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What to Do Before a Hurricane Hits to Protect Your Home

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Secure the Outside of Your Home

Start outside. Bring in patio furniture, potted plants, trash cans, and any loose items that wind could turn into projectiles. Trim weak or dead branches from trees near your house. If you have time, install storm shutters or board up large windows with plywood.

Check your roof for loose shingles or tiles. Look at the flashing around chimneys and vents. If you spot damage, make temporary repairs with roofing cement or a tarp. Clear leaves from gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can flow away from your foundation.

  • Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture
  • Trim trees and remove dead branches
  • Install storm shutters or board windows
  • Secure roof shingles and flashing
  • Clear gutters and downspouts of debris

Prepare for Water Entry

Water can enter through windows, doors, and foundation cracks. Check the seals around windows and doors. Replace cracked caulk or weatherstripping. Look for gaps in your foundation and fill them with hydraulic cement or exterior caulk.

If you have a crawl space or a lower level, consider a battery-powered backup pump for removing water. Move valuables and electronics off the floor. If flooding is likely, place sandbags around doors and low windows. Keep a supply of plastic sheeting and duct tape to block openings.

  • Seal window and door frames
  • Fill foundation cracks
  • Install a battery-powered backup pump for lower levels
  • Move valuables to higher levels
  • Use sandbags at entry points

Know Your Shutoff Valves

In an emergency, you may need to stop water or gas from entering your home. Find your main water shutoff valve, usually near the water meter. Locate the gas shutoff valve as well. Learn how to turn them off and on. Write down the locations and keep the list with your emergency supplies.

If you live in a flood-prone area, keep your shutoff valve location written down. Practice turning the valves so you are confident in an emergency. After the storm, turn them back on slowly and check for leaks. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your utility provider.

Protect Important Documents

Gather important documents such as insurance policies, property deeds, and identification. Store them in a waterproof and fireproof container or a sealed plastic bag. Also make digital copies and save them to a cloud service or a USB drive. Keep this kit with your emergency supplies.

Create a home inventory. Walk through each room and record your belongings with photos or video. Note model numbers and approximate values. This helps with insurance claims later. Keep a copy in your waterproof container and another in a safe location outside your home.

Plan for After the Storm

When the storm passes, check for water damage. Look for standing water, wet carpets, and damp drywall. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes. If you have significant water, contact local water damage pros for help with extraction and drying.

If you have flood damage, the pros can handle water extraction and structural drying. For mold concerns, ask a mold professional to assess and remediate. Also contact your insurance company to report damage. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos before you start cleanup.

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Phones are answered 24/7 for Mesquite and nearby communities.

Call Now (214) 983-0952

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I start preparing for a hurricane?

Start as soon as a storm is forecast, ideally 48 to 72 hours before landfall. That gives you time to secure your home, gather supplies, and evacuate if needed. Waiting until the last minute can leave you without time to finish.

What should I do with my car during a hurricane?

Park your car in a garage if you have one, or in a covered area. Fill the gas tank in case you need to evacuate. Move it away from trees and power lines. If flooding is expected, move it to higher ground.

Should I turn off my electricity before the storm?

Only if flooding is imminent or your home is at risk of water entry. Turning off the main breaker can prevent electrical hazards. If you do, turn it off before water reaches the panel. After the storm, have an electrician inspect before turning it back on.

Call Now (214) 983-0952