Hurricanes can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris that damage homes and property. While you cannot stop a storm from coming, you can take steps to reduce your risk of hurricane damage. Knowing how to prepare your home and yard ahead of time can help keep your family safe and make clean-up easier. These hurricane safety tips are easy to follow and do not require special tools or expensive upgrades. The goal is to protect the most vulnerable parts of your house and prevent loose objects from becoming dangerous.

Before the Storm: How to Prepare Your Home

Hurricane preparation should begin well before a storm is nearby. Getting ready early helps reduce damage and keeps your family safe. These hurricane safety tips focus on the most important areas of your home that need protection.

Install Hurricane Shutters

Hurricane shutters help protect your windows from strong winds and flying debris. There are different types of shutters, such as roll-down, accordion, or removable metal panels. Choose the type that works best for your home and your budget. If you already have shutters, check that they open and close properly. Make sure you know how to secure them quickly if a hurricane is on the way. Hurricane shutters are a simple but effective step in reducing storm damage and protecting your home.

Upgrade to Storm Windows or Impact-Resistant Glass

Storm windows, also called impact-resistant windows, are built to handle high winds and debris. These windows are made from strong glass that does not shatter easily, helping to protect the inside of your home during a storm. If you are replacing old windows, consider installing storm windows for better long-term protection. They also provide benefits beyond storms, such as better insulation and noise reduction. Adding storm windows is a good part of overall hurricane preparation for homes in high-risk areas.

Secure the Garage Door

Your garage door is a large opening that can fail during strong winds. A broken garage door may allow pressure to build up inside the home, which can damage the roof or walls. To secure the garage door, install a bracing system or choose a hurricane-rated model that meets local building codes. Regularly check for loose parts, especially the hinges and tracks. A secure garage door helps protect the home from hurricane damage and improves overall safety.

Check the Roof and Gutters

The roof takes on a lot of pressure during a hurricane. Check for any missing or loose shingles and make repairs before the season starts. Clean your gutters to allow rainwater to drain properly. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up and damage your roof or walls. This step may seem small, but it is an important part of hurricane safety tips that should not be ignored.

Trim Trees and Branches

Strong winds can break tree branches and cause them to fall on your home, car, or power lines. Trim trees regularly and remove any branches that hang over the roof. Cut down weak or dead trees if they pose a risk. Keeping your yard clear of tree hazards is an easy way to reduce storm damage.

Outdoor Cleanup Before Storm

Loose objects in your yard can turn into dangerous projectiles during high winds. Before a storm, bring inside any patio furniture, toys, firewood, and tools. If you have larger items like trampolines or grills, either move them into a garage or tie them down securely. This outdoor cleanup before storm arrival helps protect windows, vehicles, and walls from impact damage. It also keeps items from being lost or causing harm to others nearby.

What to Do If a Hurricane Is Expected

When a storm is close, listen to your local officials and follow their advice.

• Evacuate if Told to Do So
  If your area is under an evacuation order, leave early. Do not wait until the last minute. Follow the safest routes and stay informed through news updates.
  
  
• Stay Inside If You Do Not Evacuate
  If you are not evacuating, stay inside your home. Stay on higher floors or ground if your area floods easily. Do not stay near bodies of water.
  
  
• Close All Inside Doors
  Closing doors inside your home can help reduce pressure if the wind breaks a window or damages a wall. This helps protect your roof and other parts of your home from more damage.
  
  
• Avoid Windows and Electrical Equipment
  Stay away from windows during the storm. Also, avoid using electrical appliances and do not go near outlets or devices that are plugged in.
  
  
• Secure Loose Objects Again
  Make one last check around your home. Tie down anything that might still be loose and bring pets inside.
  
  
• Stay Off the Roads
  Once the storm begins, avoid driving. Roads may flood quickly or be blocked by downed trees and power lines. Flash flooding is a real danger, and it can happen with little warning.

What to Do After a Hurricane Has Passed

Even after the storm is over, risks remain. Follow these important steps to stay safe and begin recovery.

Stay Informed and Follow Official Updates

• Continue to monitor news reports and emergency broadcasts
• Follow directions from public safety officials
• Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies such as downed power lines or gas leaks
• Call 2-1-1 for shelter locations and disaster information

Stay Away from Dangerous Areas

• Avoid downed utility wires—always assume they are live
• Do not drive through flooded roads; Turn Around, Don’t Drown
• Stay out of damaged buildings until authorities say they are safe
• Return home only when officials say it is safe
• Watch for flash floods if you are traveling

Check Your Home Safely

• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water
• Hire a qualified electrician to assess damage
• Take photos or videos of damage for insurance claims
• Report power outages to your utility company
• Do not turn the gas back on yourself—only licensed professionals can do this
• Check for gas leaks and leave the building if you suspect one

Be Cautious with Food, Water, and Utilities

• Boil water for one minute before drinking or cooking unless officials say it is safe
• Throw away food that touched floodwaters or was stored above 40°F for over 2 hours
• Do not eat canned goods that were in floodwater or that look damaged
• Use generators and grills outside only—never indoors
• Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working

Prevent Further Hazards and Clean Safely

• Wear shoes and gloves when cleaning debris—broken glass and nails may be hidden
• Avoid standing or moving through floodwaters, which may be contaminated
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet
• Watch for mold and consider hiring professionals for deep cleaning
• Have septic tanks or wells checked and repaired if needed

Check On Others

• Reach out to neighbors, especially the elderly or those with health issues
• Use texting or social media if phone lines are down to let others know you are safe
• Be patient, kind, and helpful as your community recovers