Hurricane Protection: Your Essential Flood and Wind Checklist

Written By Alex Mitchell

Protect your home and loved ones in 2025’s hurricane season with this comprehensive, expert-backed guide to flood and wind protection.

Quick Checklist (for Fast Preppers)

  • Update hurricane/flood insurance coverage (policies changes are ceased well before the storm)

  • Back up and waterproof key documents (use waterproof tote or bag)

  • Trim trees and secure outdoor items (paying and securing arborist will cost more prior to hurricane)

  • Stock sandbags, flood barriers, and waterproofing supplies (counties run out of bags and sand)

  • Reinforce garage doors and board windows (if exterior doors will face wind, barricade with heavy items)

  • Gather essential gear: saws, pumps, gloves, buckets

  • Prep personal safety gear like vests and lights (especially if you live in high flood or storm surge areas)

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Local business flooded after hurricane in Florida—showing the importance of flood protection.

Severe hurricane flood damage to storefront—use sand bags, flood bags and water barriers to protect your business.

Step 1: Secure Your Hurricane Insurance and Important Documents

  • Review and update your hurricane and flood insurance coverage now.

  • Scan digital backups

  • Store physical documents in a waterproof, fireproof pouch.

Step 2: Prepare Your Yard for High Winds

  • Cut back overhanging branches,

  • Secure outdoor furniture

  • Tie down large items with ratchet straps.

Step 3: Essential Flood Control Measures

  • Use water-activated flood barriers for low-entry points

  • Stock sandbags early—counties run out fast

  • Use waterproof totes for storing supplies

  • Waterproof your home with duct tape, caulk, spray foam

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Step 4: Reinforce Garage Doors and Windows

Add steel brackets to your garage door, weatherstrip all openings, and prep plywood now.

  • Garage Reinforcement Brackets

  • Weatherstripping Seals

  • Hurricane Window Clips & Plywood Tools

Step 5: Must-Have Tools and Gear

  • Chainsaw or reciprocating saw for debris

  • Leaf blower and rake for clearing drains

  • Water pump, buckets, fans, towels

  • Multi-use tools and extra gloves

Step 6: Personal Safety Comes First

Prepare for worst-case flooding scenarios:

  • Waterproof gloves

  • Rope and stakes for tree support

  • Life vests, jacket lights

  • Safety whistle and headlamps

Final Tip: Prepare Now—Stay Calm Later

Real Talk: These storms get crazy quick. If you think you’re prepared, you’re probably not. We can always add to the arsenal….but things get expensive. That’s why we prep with things you can use over and over again. Don’t get us wrong, some are one and done, but we add the the supply yearly. Just chip away until you’re a hurricane pro like us.

Don’t let panic shopping or last-minute scrambling put your family at risk. Follow this article the best you can and be ready for anything hurricane season throws your way. Always remember though, your house…isn’t worth your life—Stay Safe!

*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Alex Mitchell

Alexander Mitchell, a dedicated father, combines his passion for finance with a commitment to higher education. With expertise in finance and engineering, he strives to impart valuable knowledge to students. When he's not advancing academic pursuits, Alex cheers on his beloved Cleveland Browns, proudly representing his hometown.

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