As a Texas-based company that’s been in the restoration game for years, we’ve seen firsthand what hurricanes can do to homes and businesses. At Full Service Property Restoration, we don’t just show up after the storm; we help you get ready before it hits. Preparation is your best defense against water damage, mold, and expensive repairs. With that in mind, we put together this simple, practical list of tips based on what we have learned from our years of experience in the restoration industry, helping folks recover from the worst.
Key Takeaways
- Check your flood zone and know your risk
- Talk to your insurance provider before the storm to know your coverage, and buy flood insurance ahead of time
- Clean gutters and drains to prevent backups
- Seal windows and doors against water intrusion
- Elevate valuable equipment and use sandbags
- Have a backup power source ready
- Document your belongings with photos and videos
- Prepare an emergency plan and go-bag
- Secure outdoor items and trim trees
- Call a restoration pro immediately after the storm
1. Know Your Flood Zone
Before you do anything else, find out if you’re in a flood-prone area. You can check your address on FEMA’s flood map or call your local city office. If you’re in a high-risk zone, take extra steps now to prepare. Water doesn’t discriminate, and it spreads quickly during storms, so it’s important to know your risks before any big storms come your way.
2. Get Flood Insurance (Even if You Think You Don’t Need It)
Standard homeowners insurance usually doesn’t cover flood damage. Unfortunately, we frequently see the heartbreak and frustration of customers who believed they were covered, only to discover otherwise when it’s too late and the damage has been done. Flood insurance can take 30 days to kick in, so don’t wait until a hurricane is on the way. Even areas not labeled “high-risk” flood more often than you’d think.
3. Clean Out Your Gutters and Drains
Backed-up gutters and clogged storm drains can redirect rainwater straight into your house. It’s a simple fix that makes a huge difference. At the start of hurricane season, get up there (or hire someone) and clear them out.
4. Seal and Inspect Doors and Windows
Water can easily find its way into your home through vulnerable areas and materials. Check around windows and doors for gaps, cracks, or old caulking. A small leak during normal rain becomes a big problem in a storm. Use weather-resistant caulk or consider installing storm shutters if you’re near the coast.
5. Elevate What You Can
If you have a ground-floor HVAC unit, electrical panels, or appliances like washers and dryers, think about raising them. A few inches can make the difference between functioning equipment and a total loss. For items you can’t move, consider using sandbags or flood barriers.
6. Backup Your Power
When the power goes out, sump pumps stop working and refrigerators start defrosting. A backup generator can save you from a world of trouble. Whether it’s a whole-house system or a portable unit, make sure it’s fueled up and tested before the storm arrives. Be sure to look into generator safety before use. Using generators in enclosed or covered spaces can be dangerous.
7. Make a Home Inventory
Take photos and videos of your belongings, room by room. Save them to the cloud or an external drive. In case you need to file a claim, this makes the process much smoother and helps prove the value of your items.
8. Prepare for the Worst, Hope for the Best
Have an evacuation plan. Know your routes. Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof container. Pack a go-bag with the essentials: meds, clothes, chargers, food, and water. If you stay put, be ready for several days without power or help, just in case.
9. Secure Your Yard and Exterior
Patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and even garden tools can turn into projectiles in hurricane winds. Secure or bring inside anything that could go flying. Trim trees and remove weak branches that could fall on your home.
10. Know Who to Call After the Storm
The first 24-48 hours after water damage are crucial. Mold can begin to grow quickly, and the longer water sits, the more damage it causes. Have the number of a trusted restoration company (like us!) saved in your phone. The sooner we can get in, the better your chances of a full recovery, and the quicker the restoration process can be handled.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At Full Service Property Restoration, we’ve got your back before, during, and after the storm. If your home takes on water, don’t wait. Contact us right away so we can minimize the damage and start the drying and water damage restoration process right away. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Stay safe this hurricane season—and remember, a little preparation goes a long way.
Need help now or want to talk about storm prep? We’re ready when you are. Give Full Service Property Restoration a call today.
