Preparation Starts on June 1 — Not When the Storm Is Named
The single biggest mistake coastal homeowners make is waiting until a storm is in the Gulf or Atlantic before taking action. By the time a named storm threatens your area, hardware stores are stripped bare, contractors are booked, and the window for structural improvements has closed entirely. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. The time to prepare your home is May — before the first tropical depression even forms.
Exterior Home Preparation
Roof and Attic
Inspect your roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and repair them before the season. Check that roof-to-wall connections have hurricane straps or clips. Inspect attic ventilation to reduce uplift risk. Consider a Secondary Water Barrier (SWB) — a peel-and-stick adhesive membrane applied to the roof deck that reduces interior damage by 70–80% in storms that strip shingles.
Windows and Doors
Install impact-resistant windows or storm shutters — this is the single highest-impact structural investment you can make. If shutters aren't installed, purchase plywood panels cut to size and labeled before season. Reinforce garage doors — they are the most common point of structural failure in hurricanes. Replace worn weather stripping on all exterior doors.
Yard and Landscaping
Trim trees and large branches within 15 feet of the house. Remove dead trees entirely — dead wood becomes high-speed debris. Identify and anchor or store all outdoor furniture, grills, planters, and decorations. Inspect fences for sections that could become projectiles.
Insurance Review — The Most Overlooked Step
Most homeowners discover gaps in their hurricane coverage only after a storm — when it's too late to change the policy. Review your policies in April or May, not July.
| Coverage Type | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Flood Insurance | Do you have a separate flood policy? | Standard homeowners does NOT cover flooding |
| Named Storm Deductible | What percentage of home value? | Can be 2–10% — often thousands of dollars |
| Ordinance/Law Coverage | Is it included? | Pays to bring repairs up to current building code |
| Replacement Cost | Replacement cost or actual cash value? | Replacement cost is worth the premium |
| Additional Living Expenses | How many months of coverage? | Covers hotel/rental if home is uninhabitable |
| Wind Mitigation Discount | Have you had an inspection? | A $150 inspection can save $500+/year |
Seasonal Timeline: What to Do and When
| Month | Priority Tasks |
|---|---|
| January–February | Review insurance policies; schedule wind mitigation inspection; research flood insurance |
| March–April | Order any shutters, impact windows, or structural improvements; purchase generator if needed |
| May | Complete all exterior repairs; trim trees; test generator; build/refresh go-bag; conduct home video inventory |
| June 1 (Season Opens) | Confirm evacuation plan; verify all supplies; check go-bag expiration dates |
| Throughout Season | Monitor NHC advisories; keep gas tank above half; keep phone charged |
| November 30 (Season Ends) | Refresh go-bag; store shutters; schedule any post-season repairs |
Evacuation Planning
Know your evacuation zone before the season — find yours at your county emergency management website. Map at least two evacuation routes from your home. Identify a destination: a hotel, family member, or shelter that accepts your household. Program all local emergency alert systems into your phone and discuss the evacuation plan with every household member.
Use our Storm Surge Lookup tool to find your evacuation zone and nearest shelters. Sign up for free storm alerts to get notified before the storm reaches your area.