Storm-Proofing 101: Simple Steps to Protect Your Home

There’s something about living in South Louisiana that makes you pay attention when somebody mentions a storm forming in the Gulf. It doesn’t matter how many hurricane seasons you’ve been through. When that little swirl shows up on the weather map, we all start watching a little more closely.

And then comes the familiar routine. We check the forecast, talk about whether it’s coming our way, and eventually somebody makes a run to the grocery store for bottled water, batteries, and enough snacks to feed the neighborhood.

We’ve been through enough storms here in Acadiana to know how quickly things can change. Some years, we’re fortunate and barely have to think about them. Other years remind us just how vulnerable our homes can be when the wind starts blowing and the rain doesn’t seem to stop.

We can’t control the weather. But there are some things we can do to prepare our homes before we’re staring at a forecast wondering what happens next.

Start With Your Windows

One of the first things I’d encourage homeowners to think about is how they’re going to protect their windows.

When a hurricane brings strong winds, flying debris can cause significant damage. Properly rated storm shutters or impact-resistant windows can provide an additional layer of protection, but they’re not something you want to be figuring out for the first time when a storm is already approaching.

If you have shutters, take a little time to inspect them. Make sure the hardware is there, nothing is rusted or damaged, and you actually know how to install or close them. That last part sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget how something works when you haven’t touched it in a couple of years.

If you don’t have shutters, it’s worth talking with a qualified professional about the options available for your home. There are different types of protection, and what makes sense for one house may not be the best choice for another.

And please don’t rely on taping your windows. Tape doesn’t make glass hurricane-resistant. If you want meaningful protection, look into products designed and rated for that purpose.

Take a Walk Around Your Property

One of the simplest things you can do to prepare for hurricane season is walk around the outside of your house and pay attention to what’s there.

I’m talking about patio furniture, flowerpots, decorations, trash cans, and all those other things we accumulate around our homes. They’re perfectly harmless sitting on the patio on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. But when the wind picks up, some of those same items can become dangerous.

Take a look at your fences and gates, too. Are they secure? Are there loose boards or damaged sections you’ve been meaning to repair?

And don’t forget the trees.

We love our big oak trees here in South Louisiana, but damaged or overhanging limbs can become a serious concern during strong winds. If you’ve got a tree that worries you, have a qualified tree professional take a look before hurricane season gets busy.

While you’re outside, check your gutters and drainage. We know how much rain these storms can bring, and the last thing you want is water collecting against your house because a downspout is clogged or drainage isn’t working properly.

None of these things guarantees your home won’t suffer damage, but taking care of what you can control is a good place to start.

Have a Conversation With Your Insurance Agent

This probably isn’t the most exciting part of preparing for hurricane season, but it might be one of the most important.

I’ve had enough conversations with homeowners over the years to know that insurance can be confusing. And the time to discover what your policy does or doesn’t cover is not after you’ve suffered damage.

Call your insurance agent and ask some questions. Make sure you understand your coverage, particularly your hurricane or named-storm deductible. Those deductibles are often calculated differently from the standard deductible you might be accustomed to.

And don’t assume your homeowners insurance covers flooding. Flood insurance is generally separate, and even homeowners who aren’t in designated high-risk flood zones can experience flooding.

It’s also worth asking about your personal property coverage and what documentation your insurance company would need if you ever had to file a claim.

You don’t have to become an insurance expert. That’s why you have an agent. But you should have a reasonable understanding of what you’re paying for and what protection you actually have.

One more thing: don’t wait until a storm is headed our way to make changes. Insurance companies may restrict new policies or coverage changes when a storm is approaching, and flood insurance often has a waiting period before coverage takes effect.

Take Pictures Before You Need Them

Here’s one of the easiest things you can do, and it won’t cost you anything but a little time.

Walk through your house with your phone and take pictures or video of each room. Open the cabinets, photograph your furniture and appliances, and document valuable belongings. Then walk outside and do the same thing around the exterior of your home.

You don’t have to turn it into a professional photography session. You’re simply creating a record of what you own and what condition your property was in before a storm.

If you ever have to file an insurance claim, having that documentation could make the process a whole lot easier.

I’d also recommend saving those pictures somewhere other than just your phone. Cloud storage is a good option, especially if your phone is lost or damaged. Keep copies of important insurance documents somewhere you can access them even if you have to leave home.

It’s one of those tasks that’s easy to put off because you hope you’ll never need it. And hopefully, you won’t.

Don’t Forget About Your Family’s Plan

Protecting your house is important, but it’s only part of being prepared.

You also need to think about what happens if you lose electricity, if you need to evacuate, or if your family has to manage without the conveniences we’re accustomed to.

I’ve put together a separate article, Hurricane Season Reminder: Are You Ready?, that walks through emergency supplies, family evacuation plans, generator safety, and some of the things worth discussing before a storm threatens Acadiana.

I’d encourage you to read that one, too. Because having a plan for your family matters a whole lot more than having a plan for your house.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

I think one of the challenges with hurricane preparation is that it’s easy to put off when the weather is beautiful.

When the sun is shining and everything is going well, there’s always something more enjoyable to do than inspect storm shutters or read through an insurance policy.

I understand that completely.

But I’ve also seen how stressful things become when families are trying to prepare their homes at the same time everybody else is doing the exact same thing. Supplies become harder to find, contractors get busy, and decisions that could have been made weeks earlier suddenly feel urgent.

You don’t have to do everything in one weekend. Start with one thing. Check your shutters, call your insurance agent, or spend thirty minutes documenting your home. Then move on to the next.

And always follow guidance from local emergency officials when severe weather threatens. No house or possession is worth putting your family in danger.

Need Some Help Getting Ready?

One of the things I appreciate about being in real estate is the number of relationships I’ve built with people who take care of homes for a living. Roofers, tree services, contractors, insurance professionals, and plenty of others who know their way around the kinds of problems we deal with here in Acadiana.

If you’re trying to get your home ready for storm season and aren’t sure who to call, reach out. I’m happy to share recommendations from the people I’ve gotten to know through this business.

You don’t have to be buying or selling a house for me to be a resource.

And if there’s one thing I’d encourage you to do after reading this, it’s to take care of something you’ve been putting off. Not because we know a storm is coming, but because we know what living in South Louisiana means.

I’d much rather you spend a little time preparing today than find yourself wishing you had when the next storm rolls through.

Hey Hey, it’s John Ray!