Long-time residents of the coastal south are painfully familiar with hurricane preparations. However, since 2021, counties in five southern states — Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas — have increasingly topped domestic migration rankings, the Census reported.
What that means is hundreds of thousands of new residents without firsthand knowledge of getting ready for the storms that tend to worsen in August and September. Angie Hicks, co-founder and chief customer officer of home improvement platform Angi, has tips that can help new homeowners get ready as Mother Nature prepares to wreak havoc on their new homes.
Most At-Risk Homes
Is your property at greater risk of storm damage? The answer might be yes. “Older homes, homes that aren't elevated in flood-prone areas, and homes with weaker roof-to-wall connections tend to be more vulnerable during a hurricane. Weak roofs, vulnerable windows, garage doors and entry points can all allow wind and water to cause more extensive damage,” Hicks shares.
It’s late in the season to start, but if you’re in one of these homes, she recommends getting your roof inspected and reinforced, addressing needed repairs, installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows where appropriate, making sure your garage door has proper bracing and keeping your home well maintained.
An Ounce Of Preparation
Hicks also recommends knowing exactly what’s covered in your insurance and what isn’t before storm warnings begin. Plan ahead for potential repairs, she urges. “Research reputable, licensed, and insured contractors before you need them, since severe weather often leads to an increase in contract scams and damage for repair.”
If you had a positive experience with contractors after your bought your new home, that could be your first call. They already know you and your home. “Having trusted pros identified ahead of time can help you avoid rushed decisions during recovery,” the Angi executive adds.
Unfortunately, scams abound in the aftermath of storms. Hicks cautions, “Homeowners should be wary of contractors who show up uninvited immediately after a storm, pressure them to sign contracts on the spot or demand large upfront payments before work begins.”
Approaching Storm Measures
You know from media reports that a significant hurricane is heading your way. “In the final hours before landfall, focus on the basics that prevent the most damage,” Hicks recommends.
“Secure or bring in anything loose in the yard, such as patio furniture, grills, and decorations, which can become projectiles in high winds. Reinforce doors and windows with shutters, precut plywood, or other approved storm protection, since these are typically the weakest points of a home. Clear your gutters and downspouts to help heavy rain flow away from your home instead of causing water intrusion.
"If you have a generator, make sure you know how to operate it safely and never use it indoors or in an attached garage, since carbon monoxide risk is a real danger after the power goes out. Additionally, make sure to locate your utility shutoffs before the storm arrives. If a gas or water line is compromised during the storm, you want to be able to act fast,” she adds.
After The Storm
"Only go back once local officials say it's safe,” Hicks cautions, adding, “Flooded roads, downed power lines, and structural hazards are still dangerous even after the storm passes.”
When you are cleared to return, keep safety in mind first, though the urge to move back quickly — especially with children or elderly relatives — will be strong. “Watch for exposed wiring, gas odors, and standing water, and don't turn on any electrical systems or appliances that have been wet until they've been inspected by a qualified electrician.”
Hicks suggests, “Start by inspecting your home from the ground, looking for visible roof damage such as missing shingles, sagging, or holes, since roof failure is often what lets water into everything else. Then check for water intrusion in walls, ceilings, and flooring. If you notice foundation movement, major cracks or structural concerns, contact a qualified professional before entering damaged areas. Document everything with photos and videos as you go, before beginning cleanup or permanent repairs.”
Insurance — To Claim Or Not To Claim
“For anything beyond minor cosmetic repairs, file a claim first and let your insurer guide the process,” Hicks recommends. She also points out that many standard homeowners' policies exclude flood damage, so it's worth confirming what's actually covered before assuming a repair is on you. “For example,” she notes, “just one inch of floodwater can cause approximately $25,000 in damage to a home, according to FEMA, making it especially important for homeowners to understand whether they have separate flood insurance coverage.”
To document your claim, Hicks says to walk through the entire property and photograph or videotape everything, including areas that look untouched. If you have photos of your home before, potentially from listing images which may still be online at the site where you found them, pull those too as they help establish a clear before and after for your adjuster. “Make sure to keep an itemized list of damaged or destroyed belongings, and save every receipt tied to repairs or temporary fixes, since those all support your claim and your deductible,” she recommends.
“Insurance is the piece people underestimate most,” she observes, suggesting that you read your policy ahead of storms, not after a storm is already bearing down, and, perhaps most important, “Make sure you understand what's covered, particularly when it comes to flood damage.”
You may need a supplemental flood policy, which can be purchased through your current policy provider, or they may refer or link you to the FEMA-managed National Flood Insurance Program.
Last Words
I lived in Tampa for seven years and prepared to be slammed by Charley, a category 4 hurricane that took a last-minute turn away from our region, and several other major storms which moved in our direction. I was new to hurricanes at the time, but not to natural disasters, having survived the Northridge earthquake that savaged Los Angeles and took down my section of freeway. The difference with hurricanes is that you have notice that they’re coming. Earthquakes generally don’t give advance warning.
Either way, you should always have essentials on hand in case you need to survive on your own without help, water or electricity for three or more days. If you have (or are planning to get) solar panels, consider adding enough battery backup for your household’s needs. This can keep you powered even when the lines go down.
Disaster can strike in regions unaccustomed to their fury, as North Carolinians in the western end of the state painfully learned in 2024 when Hurricane Helene deluged the region. Many ended up trapped by inaccessible roads for days. I doubt if hurricane preparedness was a focus for residents of this far inland region.
An ounce of preparation, no matter where you live, is worth a pound of cure. Stay safe!