How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes Season

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, with forecasts predicting an unusually active period, it’s crucial to ensure your home is ready to withstand potential storms. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides comprehensive guidelines to help homeowners fortify their properties against hurricane-related hazards.

1. Strengthen Structural Elements

Secure Entry Points:

• Garage Doors: Replace old garage doors and tracks with models approved for both wind pressure and impact protection. A compromised garage door can lead to significant structural damage.
  
  

• Sliding Glass Doors: Ensure they are made of tempered glass and cover them with shutters or plywood during storms, as they are more susceptible to wind damage.

Seal Vulnerable Openings:

• Use high-quality urethane-based caulk to seal outside wall openings, such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs, and areas where cables or pipes penetrate the wall. This prevents water intrusion.

Reinforce Roof and Attachments:

• Fasten down roofs with hurricane straps or clips.
  
  

• Ensure porches, decks, or sheds are sound and firmly attached to prevent them from becoming projectiles.
  
  

2. Protect Windows and Doors

Install Storm Shutters:

• Use storm shutters or nail plywood to window frames to shield against flying debris and prevent glass breakage.

Secure Doors:

• Install strong bolts at the top and bottom of exterior doors to prevent them from being blown open.

3. Prepare the Surroundings

Trim Trees and Shrubs:

• Remove dead limbs and keep shrubbery trimmed to reduce the risk of branches damaging your home.

Clear the Yard:

• Store or secure items that could become projectiles, such as lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and bicycles

4. Special Considerations for Mobile Homes and Boats

Mobile Homes:

• Ensure you know how to secure your mobile home against high winds. Review your mobile home insurance policy and be prepared to relocate to a safer place before a storm hits, as mobile homes are not safe in high winds.FEMA

Boats:

• If you have a boat on a trailer, know how to anchor the trailer to the ground or house. Review your boat insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage.FEMA

5. Stay Informed and Connected

Emergency Alerts:

• Download the FEMA App to receive real-time weather alerts, locate emergency shelters, and access preparedness strategies.FEMA+1FEMA+1

Evacuation Plans:

• Know your community’s risks and evacuation zones. Determine where and when you’ll go, and identify where to get accurate, up-to-date information on evacuation orders and shelter locations.