforce garage doors with a bracing kit if they are not designed for high winds. Install storm shutters or have pre-cut plywood ready to cover your windows if a major storm is forecast.

Protect Your Interior and Valuables

Identify the lowest points in your home, such as a first-floor utility room or crawl space, and move valuable or sensitive items to higher ground. Keep important documents in a waterproof, fireproof safe or a secure digital cloud storage service. Have a plan for protecting major appliances by knowing how to quickly unplug or shut them off.

Create a waterproof emergency kit that includes essential supplies, first aid items, and backup batteries. This kit should be easily accessible if you need to shelter in place or evacuate quickly. Take photos or videos of your home's interior and exterior as a current record for insurance purposes. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Prepare Your Plumbing and Drains

Heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems, so keeping all drains clear is critical. Ensure all floor drains in utility rooms, garages, and patios are clear of debris. Check that the grading around your home slopes away from the foundation to direct water flow properly. If you have a French drain or other exterior drainage, inspect it for blockages before the rainy season.

Inspect your plumbing for any signs of leaks, especially in areas like under sinks and around water heaters. A small leak can become a major problem under the added pressure of a storm. Consider having a plumber inspect your system if you are unsure of its condition. If you live in Chandler, keep your shutoff valve location written down.

  • Locate your main water shutoff valve and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use it.
  • Install backflow valves on floor drains and sewer lines to prevent floodwater from backing up into your home.
  • Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots to prevent backflow.
  • If you have a septic system, have it inspected if it is near capacity.
  • Know the location of your cleanout plug for the main sewer line in case it needs to be accessed.

Plan for Potential Power Outages

Power outages are common during severe storms, so prepare your electrical systems. Have an electrician check your home's wiring and ensure your electrical panel is in good condition. Install surge protectors on major appliances and electronics to protect them from power spikes. Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, replacing batteries if they are not hardwired.

Invest in a portable generator for essential power, but always operate it outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Stock up on flashlights, batteries, and battery-powered or hand-crank radios for receiving emergency updates. Know how to manually open your electric garage door if the power fails. Plan for how you will power necessary medical equipment if needed.

What to Do After a Storm

Once the storm passes and it is safe to do so, carefully inspect your home for damage. Look for signs of water intrusion, such as stains on walls or ceilings, and for any structural issues. Document all damage thoroughly with photos and notes before you begin any cleanup. This documentation is crucial for any discussions with your insurance adjuster.

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Chandler and nearby communities.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the most common source of water damage in a hurricane?

The most common sources are wind-driven rain entering through roof damage or broken windows, and flooding from overwhelmed storm drains or nearby bodies of water. Ground saturation can also lead to water seepage into a home's lower levels. Proper exterior preparation is your best defense against these issues.

How can I protect my carpets and flooring?

Move area rugs and furniture off the floor in vulnerable areas if you have advance warning. For installed carpets, a professional flood damage cleanup service may be needed if they get soaked. For wood or laminate floors, prompt water-damaged flooring removal and drying is often required to prevent warping.

Should I turn off my water before a hurricane?

It is generally not necessary to turn off your main water supply for a hurricane unless you are evacuating. The greater risk is often from external flooding, not internal pipe breaks. However, knowing the location of your shutoff valve is wise for any emergency. For pipe issues, a broken water pipe repair service can help afterward.

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