Hurricanes are large storm systems that form over the ocean, and they often move toward land. They can bring strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, flooding, and even tornadoes. Hurricanes are dangerous and can cause damage to places located far inland. If you want to protect your home and loved ones from a hurricane or any other natural disaster, you need to prepare in advance. You should make preparations before the start of the season, so you can be ready when the time comes.
What You Should Do Before a Hurricane
If you want to stay safe during a hurricane, you need to determine your best method of protection from strong winds and flooding. You should also have an evacuation plan and a place that will give you enough shelter from the storm. Now is the time to gather the supplies and knowledge you need when a storm arrives.
If they advise you to evacuate, you should do so immediately. But you need to make sure you go to a safe place. You need to know where to go, how to get there, and where to stay. Make plans well in advance, especially if you need help leaving or need to use public transportation. Mobile or manufactured trailer homes and recreational vehicles (RVs) are unsafe shelter options from tropical storms or hurricane-force winds.
You should be ready to live without power, water, gas, phones, and internet for a long time. You should also practice going to a designated safe shelter for strong winds. The next best protection is a small interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that’s not likely to flood. If you live in an area that’s more likely to flood, you should find a location on high ground that you can move to before floodwaters reach your current location.
You also want to gather emergency supplies (such as food, water, and medicine). You should organize your supplies into the following categories:
- Go-Kit — This should include at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. It should have backup batteries and chargers for your devices.
- Stay-at-Home Kit — This should include at least two weeks of supplies, because stores and pharmacies may be closed.
You should have at least a one-month supply of medication in a child-proof container. You also want to keep your personal, financial, and medical records safe. Staying connected should be an important part of your emergency plan as well. Be sure to sign up for emergency alerts from your local government. You should also have a way to charge your cell phone and have a battery-powered radio.
How You Can Protect Your Home Before a Hurricane
The first thing you need to do is make sure your home is protected from strong winds, which you can do by performing the following:
- Securing outdoor items (such as lawn furniture and trash cans) that can be carried by strong winds and hurt someone.
- Anchoring objects that aren’t safe to bring inside (such as gas grills and propane tanks).
- Trimming or removing trees that are close enough to fall on your home.
- Protecting your windows and doors with permanent storm shutters or pre-cut plywood.
You should prepare for possible flooding by clearing your drains, gutters, and downspouts. You should also stockpile protective materials (such as plastic sheeting and sandbags). Think about installing a sump pump with battery storage. You should also think about elevating your heating system, water heater, and electrical panel.
How to Prepare Your Roof for a Hurricane
Preparing your roof for a hurricane is one of the smartest ways to protect your home before storm season hits. Start by scheduling a professional roof inspection to check for loose shingles, weak decking, or any signs of damage that could worsen in high winds. Secure or replace loose shingles, tiles, or metal panels, and make sure ridge caps are properly fastened. If your home doesn’t already have them, ask about hurricane straps or roof-to-wall connectors, which help keep your roof secured to your home’s structure. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris so water can drain freely, reducing the risk of overflow or roof leaks. Trim back any tree branches hanging over your roof, especially dead or weak limbs that could break during strong winds. Seal all roof penetrations, like vents and skylights, with roofing-grade sealant to prevent wind-driven rain from seeping in. Reinforce soffits and eaves with screws and waterproof sealant, and if you’re re-roofing, consider installing a secondary water barrier under your shingles for added protection. It’s also a good idea to photograph your roof before the storm to document its condition for insurance purposes. Speaking of which, double-check your homeowners policy to make sure it covers wind, hail, and roof damage—plus flood insurance if you live in a coastal area. As an extra step, prepare a basic emergency roof repair kit with a tarp, nails, duct tape, and a flashlight so you’re ready to respond after the storm if needed. Taking these preventive steps before hurricane season doesn’t just protect your roof—it safeguards your entire home.
What You Should Do During a Hurricane
If the authorities have advised or ordered you to evacuate, you should grab your emergency and go kits right away. If you’re not in a mandatory evacuation zone, you need to decide if you want to leave the area, move to higher ground, or stay in your home. If you choose to stay home, you should remember that you can lose power and water (even if the strong winds and flooding don’t reach your home). And you may not be able to leave your home for several days if the roads are impassable.
If you evacuated the area, don’t go back home until local officials have determined that it’s safe to do so and you have the necessary supplies. If your home has been damaged by hurricane-force winds or flooding after the storm, you should have it carefully inspected and thoroughly cleaned.
If your roof has been damaged during a hurricane or you want it to be ready for future storms, be sure to reach out to Bayfront Roofing. We’re one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi, and we would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs!
