How to Prepare for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season is a useful reminder to review your home, supplies, and emergency contacts before severe weather arrives.

Hurricanes are the most destructive natural disasters in the U.S. and preparing for them is your best bet to stay safe and protect your property. Check out how to prepare for hurricanes and what to do during and after one.

Before the Hurricane

• Create an emergency kit which includes provisions for at least three days. Include medication for anyone who needs it, as well as pet supplies.
• Learn your area’s flooding risk and community hurricane evacuation routes.
• Create a family evacuation plan. Determine a meeting place for your family and routes to get there. Plan how to get in touch with your family if separated. Plan where you’ll go if you must evacuate, such as a shelter.
• If you don’t have flood insurance, get a policy now. Regular homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage.
• Store copies of important documents, such as proof of ownership of any property in your emergency kit.
• Back up the data on your electronic devices to ensure it’s secure if your computer or other devices are damaged during the hurricane.
• Secure your property:
  • • Fasten your roof with straps or clips to reduce damage.
    • Prune trees and shrubs in your yard for more wind resistance.
    • Clean and maintain your rain gutters and downspouts.
    • Reinforce your garage door to make it withstand powerful winds.
    • Get an electricity generator to run essential appliances if the power goes out.
    • Learn how to shut off the power and gas to your home.
• When a storm is hours from arriving:
  • Ensure your car is in good working condition and fill up the gas tank. If you’re going to evacuate, stock your vehicle with emergency supplies.
  • Bring light objects, such as patio furniture inside. These could be blown away by high wind. Also anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside, like propane tanks.
  • Cover your windows with permanent storm shutters or board them up with 5/8” exterior grade or marine plywood.
  • Charge your cell phone to have a full battery if the power goes out.
  • Turn your refrigerator to the coldest setting so that food lasts longer during a power outage.
  • Be alert for the latest weather updates and emergency instructions.

During the Hurricane

• If authorities advise or order you to evacuate your area, take your emergency kit and leave immediately. Strictly follow posted evacuation routes and do not try to take shortcuts.
• If you didn’t receive an evacuation notice, stay indoors and away from windows and glass doors. Seek shelter on the lowest level in an interior room.
• Never use gasoline-powered or charcoal-burning devices inside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep those devices outside.
• If trapped in a building that’s flooding, go to the highest level. However, don’t climb into a closed attic as rising flood water may trap you.

After the Hurricane

• Listen to authorities for information and special instructions.
• Never walk or drive on flooded roads or through water. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away. Floodwater may also contain contaminants, dangerous debris or downed power lines.
• Enter a damaged building only after the electrical system, gas lines, and plumbing have been inspected for damage.
• Take photos of any property damage and contact your insurance company for assistance. Wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, rubber boots, and masks when inspecting your home.
• Don’t touch wet electrical equipment, more so if you’re standing in water.
• Throw out food that has been exposed to floodwaters or has not been maintained at a proper temperature. When in doubt, throw it out.
• Don’t drink tap water if you’re not sure it’s safe.

After a flooding incident, everything that got wet in your property must be dried, cleaned, and disinfected immediately. For water removal services and mold cleaning services, contact your local PuroClean office.

Restoration Support from PuroClean of Princeton

If your property has been affected, explore our professional restoration services or contact PuroClean of Princeton at (609) 436-5959 to discuss the damage and next steps. For general guidance, see the IICRC’s professional cleaning and restoration standards.

Reviewing Your Hurricane Season Plan

Review your hurricane season plan before storms are forecast and whenever the people using the property change. Make sure household members know where essential documents are kept and how to reach one another if regular communications are interrupted. Check whether supply items need replacement and update contact information for your insurer, property manager, and restoration provider. Preparation should reflect your property and current local emergency instructions.

During hurricane season, keep a simple record of maintenance concerns such as roof leaks, damaged gutters, or drainage problems. Arrange suitable repairs through qualified professionals. After a storm, report observed damage and avoid unsafe areas until they have been assessed. A hurricane season checklist is most useful when it is reviewed and acted on, rather than left unchanged from one year to the next.

Using the Checklist for Rental and Managed Properties

For a rental or managed property, identify who receives maintenance reports, who can authorize repairs, and how occupants should report damage. Review these arrangements before hurricane season. Keep the property address, manager contact details, and insurer information with the emergency plan. If several people use the building, share the communication arrangements so reports reach the responsible person promptly.

Planning Restoration After Storm Damage

When contacting a restoration provider, describe what happened, which rooms or materials are affected, and whether water is still entering the building. Photographs taken from a safe location and a record of earlier repairs can help explain the situation. Ask what inspection is needed and how drying or cleanup will be coordinated with other repairs. Keep a record of updates for the property owner and insurer. Hurricane season planning includes preparing this information before it is urgently needed.