Here's something I learned the hard way: the stuff that does the most damage to a house in a storm often isn't the storm itself. It's the patio chair that becomes a battering ram, the clogged gutter that sends water into the walls, or the low spot in the yard that turns into a pond right next to the foundation.
The good news is that most of this is fixable with a free weekend and a few trips to the hardware store. I split my list into two parts: the things to do early in the season, and the things to do when a storm is actually headed our way.
Early season (do these in May or June)
Trees and shrubs
- Walk your property and look up. Dead branches, limbs hanging over the house, and trees leaning toward the roof or power lines are the big ones.
- Trim early, not the week of a storm. Once a hurricane is on the way, yard debris pickup usually stops, and those piles of branches on the curb become projectiles.
- Thin dense canopies so wind can pass through instead of catching the tree like a sail.
- Leave anything near power lines alone. That's a job for the utility.
If a tree looks sick or hollow, get it assessed before it becomes a problem.
Gutters and downspouts
Gutters are the quiet workhorses of storm season. When they're clogged, water spills over the edge right at the foundation, or backs up under the eaves.
- Clear out leaves, seed pods and the little forest that tends to sprout in Florida gutters.
- Flush each downspout with a hose to make sure water flows freely.
- Check that gutters are firmly attached and not sagging.
- Add downspout extensions or splash blocks so water lands several feet away from the house, not right against it.
If you have screens or guards, check that they haven't trapped a layer of debris on top.
Grading and drainage
Next time it rains hard, grab an umbrella and walk outside. Seriously. It's the best drainage inspection you'll ever do.
Watch for:
- Water pooling against the foundation or slab
- Puddles that linger more than a day
- Soil that slopes toward the house instead of away from it
- Swales or ditches that are overgrown or filled in
Fill low spots near the house with soil so the ground slopes away. Clear out swales and side-yard drainage paths. If you have a French drain or yard drain, run a hose into it and make sure water comes out the other end.
Make a "bring it in" list
Walk the yard with your phone and make a list of everything that will need to come inside or get tied down. Having the list ready saves a lot of wandering around in the wind later. Snap a few photos of your yard, fence and exterior while you're at it. They're handy for insurance if something gets damaged.
Storm week (when you're in the cone)
Once a storm is forecast to affect your area, the clock starts. Keep an eye on the National Hurricane Center for the latest track and preparedness info, and work through this list.
Secure or bring inside
- Patio furniture, cushions and umbrellas
- Grills and propane tanks (store tanks upright, outdoors, secured, and never inside the house or garage)
- Potted plants and hanging baskets
- Kids' toys, bikes and trampolines
- Trash and recycling bins
- Garden decor, wind chimes, bird feeders
- Loose pavers, fencing pieces or building materials
Trampolines and swing sets are worth special attention. If you can't take them down, anchor them firmly or flip and strap them.
Gutters, one more time
Give gutters and downspouts a quick check after any recent wind or rain. One clump of leaves over a downspout can undo all your earlier work.
Storm drains
If there's a storm drain on your street, clear leaves and debris off the grate (from the curb, never by stepping into flowing water). Clogged street drains are one of the main reasons neighborhoods flood during heavy rain.
Pool prep
- Don't drain the pool. An empty pool can be damaged or even lifted by groundwater pressure. Leaving the water in is generally recommended. Some people lower the level slightly to allow for rain.
- Turn off power to the pump, heater and lights at the breaker.
- Add extra chlorine to help keep the water from turning green if power is out for a while.
- Remove pool covers that could blow off, plus loose pool toys and equipment.
Around the house
- Close and lock gates so they don't swing and break.
- Park cars in the garage or away from trees.
- Get shutters or panels up if you use them. (Still deciding? Here's my take on shutters vs. impact windows.)
- Put sandbags or barriers at low entry points if your home is prone to flooding.
- Know whether you're in an evacuation zone. Florida's Know Your Zone lookup makes it easy.
After the storm passes
Once it's safe, walk the yard again. Look for:
- Downed limbs, especially ones resting on lines (stay away and report them)
- Debris clogging gutters and downspouts
- Areas of standing water near the foundation
- Damage to fences, sheds and screens
Photograph everything before you start cleaning up, then get gutters and drains flowing again so the next rain doesn't add to the damage. For the rest of the house, see what to do in the first 48 hours after a storm.
My lazy-person shortcut
If all of this feels like a lot, prioritize. In my experience, the three things that matter most are:
- Nothing loose in the yard.
- Gutters and downspouts flowing, with water directed away from the house.
- Trees trimmed back from the roof and windows.
Get those done and you've already handled most of the damage your yard can cause. Everything else is a bonus.
Sources
This guide is general information only, not legal or insurance advice. Policies and rules change, so check your own policy documents and current official guidance for your situation.