Preparing Your Home Before Hurricane Season

One of the best times to prepare your home is when the weather is calm. Routine maintenance and a few preventive measures can reduce the risk of damage during high winds and heavy rain while helping you identify potential issues before hurricane season reaches its peak.

Consider walking around your property before the season begins and checking for areas that may need attention.

Outside your home:

• Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles.
• Clean gutters and downspouts so water can drain properly.
• Trim dead or overhanging tree limbs.
• Secure or store patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items that could become airborne in strong winds.
• Inspect your garage door and exterior doors for signs of wear or weakness.

Inside your home:

• Know where your water, gas, and electrical shutoffs are located.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Consider surge protection for valuable electronics.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof, fire-resistant container until they’re needed—or store secure digital copies that can be accessed from anywhere.

Preparing your home can’t eliminate the risk of storm damage, but it can help reduce preventable damage and make recovery easier.

Documenting Your Home Before a Storm

If you ever need to file an insurance claim, good documentation can make the process much smoother. Before hurricane season, take time to create a record of your home and belongings. A simple walkthrough with your phone can be one of the most valuable things you do all season.

Consider:

• Taking photos or video of every room.
• Recording major appliances, electronics, and valuable personal property.
• Saving receipts or appraisals for high-value items when available.
• Storing photos and important documents in secure cloud storage so they’re accessible even if your home is damaged.

It’s much easier to document your home before a storm than to remember everything afterward.

Not Sure What's Covered?

If you're unsure whether your homeowners insurance reflects your current needs, a TRB Insurance agent can review your coverage, answer your questions, and help identify potential gaps before hurricane season.

Connect with a TRB Insurance Agent

Reviewing Your Homeowners Insurance

Hurricane season is a good reminder to review your homeowners insurance—not because something is wrong with your policy, but because your home may have changed since you last looked at it.

As you review your coverage, consider questions like:

• Does my coverage reflect the current cost to repair or rebuild my home?
• Have I completed renovations or improvements that should be reflected in my policy?
• Have I added structures such as a workshop, shed, pool, or fence since I last reviewed my policy?
• Do I understand my deductible, including any named storm or hurricane deductible?
• Are valuable items such as jewelry, artwork, or collectibles adequately covered?
• Do I understand what expenses may be covered if my home becomes temporarily uninhabitable after a covered loss?

Even if nothing has changed, reviewing your policy each year can help you better understand your coverage before you need it.

When a Storm Is in the Forecast

Once a storm is in the forecast, your focus should shift from preparation to action. Monitor trusted weather sources, follow guidance from local officials, and complete any remaining preparations as early as possible.

Before leaving your home—or sheltering in place if appropriate—remember to:

• Bring in or secure outdoor furniture and loose objects.
• Charge phones and backup batteries.
• Gather important documents, medications, and emergency supplies.
• Photograph your home’s exterior if it’s safe to do so.
• Follow evacuation orders if they’re issued for your area.

After a storm, it’s important to document any damage and take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage if it’s safe to do so. Temporary repairs and photographs can help support the claims process.

Ready to Review Your Coverage?

Whether you've recently purchased a home or have lived in the same place for years, hurricane season is a good time to review your homeowners insurance and better understand your coverage before severe weather arrives. A TRB Insurance agent can answer your questions, review your current policy, and help you determine whether your coverage reflects your home's current needs.

Connect with a TRB Insurance Agent