How Should I Prepare My Home for Hurricane Season?
Living along Alabama's Gulf Coast means hurricane preparation is part of homeownership. Taking care of some things before a storm is approaching can help you protect your home and avoid trying to do everything at the last minute.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, but preparing your home shouldn't begin when a storm appears in the Gulf.
Some of the most useful things you can do—reviewing insurance, knowing how you'll protect your windows, trimming trees, gathering supplies, and documenting your belongings—are much easier to handle well in advance.
Every home is different, so your preparation should reflect your property, location, insurance coverage, and household needs.
Quick Takeaways
Prepare before hurricane season rather than waiting for a storm.
Know how you'll protect windows and exterior doors.
Keep trees, gutters, and drainage areas maintained.
Bring in or secure outdoor items before a storm.
Know where your main water shutoff and electrical panel are located.
Review homeowners, wind, and flood insurance before hurricane season.
Create a photo or video inventory of your home and belongings.
Follow official evacuation orders and local emergency instructions.
Start Before a Storm Is Coming
The worst time to discover that you're missing something is when everyone else is looking for the same thing.
Before hurricane season, take a walk around your property and think about what would need to be done if a storm were approaching.
Consider:
How you'll protect windows and doors.
Which outdoor items would need to come inside.
Whether trees or branches need attention.
Where water drains around the property.
What supplies you need.
Where important documents are stored.
What you would need to do if you had to leave.
Having a plan makes preparation much easier when the forecast becomes uncertain.
Know How You'll Protect Windows & Doors
If your home has hurricane shutters or another protection system, make sure you know how it works before you need it.
Check that you have:
All necessary panels or shutters.
Required hardware.
Appropriate tools.
Instructions if the system isn't familiar to you.
If materials are labeled for particular windows or doors, keep those labels organized so you're not trying to figure everything out while preparing for a storm.
Look Around the Exterior
Anything loose outside can become a problem in strong winds.
Before a storm, you may need to bring inside or securely store things such as:
Patio furniture.
Grills.
Outdoor decorations.
Potted plants.
Toys.
Trash cans.
Gardening equipment.
Umbrellas.
Other loose outdoor items.
Don't forget balconies, porches, patios, and upper-level outdoor spaces.
Keep Trees, Gutters & Drainage Maintained
Routine maintenance throughout the year can make storm preparation easier.
Keep an eye on:
Dead or damaged tree limbs.
Gutters and downspouts.
Storm drains or drainage areas.
Debris around the property.
Areas where water tends to collect.
If tree work or another maintenance task requires specialized equipment or expertise, use an appropriate professional.
Review Your Insurance Before Hurricane Season
Don't wait until a named storm is approaching to start wondering what your insurance covers.
Before hurricane season, review your policies and ask your insurance professional about:
Homeowners coverage.
Wind coverage.
Hurricane or named-storm deductibles.
Flood insurance.
Coverage limits.
Important exclusions.
How to contact the company if you need to make a claim.
Remember that homeowners insurance and flood insurance are not the same thing.
Your insurance professional can explain the coverage that applies to your specific property and policies.
Document Your Home & Belongings
A simple photo or video record of your home can be valuable if you ever need to document its condition or your belongings.
Walk through each room and record:
Furniture.
Electronics.
Appliances.
Valuable belongings.
Major improvements.
The general condition of the home.
Consider photographing the exterior as well.
Keep copies somewhere secure that you can access even if you're away from the property.
Know Your Home's Important Systems
Before an emergency, know where to find:
Main water shutoff.
Electrical panel.
Gas shutoff, if applicable.
Generator connections, if professionally installed.
Important appliance or system controls.
Don't wait until the weather is deteriorating to learn how your home's systems work.
If you're unsure about safely operating or shutting down a particular system, ask a qualified professional ahead of time.
What About a Generator?
Some Gulf Coast homeowners choose to have a portable or whole-home generator.
If you have one, follow the manufacturer's instructions and all applicable safety requirements.
Never operate a portable generator inside a home, garage, enclosed porch, or other enclosed or partially enclosed space.
Generator exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can be deadly.
If you're considering a permanently installed generator or electrical connection for one, use qualified professionals and follow applicable permitting and installation requirements.
Don't Forget Important Documents
Keep important documents together and protected.
That may include:
Insurance policies.
Identification.
Property information.
Medical information.
Important contact numbers.
Financial information.
Pet records.
Other essential household documents.
Secure digital copies can provide additional access if you're unable to return home.
If a Storm Is Approaching
As a storm gets closer, preparation shifts from general home maintenance to following current official information.
Pay attention to guidance from:
Local emergency-management officials.
National Hurricane Center.
National Weather Service.
Local government and public-safety agencies.
Complete home preparations while conditions are still safe.
And most importantly, if officials issue an evacuation order for your area, follow their instructions.
Your home can be repaired or replaced. Your safety comes first.
After the Storm
Don't return to an evacuated area until officials say it's safe to do so.
When returning home:
Watch for downed power lines.
Be cautious around standing water.
Don't enter a structure that appears unsafe.
Photograph damage before beginning major cleanup when it's safe to do so.
Contact your insurance company if you have damage.
Use caution when hiring contractors after a storm.
Major storms can unfortunately attract unqualified or dishonest contractors. Verify licensing and insurance when applicable, and be cautious about paying large amounts upfront.
The Bottom Line
If you only remember one thing from this article, let it be this:
The best time to prepare your home for a hurricane is before there's a hurricane headed your way.
Make a plan, maintain your property, understand your insurance, know how you'll protect your home, and follow official instructions when severe weather threatens.
From Dana & John
Living along Alabama's Gulf Coast comes with so many things we love—and hurricane season is simply one of the things we have to prepare for.
We've learned that having a plan ahead of time makes a big difference. You don't want to be figuring out shutters, looking for insurance information, or trying to find supplies when everyone else is doing the same thing.
Prepare what you can ahead of time, pay attention when storms threaten, and above everything else, keep yourself and your family safe.
Continue Learning
Taking care of your home throughout the year can make it easier to prepare when hurricane season arrives.
→ Home Maintenance Calendar: A Year-Round Guide for Homeowners
→ What Should I Know About Homeowners Insurance?
Have Questions?
Homeownership along Alabama's Gulf Coast comes with some unique considerations. If you have questions about your home or need help finding the right type of local professional, we're always happy to point you in the right direction. For current hurricane and emergency information, always rely on official emergency-management and weather authorities.
Dana & John Martin – Team Martin
Waters Edge Realty
318-504-9925 | 504-450-2714
ALGulfCoastAgents@gmail.com
