The days and hours leading up to a major storm, like a hurricane or blizzard, are some of the most stressful for a homeowner, especially if there’s a chance you’ll have to evacuate. With a million thoughts running through your head, it’s easy to lose sight of the essentials.
Visit the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for updated Hurricane Milton information.
As the Home Improvement & Outdoor Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, I’ve pulled together this shortlist of essential disaster preparation steps. Sure, there are other precautions you could take, but this checklist will help ensure that your home is in the best possible condition when the storm clouds clear.
Turn off the power and water (if possible).
This first one is a bit of a judgement call. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) does recommend turning off the electricity and water, but with one important caveat: only if you can do it safely. The way to ensure this is to familiarize yourself (and everyone old enough in the home) with the process beforehand, and then practice it regularly.
How to cut the power:
- You’ll need to turn off the main circuit breaker in your home’s electrical service panel, which is usually located in a basement, garage or hallway near the kitchen.
- The main water valve is often on the front wall of the basement, though it could also be outside, near the water meter. Most newer homes have a ball valve, which you turn so that it’s perpendicular to the adjacent main water line. Older homes might have a gate valve that turns clockwise to shut the water off.
If you can’t safely turn off the utilities to your home, minimize fire risks by unplugging small electronics, including radios, televisions and countertop appliances, since they’re prone to sparking from power surges. If there’s a serious risk of flooring, unplug the fridge and freezer, too. Otherwise, leave those large appliances running to prevent food spoilage.
Reinforce the garage door.
Believe it or not, most damage from hurricanes is the result of failure to the garage door. Once the door is compromised, wind gets inside and pressurizes the home, eventually blowing off the roof. Inspect your garage door’s mounting brackets for loose screws or wobbly tracks, reinforcing them as needed.
Get valuables off the ground.
Items that will rust or corrode, such as televisions, vacuums and home office equipment, should be elevated to prevent damage from flood water. If your home has a second floor, and the items aren’t too heavy, bring them upstairs. Otherwise, put them on a table or countertop. Time permitting, it’s also smart to elevate objects that will hold water and lead to mold outbreaks, like furniture and area rugs.
Close all interior doors.
If a fire does break out, this will help keep it from spreading to other parts of the house. In the event of a high-wind event, like a hurricane, the closed doors will also compartmentalize wind pressure in the home, reducing stress on the roof.
Prevent water infiltration.
Wind-driven rain can easily enter a home through cracks around windows and doors. Cover these openings with plastic sheeting to prevent the incursion. If floodwaters are a concern, use sandbags to protect vulnerable entry points, like the garage door or windows in foundation walls.
Safeguard the lawn and yard.
Store lawn furniture, outdoor toys, gas grills and any other items that could become airborne in heavy winds. For good measure, board up windows and doors with exterior-grade plywood that’s at least ⅝ inch thick.
While you’re walking the yard, make sure any storm drains are free from debris. This will reduce the risk of water buildup, which could cause your yard to flood, increasing the likelihood of water entering the home as well.
Prevent burglaries.
I hate to say it, but the period after a storm but before evacuees return home is prime time for home break-ins. Remember to lock all windows and doors before you leave the house. It’s a good idea to install outdoor security cameras, since their presence alone can be enough to deter would-be burglars. Battery-powered cameras, or hardwired models with battery backup, will let you keep an eye on the situation even if there’s a power outage.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
