Storm Prep for Homeowners: Hurricanes, Winter Storms and Floods

Severe weather is the most common reason homeowners file big insurance claims and lose power for days. Preparing ahead protects your family, limits damage and speeds recovery. This hub collects our checklists and guides for hurricanes, winter storms, floods and wildfire season.

Prepare in three layers

• Supplies and plans: water, food, medications, lighting, chargers, important documents and an evacuation plan.
• Protect the structure: shutters or impact windows, roof and gutter maintenance, trimming trees, sealing gaps and sump pump backup.
• Protect your finances: review your homeowners and flood insurance, photograph your belongings and know your deductibles.

Backup power ties it all together. See our backup power hub for generator and battery options, and our checklists for printable to-do lists.

Need help hardening your home? Request free quotes for storm protection and backup power.

Latest storm prep guides

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  Wind Mitigation Inspection: What It Is and How It Can Lower Your Premium
  A wind mitigation inspection documents your home’s storm-resistant features so insurers can apply credits. Learn what’s checked, typical cost and which upgrades pay off.
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  Whole House Surge Protector: Is It Worth It, and How Much Does It Cost?
  Whole house surge protector explained: how it works, Type 1 vs Type 2, typical installed costs, and how to pair it with a generator or battery system.
• 
  Sump Pump Battery Backup: Protect Your Basement During Storms and Outages
  Compare battery vs water-powered sump pump backups, learn how to size one, what it costs, and how it pairs with a generator or whole-home battery.
• 
  Hurricane and Wind Deductibles: How They Work and How to Prepare
  Learn how a hurricane deductible works, when it triggers, what it costs with real math, and how to lower your risk and out-of-pocket exposure before storm season.
• 
  Power Outage Preparedness Checklist for Homeowners
  A practical power outage preparedness checklist for homeowners: food, water, medical needs, lighting, fuel, CO safety and when to add permanent backup power.
• 
  Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Flooding? Flood vs Water Damage Explained
  Does homeowners insurance cover flooding? Usually no. Learn flood vs sudden water damage, NFIP vs private flood policies, waiting periods and who needs it.
• 
  How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season: Power, Water and Structure Checklist
  How to prepare your home for hurricane season: a practical checklist covering backup power, shutters, roof, trees, supplies and insurance paperwork.
• 
  Hurricane Shutters Cost: Types, Prices and Which Storm Protection Fits Your Home
  Hurricane shutters cost roughly $7 to $60+ per square foot installed. Compare accordion, roll-down, panel and impact windows, plus code and insurance tips.

Browse every storm prep article.