Hurricane season home prep checklist

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and the time to get the house ready is before it starts, not when a storm has a name and the stores are empty. The jobs on this list are the ones that decide how a house comes through high wind and heavy rain: the trees that could fall on it, the roof and gutters that have to shed the water, the generator that has to start, and the shut-offs and alarms that matter when the power's out and the water's rising.

Do them in May, before the season opens. Most are yearly jobs anyway, pulled forward so they're done when it counts.

The checklist

• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house: the limb over the roof is the one that comes through it.
• Clean the gutters: a storm drops more rain in a day than the gutters see in a season, and they need to be empty for it.
• Inspect the roof: loose shingles and lifted flashing are what the wind peels back first.
• Inspect the exterior window and door trim: wind-driven rain finds every gap in the caulk.
• Service the standby generator: oil, filters and a battery, tested under load, before the outage that may last days.
• Inspect the propane tank and lines: a full tank, a leak check, and the tank secured against flooding.
• Test the sump pump: and its battery backup, since the storm takes the power with it.
• Exercise the water shut-off valves: a storm can break a pipe, and the valve has to turn in the dark.
• Test the water leak sensors: with the power out, a local alarm is the one that still works.
• Test the smoke and CO alarms: generators and candles after a storm are when carbon monoxide kills.
• Check the fire extinguishers: candles, camp stoves and generators raise the risk for days.

Tips

• Do the tree work first, in spring, because arborists book up fast once the season is close and faster still once a storm is forecast.
• Run the generator under a real load during the service, with the furnace or the air conditioner on, and note how long a tank of propane lasts.
• Keep the gutters clean through the season, not just in May. One blocked downspout in a storm floods a wall.
• Put the leak sensors where water comes in during a storm: the lowest floor, near the doors, and by the sump pit.
• Keep a written list of the shut-offs and where they are, and keep a flashlight by each one.

FAQ

When should I prepare my house for hurricane season?

Before June 1, when the season starts. May is the month for the list, and the tree work can be done earlier in spring.

What is the most important hurricane prep for a house?

Trees trimmed back from the house and a roof with no loose shingles. Those are what decide whether the wind gets in.

Does a generator need to be serviced before hurricane season?

Yes. An oil change, fresh filters, a tested battery and a run under load. A generator that fails to start is the most common post-storm complaint.

How do I protect my house from flooding in a hurricane?

Clean gutters and clear downspouts, a tested sump pump with a battery backup, and leak sensors on the lowest floor. Sandbags and barriers are the next step for a house that's flooded before.