At Cinergy Restoration, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when homes and businesses aren’t prepared for hurricane season. As a water damage restoration company in South Florida, we’re often called in after the storm has passed to address flooded spaces and the aftermath that mother nature leaves behind. But we don’t just want to help clean up the mess, we’re also here to help you avoid as much of it as possible.
Hurricane season doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With some planning, a little maintenance, and a solid strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of water damage, structural issues, and costly repairs. In this blog, we’re sharing our top expert tips on how to prepare your property before the storms hit.
Key Takeaways
- Check your roof, gutters, and drainage systems to prevent water intrusion.
- Seal cracks, secure windows and doors, and prep sump pumps before hurricane season.
- Store valuables and electronics in waterproof containers or on higher ground.
- Have an emergency kit with tools, sandbags, and supplies for minor mitigation.
- Review insurance coverage and have a post-storm response plan in place.
Why Hurricane Preparedness Matters
Hurricanes are unpredictable. Even a “weaker” storm can bring enough rain and wind to cause serious damage. And if you’re in a flood-prone area, it doesn’t take much to overwhelm your property’s defenses. That’s why being proactive now can save you a ton of stress, money, and damage later.
Preparedness isn’t just about grabbing bottled water and batteries (though that’s important too). It’s also about making sure your home or business can physically withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding.
Step 1: Understand the Risks
Before you start hurricane-proofing your property, it’s a good idea to know where your vulnerabilities lie.
Here’s what to consider:
- Flood zones: Check FEMA’s flood maps to see if your home is in a high-risk area.
- Elevation: Lower elevations are more likely to flood.
- Past issues: Have you experienced leaks, basement flooding, or roof damage in past storms?
- Tree coverage: Large branches and trees near your home can pose a risk when winds pick up.
Understanding your risk will help you prioritize which areas need the most attention.
Step 2: Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense. If it fails, water can quickly enter your home and create major problems.
What to do:
- Check for loose or missing shingles: Repair or replace them before storm season begins.
- Inspect flashing and seals: Make sure areas around chimneys, skylights, and vents are properly sealed.
- Trim overhanging branches: Reduce the risk of falling limbs damaging your roof.
Pro tip: Hire a roofing professional if you’re unsure about what to look for. Even a small issue can lead to big water damage during a storm.
Step 3: Clean and Secure Gutters and Drains
Your gutter system is designed to move water away from your home, but if it’s clogged, it can’t do its job, and that often leads to water backing up and spilling into your walls or foundation.
Make sure to:
- Clean out all gutters and downspouts.
- Check that water flows away from your home (consider using downspout extenders).
- Clear any debris from yard drains or stormwater systems.
Watch for: Pooling water near the base of your home. This is a red flag that drainage isn’t working properly.
Step 4: Seal Up Gaps and Cracks
Water has a sneaky way of finding the smallest entry points.
Be sure to:
- Inspect windows and doors for gaps in weatherstripping.
- Use caulk or sealant around frames and other vulnerable areas.
- Check your foundation for cracks and seal them accordingly.
- Ensure your basement windows are properly sealed and secure.
Basement flooding is one of the most common hurricane-related issues we respond to, and many times it starts with tiny cracks that were left unsealed.
Step 5: Install or Inspect Sump Pumps
If you have a basement or crawl space, a sump pump is one of the best investments you can make.
Do the following:
- Test your sump pump well before hurricane season.
- Clean out the pit and make sure the float switch works.
- If you don’t have a battery backup, consider installing one in case the power goes out.
We’ve seen many situations where a sump pump failure turned a minor water leak into a major restoration project. Don’t skip this step.
Step 6: Protect Doors and Windows
Strong winds can turn everyday items into flying debris. Once a window breaks or a door gives in, it opens the floodgates—literally.
Tips:
- Install hurricane shutters or use plywood to board up windows before a storm hits.
- Reinforce garage doors, which are especially vulnerable.
- If you don’t have storm-rated windows or doors, consider upgrading.
Don’t forget: Even if you’re not in a coastal area, high winds from hurricanes and tropical storms can travel inland and do plenty of damage. If you are in South Florida and need assistance, our team offers expert board up services.
Step 7: Move Valuables and Electronics to Higher Ground
Flooding is one of the most common causes of water damage during a hurricane, and it often hits the lowest parts of your property first.
What to do:
- Move valuables, electronics, and important documents off the floor—especially in basements and lower levels.
- Store items in waterproof bins or on shelves.
- Consider elevating appliances like washers, dryers, and HVAC units if you’re in a flood-prone area.
Even a few inches of water can destroy personal belongings. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Step 8: Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Property
In the chaos of storm prep, people often forget about what they might need for the property itself in the event that they are facing property damage during the storm. While you are making up your preparedness kits, it is a great idea to include some emergency supplies for these situations.
Include:
- Plastic sheeting or tarps
- Sandbags (especially if you’re prone to flooding)
- Flashlights and batteries
- A portable water pump
- Wet/dry shop vac
- Duct tape, bungee cords, and rope
- Basic tools
These supplies can help you mitigate damage while you wait for professional help.
Step 9: Back Up Important Data and Documents
Many people focus only on physical items when preparing for a storm, but data loss can be just as devastating.
Before a hurricane:
- Back up digital files to a cloud service or external hard drive.
- Store copies of important documents (insurance policies, deeds, medical records) in a waterproof container.
- Take inventory photos of your property and contents in case you need to file an insurance claim.
This one’s easy to overlook, but incredibly helpful when the storm passes and you’re sorting things out.
Step 10: Review Your Insurance Policy and Create a Recovery Plan
Preparation isn’t just physical, it’s also financial and logistical.
Make sure to:
- Review your homeowners or commercial insurance policies.
- Know what’s covered and what isn’t (flood insurance is often separate).
- Keep your insurance company’s contact info handy.
- Create a contact list of emergency numbers, including a restoration company like Cinergy Restoration.
What to Do After the Storm
If a hurricane does cause damage, here’s your immediate game plan:
- Stay safe: Wait for officials to give the all-clear before inspecting the damage.
- Document everything: Take photos and videos of the damage before cleanup begins.
- Avoid standing water: It can be contaminated or hide electrical hazards.
- Call Cinergy Restoration: The sooner we can respond, the faster we can minimize damage, start drying, and get your property back to normal.
Our team is trained, certified, and ready to help you get through the toughest situations with the least amount of stress.
At Cinergy Restoration, we believe that preparation is the best protection. Hurricane season might bring powerful winds and heavy rain, but with the proper steps, your home or business doesn’t have to suffer the consequences. If you do find yourself faced with property damage, we’re just a call away, ready to help you recover quickly and professionally.
Stay safe, stay dry, and start preparing now. You’ll thank yourself later.
Need help or want more information? Contact us today.
