Severe weather can cause thousands of dollars in damage—much of which can be prevented with proper preparation. Whether you're facing hurricanes, tornadoes, or winter freezes, here's how to protect your home.
Hurricane & Tropical Storm Preparation
Before Hurricane Season (June-November)
- Review your insurance policy—understand what's covered
- Document your belongings with photos/video
- Trim trees and remove dead branches
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Inspect roof and repair loose shingles
- Stock emergency supplies
When a Storm Is Approaching (48-72 hours out)
- Install hurricane shutters or board up windows
- Bring outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations inside
- Fill bathtubs and containers with water
- Charge devices and backup batteries
- Fill car with gas
- Move vehicles to highest ground
Pro tip: Know your evacuation zone and routes. Have a plan for pets.
Tornado Preparation
Year-Round Preparation
- Identify your safe room (basement, interior room, lowest floor)
- Keep a weather radio with battery backup
- Practice tornado drills with your family
- Secure large outdoor objects that could become projectiles
When a Tornado Watch Is Issued
- Monitor weather closely
- Charge phones
- Move to ground floor if you have time
- Keep shoes and flashlight nearby
- Be ready to move to safe room immediately
Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or detected. Take shelter immediately in an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
Winter Freeze Preparation
Before Winter
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas (attic, garage, crawl space)
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets
- Service your heating system
- Seal air leaks around windows and doors
- Check attic insulation
When a Freeze Warning Is Issued
- Let faucets drip (both hot and cold)
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls
- Keep garage door closed if pipes are in garage
- Set thermostat to at least 55°F, even if away
- Know how to shut off water main if pipes burst
Frozen Pipe Emergency
If a pipe freezes: Shut off water at the main. Open the faucet. Apply heat (hair dryer, heat lamp, towels soaked in hot water). Never use open flame.
Power Outage Preparation
Essential Supplies
Flashlights & batteries
Portable phone chargers
Battery-powered radio
Non-perishable food (3 days)
Water (1 gallon/person/day)
First aid kit
Prescription medications
Cash (ATMs may not work)
During a Power Outage
- Keep refrigerator/freezer closed (food lasts 4 hours/48 hours)
- Use flashlights, not candles (fire risk)
- Unplug sensitive electronics to prevent surge damage
- Never run generators indoors
- Check on elderly neighbors
Create Your Emergency Kit
Documents (Waterproof Container)
- Insurance policies
- Identification documents
- Property records
- Bank account information
- Emergency contact list
Communication Plan
- Out-of-state contact person
- Meeting locations (near home and outside neighborhood)
- School/work emergency plans
- Pet care arrangements
Store Your Emergency Plans in NestorAI
Keep all your emergency information organized and accessible:
- Upload insurance documents and policy numbers
- Store emergency contacts and evacuation routes
- Track home inventory with photos
- Access everything from your phone, anywhere