Hurricanes and Your Home: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

Last Updated: February 11, 2026 by Michael Kahn. Published: February 11, 2026.

Hurricanes can feel unpredictable, but the damage patterns are not random. Most home losses come from a few repeat problems like rising water, flying debris, and long power outages that turn small issues into big ones.

A good plan focuses on the basics: knowing when to leave, reducing what can break, and preparing for several days without normal services. When those pieces are in place, the rest becomes easier to manage.

Understand The Biggest Dangers First

Hurricanes bring multiple hazards at once, so it helps to rank them. High winds get the attention, but water is often the bigger threat because it can move fast and reach places that have never flooded before.

Official emergency guidance warns that storm surge has historically been the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. That is why “wind category” alone is not enough to judge risk, especially near the coast.

Heavy rain can be just as disruptive inland, especially if drainage is poor or waterways rise. If the ground is already saturated, even a slower storm can flood garages, crawl spaces, and lower floors.

Protect Doors And Glass The Right Way

Wind-driven debris is what breaks glass, not just the wind itself. Once a window fails, pressure changes and rain entry can quickly damage walls, floors, and belongings.

That opening allows strong winds to build pressure inside the house, which can worsen structural damage within minutes. It is tempting to look for quick fixes, but you should never tape your windows for hurricane preparation because it does not meaningfully strengthen the glass and can create extra cleanup hazards. A better approach is to focus on barriers that have an impact, not thin strips that only stick to the surface.

If shutters are available, use them, and make sure they can be secured without improvising. If not, properly installed panels or plywood cut to fit, labeled, and stored ahead of time can reduce frantic work when warnings start.

Know Your Storm Surge And Evacuation Zone

Many communities publish storm surge zones and evacuation guidance, and those maps matter. Surge can push water far beyond the shoreline, and traffic can lock up quickly once an evacuation order goes out.

Local emergency managers often base evacuation decisions on storm surge planning rather than wind alone. In Miami-Dade County’s guidance, evacuation decisions are described as being heavily predicated on storm surge planning, which shows how central surge is to the call.

If an evacuation is possible for your area, decide early where you would go and how you would get there. A simple plan covers routes, fuel, and a backup location if the first option is out of reach.

Reduce Outdoor And Garage Hazards

The area around a home can create projectiles. Patio furniture, grills, planters, and loose yard items can become airborne and damage windows, siding, and vehicles.

Garages are another weak spot because a failed door can lead to rapid pressure changes and roof problems. Reinforcement kits or bracing can help, but the best step is making sure the door is in good condition and fully latched.

A short walk-around checklist helps catch the small stuff people forget. It can include trimming dead branches, moving lightweight items indoors, and staging tools where they are easy to reach.

Build A Practical Supply Kit

A hurricane kit is not just for dramatic emergencies. It is for the ordinary problems that happen when roads are closed, stores are empty, or power is out for days.

Plan for basics like water, shelf-stable food, batteries, phone charging, medications, and simple hygiene needs. Keep items in one or two bins so they can move with you if you evacuate.

A simple kit list can include:

• Water for several days
• Non-perishable meals and a manual can opener
• Flashlights, spare batteries, and a power bank
• First-aid supplies and prescriptions
• Cash and copies of key documents

Prepare For Power Loss And Heat

Power outages can last longer than people expect, and they affect everything from food safety to medical devices. If heat is a concern, plan how you will stay cool without relying on air conditioning.

Charge devices early, lower your refrigerator temperature before landfall, and avoid opening the doors once the power is out. If you use a generator, follow safety rules and keep it outside, away from doors and windows.

Think about nighttime needs as well, since darkness makes hazards worse. Headlamps, lanterns, and a clear path through the house reduce falls and make it easier to respond if something breaks.

Protect Valuables And Document Your Home

Storm prep is about what happens after the storm. A few quick documentation steps can make recovery less stressful, especially if you need to file an insurance claim.

Take photos or video of each room, plus the exterior, and capture high-value items clearly. Store copies in a secure cloud folder or send them to a trusted contact so they are not lost if your phone is damaged.

Move important papers into a waterproof pouch, and consider keeping them in a go-bag if evacuation is possible. Even simple documents like IDs, policies, and medical info can be hard to replace quickly.

Use A Last Minute Checklist Before Conditions Deteriorate

When warnings turn serious, decision fatigue is real. A checklist reduces missed steps and keeps the household focused, especially if kids, pets, or older relatives are involved.

The National Weather Service recommends having a plan and checking emergency equipment such as flashlights, generators, and storm shutters. That reminder highlights a common failure point: supplies exist, but they are not tested, charged, or ready.

A last-minute list can include:

• Fill the car with fuel and park strategically
• Set the freezer to the coldest setting
• Bring outdoor items inside and lock doors
• Confirm alerts are on and phones are charged
• Review where everyone will shelter or evacuate

After the storm, safety continues to matter even if the wind has stopped. Avoid floodwater, watch for downed lines, and treat damaged structures as unstable until they are assessed.

The goal is not perfect preparation, but steady choices that reduce risk. When surge zones are understood, openings are protected correctly, and basics are stocked, the home and the people in it are in a much safer position.