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By Angie Hicks
Ask Angi
Hurricanes, flooding, and severe storms can do significant damage to a home, and while homeowners can’t control the weather, they can control how prepared they are for it. Addressing vulnerabilities before a storm arrives can help reduce potential damage, while knowing what to do afterward can help you recover safely and prevent additional problems.
Start by looking at your home’s biggest potential weak points: the roof, windows, doors, and foundation. We recommend checking your roof for loose or damaged shingles and looking for areas around windows and doors where wind or water could get inside. Homeowners in hurricane-prone areas may also want to consider storm shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors. These are improvements that you’ll want to tackle well before a storm is in the forecast.
Don’t overlook your yard and drainage systems. Trim dead or damaged branches that could come down during high winds, secure or bring inside outdoor furniture and other loose objects, and clean your gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can drain away from your home. If you have a sump pump, test it before storm season and consider a battery backup in case you lose power.
Preparation inside the home matters, too. If you live in a flood-prone area, move electronics, important documents, and valuables from basements or lower levels to higher ground. Know where your main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff are located. Take photos or videos of your home and major belongings before a storm, keep insurance information accessible, and have food, water, medications, flashlights, and other emergency supplies ready.
After a storm, safety should always come first. If you evacuate, don’t return until local officials have said it’s safe. Flooding can create electrical, structural, and contamination hazards that may not be immediately visible. Never enter standing water if there’s a possibility that it has come into contact with electricity, and don’t use electrical systems, appliances, or HVAC equipment exposed to floodwater until a qualified professional says it’s safe.
Once you can safely enter, document the damage before cleaning up. Take photos and videos of affected rooms and belongings, and note where floodwater entered and how high it reached. Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report the damage, understand what may be covered, and ask what documentation they need. Before throwing away damaged belongings, ask whether they need to be inspected first, and save receipts for emergency repairs, temporary lodging, and cleanup expenses.
When flooding is involved, time matters. We recommend beginning flood-damage cleanup within 24 to 48 hours to help prevent mold and mildew from developing in saturated materials. Extensive flooding or contaminated water is not a DIY cleanup job. A water-damage restoration professional can remove water, thoroughly dry affected areas, and identify hidden moisture. For severe basement flooding, get professional guidance before pumping out large amounts of water, because doing so too quickly while the surrounding ground is saturated can potentially damage the foundation.
Prioritize repairs based on safety rather than appearance. Address the source of the water and any electrical, gas, or structural concerns first, followed by water removal, drying, and mold prevention. Once the home is safe and dry, move on to damaged drywall, insulation, flooring, and cabinetry. Cosmetic repairs such as painting and replacing trim can wait until you’re confident that all hidden moisture has been addressed.
Finally, be thoughtful about who you hire, even when repairs feel urgent. Get more than one written estimate when possible, verify licensing and insurance, check references or reviews, and get the scope of work, timeline, and payment schedule in writing. Pressure to make an immediate decision, vague estimates, or a refusal to provide licensing or insurance information should all be treated as warning signs.
Severe weather can be overwhelming, but preparation can make a meaningful difference. Addressing vulnerabilities before storm season and having a plan in place can help limit damage. And if a storm does hit, prioritizing safety, documenting the damage, contacting your insurance company, and getting the right professional help can put you on a stronger path toward recovery.
Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column. Copyright 2026 Ask Angi. Visit at angi.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
