August marks the peak of hurricane season, making it the perfect time to prepare your home and family before a storm is even on the radar. Once a system is named and forecasts tighten, stores can sell out quickly and service providers book up fast. Taking a few simple steps now—while the weather is calm—can help protect your property, reduce stress, and give you real peace of mind if severe weather heads our way.
Here are a few ways to get your home storm-ready:
🌀 Secure Outdoor Items
Patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, potted plants, lawn décor, trash cans, and even children’s toys can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Walk around your yard and make a list of everything that could move or tip over. Have a plan to bring smaller items inside the garage or shed, and use bungee cords or straps to anchor larger pieces that can’t be moved easily. Check that fences and gate latches are secure, and consider removing any temporary structures—like pop-up tents or lightweight pergolas—before a storm arrives. Having this plan in place ahead of time means you can work quickly and safely when a storm warning is issued.
🌳 Inspect Trees and Landscaping
Healthy landscaping can actually help shield your home, but weak or overgrown trees can cause serious damage. Take a close look at large trees near your roof, driveway, and power lines. Trim dead, dying, or overhanging branches that could fall on your home, vehicles, or utility lines during strong winds. Remove any loose limbs and debris from your yard so they don’t become airborne. If you’re unsure about a tree’s health—or if large limbs hang over your roof—consider having a certified arborist or professional tree service take a look now, before they’re overwhelmed with calls right before or after a storm.
🔦 Build an Emergency Kit
If conditions worsen, you may be advised to stay home for several hours or even a few days. A well-stocked emergency kit ensures you have what you need if the power goes out or roads are blocked. Keep flashlights (not just candles), fresh batteries, bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for several days), nonperishable food, medications, a first-aid kit, and phone chargers in an easily accessible location. Don’t forget items like pet food, baby supplies, manual can openers, wet wipes, and basic tools. Store everything together in a sturdy bin or bag so you can grab it quickly.
📄 Protect Important Documents
In a severe storm, water damage can be just as harmful as wind. Store insurance policies, identification, medical information, mortgage documents, passports, and other important records in a waterproof, fire-resistant container. Consider scanning key documents and saving them securely in the cloud or on an encrypted drive so you can access them from anywhere if you need to file a claim or verify coverage. It’s also a good idea to take updated photos or videos of your home and belongings and store them with these records—this can make the claims process smoother if you ever need it.
🔋 Prepare for Power Outages
Hurricanes often bring extended power outages. Charge portable battery packs and backup power banks ahead of time, and know where your flashlights and lanterns are stored so you’re not searching in the dark. If you have a generator, test it now, review safety instructions, and make sure you have fuel stored properly—never run a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Know where your manual garage door release is located and how to use it so you’re not stuck if the opener loses power. Keeping your vehicle's gas tank at least half full during hurricane season ensures you can evacuate if needed or run essential errands after a storm when gas stations may be closed or crowded.
🏠 Review Your Insurance Coverage
Take a few minutes to understand what your homeowners insurance actually covers in the event of wind, water, and storm-related damage. Standard policies often treat wind and flood damage differently, and in many cases, flood coverage is a separate policy altogether. Review your deductibles, coverage limits, and any exclusions. Confirm that your contact information is up to date with your insurance company and that you know how to file a claim quickly if you need to. It’s much easier to ask questions and make adjustments now than to discover gaps in coverage after a storm.
Living in Hampton Roads means hurricane preparedness is simply part of being a homeowner. Our region’s proximity to the coast, rivers, and low-lying areas can make us especially vulnerable to wind, heavy rain, and flooding—but it also means local communities, utility companies, and service providers are experienced in responding. A little planning today—securing your property, organizing supplies, and reviewing your coverage—can make a big difference tomorrow, helping keep your family safe and your home protected throughout the season.