Storm-Prep Timeline: What to do and when

Do these now (pre-season or today)

• Roof & exterior check: Look for missing/loose shingles, cracked caulk around flashing, soft or sagging soffit/fascia, and loose siding. Schedule repairs before peak season.
• Gutters & drainage: Clean gutters and downspouts; make sure water discharges 4–6 feet from the slab. Clear yard drains and any debris around curb inlets.
• Windows & doors: Have rated shutters or pre-cut plywood ready for each opening. Label pieces and store the hardware with them.
• Flood readiness: Keep 10–20 sandbags on hand. Consider door flood dams for low entries. If you have a backflow preventer, verify it operates smoothly.
• Power plan: Test your generator and cords. Portable units must run outside—never in a garage or near windows/doors.
• Documents & inventory: Photograph each room, appliances, and serial numbers; back up to the cloud. Keep IDs, insurance, and deed in a waterproof pouch.
• Emergency kit: At least 3 days of water (1 gallon/person/day), shelf-stable food, medications, pet supplies, flashlights, batteries, and phone power banks.

72–48 hours before expected impact

• Stage shutters/plywood and hardware at each opening; pre-drill if needed.
• Trim small branches near the house; secure or store furniture, grills, planters, and tools.
• Lower pool water if recommended; secure automatic cleaners.
• Test sump pumps and clear any debris from yard/curb drains.
• Refill prescriptions and top off vehicles.

24 hours before

• Install shutters/plywood. Move vehicles to higher ground if you’re in a flood-prone area.
• Sandbag low doors/garage. Elevate valuables and small appliances.
• Freeze bottles of water (they double as ice). Set fridge and freezer to their coldest settings.
• Charge devices and power banks; confirm generator placement and cord plan again.

During the storm

• Shelter in an interior room away from windows. Keep shoes on; use flashlights rather than candles.
• Run generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors and windows.

After the storm

• Photograph damage before cleanup. Watch for downed lines, gas odors, and hidden water damage.
• Start drying immediately: ventilation, fans, and dehumidifiers. Discard porous materials that were submerged.
• Document all repairs and save receipts for insurance.

Home Hardening: Where prep pays off most

1) Roof & attic

• Re-secure lifted shingles and ridge caps; reseal flashing at chimneys, vents, and valleys.
• Seal exposed nail heads. If you’re already renovating, ask about hurricane straps/clips.
• In the attic, look for pinholes of light, water stains, damp insulation, and moldy odors.

2) Siding, soffit, and fascia

• Refasten loose vinyl or wood siding; replace damaged panels and corner pieces.
• Reinforce soffit panels under eaves—wind often starts damage here.
• Prime and paint exposed wood to shed water.

3) Windows, doors, and garage doors

• Install rated shutters or use pre-cut 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood with proper fasteners.
• Replace worn weatherstripping and door sweeps; check thresholds for a tight seal.
• Add vertical bracing kits to garage doors; they’re common failure points.

4) Flood mitigation

• Sandbag or use door dams at low entries.
• Elevate appliances/air handlers in low areas; strap water heaters.
• Improve grading around the slab. Add downspout extensions or splash blocks.

5) Power & communications

• Size your generator for essentials (fridge, a few outlets, fans). Keep CO detectors with fresh batteries.
• Label a “dark power” kit (heavy-gauge cords, multi-tap, tape) and store it with the generator.

Quick, Printable Checklist

Exterior

• Roof inspected; flashing and nail heads sealed
• Loose siding/soffit/fascia repaired
• Gutters/downspouts cleared; discharge extended 4–6 ft
• Yard/curb drains cleared

Openings

• Shutters or labeled plywood for every window/door
• Weatherstripping and thresholds intact
• Garage door bracing installed

Flood Readiness

• 10–20 sandbags and/or door dams on hand
• Appliances elevated where needed
• Backflow preventer checked (if installed)

Power & Safety

• Generator tested; outdoor placement planned
• Heavy-gauge extension cords (12- or 10-gauge)
• CO detectors with fresh batteries

Docs & Supplies

• Photos/inventory backed up to the cloud
• IDs, insurance, and deed in waterproof pouch
• Water, food, meds, pet supplies, flashlights, batteries, power banks

Further Reading from Our Blog

We’ve covered shutters, sandbag placement, drainage tune-ups, and generator safety in earlier posts. Browse all hurricane tips: https://www.nohandyman.com/?s=hurricane

Need a hand before the next storm?

New Orleans Handyman can help with:

• Roof, soffit, fascia, and siding repairs
• Shutter installation or plywood cutting and labeling
• Gutter cleaning and downspout extensions
• Door seals, thresholds, and flood-barrier setup
• Generator setup (outdoor pad, cord kit, safety review)

Get help: Call us at 504-358-0399 or request service at nohandyman.com/contact.