Storm Preparation and Emergency Readiness

Homeowner Summary

Severe weather events cause more than $100 billion in property damage annually in the United States. Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, winter storms, and wildfires each present distinct threats to your home, but they share a common truth: the difference between a minor inconvenience and a catastrophic loss is almost always preparation done before the event.

Storm preparation has three layers. First, hardening your home structurally to resist wind, water, and impact damage. Second, having emergency supplies and a family plan so you can sustain yourselves during and after an event. Third, knowing how to shut off your home's critical systems (gas, water, electricity) quickly and safely when the situation demands it. Each layer independently reduces risk; together they provide comprehensive protection.

This article covers preparation for the five major storm types that affect US homes, organized by threat. Every homeowner should complete the general preparation section regardless of location. The storm-specific sections apply based on your geographic risk profile.

General Storm Preparation (All Regions)

Emergency Kit (Maintain Year-Round)

Build and maintain a kit that can sustain your household for at least 72 hours without power, water, or access to stores.

• [ ] Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days minimum (family of four = 12 gallons minimum); rotate every 6 months
• [ ] Food: 3-day supply of non-perishable items requiring no cooking (canned goods with manual opener, energy bars, dried fruit, crackers, peanut butter); rotate annually
• [ ] Medications: 7-day supply of all prescription medications; rotate as prescriptions are refilled
• [ ] First aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, medical tape, scissors, tweezers, latex gloves, any personal medical supplies
• [ ] Flashlights and lanterns: LED preferred (longer battery life); at least one per family member
• [ ] Batteries: stock extras for all devices; check expiration dates annually
• [ ] Weather radio: NOAA battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio ($20-$50)
• [ ] Phone chargers: portable battery banks (10,000+ mAh) fully charged; car charger as backup
• [ ] Cash: $200-$500 in small bills (ATMs and card readers fail during power outages)
• [ ] Important documents: copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records, home deed in a waterproof bag or container; store digital copies in the cloud
• [ ] Blankets and warm clothing: even in summer, power outages can make nights cold; emergency mylar blankets as minimum
• [ ] Tools: multi-tool, duct tape, plastic sheeting, rope, work gloves
• [ ] Sanitation: garbage bags, moist towelettes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper
• [ ] Pet supplies: food, water, medications, carrier, leash for 3 days
• [ ] Fire extinguisher: ABC-rated, accessible location; check pressure gauge annually

Shutoff Procedures (Know Before You Need Them)

Every member of your household over age 12 should know the location and operation of these shutoffs. Practice operating them at least once per year.

Water Main Shutoff

• Location: typically in the basement or crawlspace where the water line enters the house, or at the meter near the street
• Operation: turn the valve clockwise (righty-tighty) until fully closed; ball valves require a quarter-turn; gate valves require multiple turns
• When to shut off: before evacuating for any storm, when a pipe bursts, when flooding is imminent
• Tag the valve with a bright label so anyone can find it quickly
• Keep a meter key (available at hardware stores for $10-$15) near the front door if your shutoff is at the street meter

Gas Shutoff

• Location: the main gas shutoff is at the gas meter (exterior), usually a valve on the inlet pipe; secondary shutoffs are at each gas appliance
• Operation: use a wrench to turn the valve a quarter turn so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe (closed position); keep a dedicated wrench strapped to the meter
• When to shut off: if you smell gas (rotten egg odor), during an earthquake, before evacuating for a wildfire
• CRITICAL: once you shut off the gas, do NOT turn it back on yourself — only the gas company should restore gas service (they must check for leaks and re-light pilots)
• If you smell gas: do not operate any electrical switches (including light switches), do not use your phone inside the house, leave immediately, and call the gas company from outside

Electrical Main Shutoff

• Location: the main breaker is in the electrical panel (breaker box), usually in the garage, basement, or utility room
• Operation: flip the main breaker to the OFF position; it is the largest breaker at the top or bottom of the panel
• When to shut off: during flooding (before water reaches electrical outlets or the panel), if wiring is damaged, before generator connection
• CRITICAL: never touch the electrical panel while standing in water or on a wet floor
• Label every circuit in the breaker panel so you can selectively shut off circuits without turning off the entire house

Insurance Documentation

• [ ] Photograph or video every room in your home, including closets, garages, and storage areas; update annually and after major purchases
• [ ] Create a home inventory with estimated values for major items (furniture, electronics, appliances, jewelry, tools); use a spreadsheet or home inventory app
• [ ] Store documentation off-site — cloud storage, email to yourself, or a safe deposit box; copies in the home will be destroyed in the same event that creates the claim
• [ ] Review your insurance policy annually — verify coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements
• [ ] Understand what is NOT covered by standard homeowners insurance: flood damage (requires FEMA NFIP or private flood policy), earthquake damage (requires separate policy), sewer backup (requires endorsement), wind damage in some coastal areas (may require separate wind policy)
• [ ] Know your deductibles — hurricane deductibles are often percentage-based (1-5% of insured value) rather than flat dollar amounts
• [ ] Document pre-existing conditions — if your roof has minor issues or your basement occasionally seeps, document it now so it does not complicate future claims

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Hurricane Preparation (Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, Hawaii)

Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Peak activity occurs August through October. Preparation must be complete before the first threat, not during it.

Structural Hardening

• [ ] Hurricane shutters or impact windows: install permanent hurricane shutters ($15-$25 per sq ft) or impact-resistant windows ($40-$55 per sq ft); plywood is an acceptable temporary alternative (3/4-inch CDX, pre-cut and labeled for each window, $10-$20 per sheet)
• [ ] Roof inspection: verify all shingles are secure, flashing is intact, and ridge caps are in place; consider hurricane straps/clips if not already installed ($5-$10 per clip, $1,500-$3,000 to retrofit a whole roof)
• [ ] Garage door reinforcement: the garage door is the most vulnerable opening in a hurricane; install a bracing kit ($200-$500) or upgrade to a wind-rated door ($750-$2,000)
• [ ] Secure the entry doors: verify deadbolts engage fully; install 3-inch screws in door hinge plates (replacing the standard 3/4-inch screws) for $5 and 10 minutes of work
• [ ] Trim trees: remove dead branches and thin canopy density to reduce wind resistance; remove trees with significant lean toward the house
• [ ] Check the roof-to-wall connection: a continuous load path from the roof through the walls to the foundation is the most critical structural element in hurricane resistance

Pre-Storm Actions (48-72 Hours Before Landfall)

• [ ] Install hurricane shutters or plywood on all windows and glass doors
• [ ] Bring in or secure all outdoor items — furniture, grills, planters, trash cans, decorations, trampolines; anything not anchored becomes a projectile in 100+ mph winds
• [ ] Fill the bathtub with water for flushing toilets and cleaning if water service is interrupted
• [ ] Fill vehicles with gas — gas stations lose power and supply runs out quickly before a storm
• [ ] Withdraw cash — ATMs and card systems will be down
• [ ] Charge all devices — phones, battery banks, laptops, weather radio
• [ ] Set the refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold — a full freezer maintains safe temperatures for 48 hours if the door stays closed; a full refrigerator maintains for 24 hours
• [ ] Turn off propane tanks
• [ ] Move vehicles into the garage or away from trees
• [ ] Know your evacuation zone and route — if ordered to evacuate, leave immediately

After the Storm

• [ ] Do not return home until authorities say it is safe
• [ ] Document all damage with photos and video before any cleanup — insurance adjusters need to see the original damage
• [ ] Do not enter a flooded home until power is confirmed off at the panel or at the utility pole
• [ ] Avoid downed power lines — assume they are live; report to the utility company
• [ ] Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to file a claim
• [ ] Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (tarps on the roof, boarding broken windows) — save receipts; these are reimbursable
• [ ] Do not run a generator indoors — carbon monoxide from generators kills more people in hurricanes than the wind itself

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Tornado Preparation (Tornado Alley, Dixie Alley, Nationwide)

Tornadoes can occur anywhere in the US, but risk is highest in the central and southeastern states from March through June. Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes provide minutes of warning, not days.

Structural Preparation

• [ ] Identify your safe room — an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows: closet, bathroom, or under a staircase; a basement is ideal
• [ ] Consider installing a safe room or storm shelter — above-ground safe rooms ($3,000-$8,000) or below-ground storm shelters ($2,500-$10,000); FEMA P-320 and P-361 provide design standards; grants may be available
• [ ] Reinforce the garage door — same as hurricane prep; the garage door is the weakest link
• [ ] Secure the water heater with straps to prevent tipping
• [ ] Store emergency supplies in the safe room — flashlight, shoes (for walking through debris), helmet or bike helmet, weather radio, phone charger

When a Tornado Warning Is Issued

• [ ] Go to your safe room immediately — bring your phone, shoes, and a pillow or blanket to protect your head
• [ ] Put on shoes — tornado aftermath involves broken glass, nails, and debris
• [ ] Protect your head and neck — get under a sturdy table or mattress; cover with a blanket
• [ ] Do not open windows — this is a myth; it wastes critical time and does not reduce damage
• [ ] If caught outside: lie flat in the lowest area available (ditch, depression); cover your head; do not shelter under an overpass (wind accelerates through the opening)
• [ ] If in a mobile home: leave immediately and go to the nearest permanent structure or storm shelter; mobile homes provide no tornado protection regardless of anchoring

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Severe Thunderstorm Preparation (Nationwide)

Severe thunderstorms (winds exceeding 58 mph, hail 1 inch or larger, or tornado potential) cause more cumulative property damage than tornadoes. They are common nationwide from spring through fall.

Preparation

• [ ] Trim dead branches and remove dead trees — wind and ice loading bring down weakened trees and branches, which cause the majority of thunderstorm property damage
• [ ] Secure outdoor items when storms are forecast — anything that can become airborne in 60 mph winds
• [ ] Install surge protectors on major electronics ($30-$50 each) and consider a whole-home surge protector at the electrical panel ($200-$500 installed)
• [ ] Unplug sensitive electronics when severe storms are imminent — surge protectors help but do not provide 100% protection against a direct or nearby lightning strike
• [ ] Clear gutters and drains — severe thunderstorms can dump 1-3 inches of rain in under an hour; clogged gutters overflow and cause foundation flooding
• [ ] Know the difference: a watch means conditions are favorable for severe weather; a warning means severe weather has been detected or is imminent — take action immediately during a warning

During the Storm

• [ ] Stay indoors, away from windows
• [ ] Avoid plumbing and electrical — do not shower, bathe, or use wired electronics during active lightning
• [ ] If hail is occurring: move vehicles into the garage if you can do so safely; move away from windows with skylights
• [ ] After the storm: check the roof, siding, and windows for hail damage; document with photos; hail damage may not be obvious from the ground

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Winter Storm Preparation (Northern US, Mountain West)

Winter storms bring the combination of extreme cold, heavy snow, ice accumulation, and power outages that together create the most sustained threat to homes.

Preparation

• [ ] Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas — unheated crawlspaces, garages, exterior walls; see the Winter Checklist for detailed guidance
• [ ] Stock winter-specific supplies: ice melt (50 lb bag minimum), sand or kitty litter for traction, snow shovels, roof rake
• [ ] Prepare for extended power outages: the average winter storm power outage lasts 1-3 days; some last 1-2 weeks
• [ ] Have alternative heat sources: a fireplace with adequate firewood (at least 1 cord for extended emergencies), a portable propane heater rated for indoor use (with CO detector), or a generator (see generator safety below)
• [ ] Insulate the garage door if the garage contains plumbing or connects to heated living space ($100-$200 for a DIY kit)
• [ ] Pre-position vehicles: fill gas tanks before the storm; park in the garage if possible
• [ ] Verify the sump pump and backup battery are operational — ice storms and rapid snowmelt can cause basement flooding

During the Storm

• [ ] Keep the thermostat at 65 degrees F (18 degrees C) minimum — resist the temptation to lower it significantly to save fuel; the risk of frozen pipes outweighs the savings
• [ ] Open interior doors to allow heat to circulate throughout the house
• [ ] If power fails: close off unused rooms to conserve heat in the occupied space; hang blankets over doorways; move to the smallest interior room with the fewest windows
• [ ] Drip faucets on exterior walls if temperatures drop below 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C)
• [ ] Do not use the oven or gas stove for heating — CO risk and fire hazard
• [ ] Monitor for ice dam formation — if heavy snow sits on the roof for days followed by a warming trend, ice dams are likely

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Wildfire Preparation (Western US, Southeast, Wildland-Urban Interface)

Wildfire risk is increasing across the US, with the wildland-urban interface (WUI) expanding as development pushes into forested and grassland areas. Wildfires move fast — evacuation may come with minutes of warning.

Defensible Space (Permanent Preparation)

• [ ] Zone 0 (0-5 feet from the house): use non-combustible materials only — gravel, stone, concrete; no bark mulch, no plants, no combustible fencing or trellises attached to the house
• [ ] Zone 1 (5-30 feet): keep grass mowed to 4 inches or less; remove dead vegetation; space trees so canopies do not touch each other or the house; remove branches within 6 feet of the ground (ladder fuel reduction)
• [ ] Zone 2 (30-100 feet): thin trees and brush to create space between clusters; remove dead trees and brush piles; keep firewood at least 30 feet from any structure
• [ ] Clean the roof and gutters of leaves and needles — embers travel miles ahead of the fire front; dry debris on the roof is the primary ignition path
• [ ] Screen vents and eaves with 1/8-inch metal mesh to prevent ember entry into the attic and crawlspace
• [ ] Use fire-resistant roofing (Class A: metal, tile, asphalt composition) — wood shake roofs are the highest fire risk
• [ ] Enclose under-deck areas to prevent ember accumulation; use non-combustible screening
• [ ] Install ember-resistant vents over attic, soffit, and crawlspace openings

When Wildfire Threatens (Pre-Evacuation)

• [ ] Close all windows, doors, and vents to prevent ember entry
• [ ] Shut off the gas at the meter
• [ ] Move combustible furniture away from windows — radiant heat can ignite items inside through glass
• [ ] Connect garden hoses and fill any available containers (pools, trash cans, buckets) with water
• [ ] Leave exterior lights on and interior lights on so firefighters can see the house through smoke
• [ ] Open the garage door for firefighter access (if not evacuating immediately)
• [ ] Place a ladder against the house for firefighter roof access
• [ ] Take your go-bag — essential documents, medications, phone chargers, clothing for 3 days, pet supplies
• [ ] When ordered to evacuate, leave immediately — do not wait to see the fire; people die trying to save homes

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Generator Safety

Generators save homes during extended power outages but are responsible for approximately 70 carbon monoxide deaths per year in the United States.

Portable Generator ($500-$2,500)

• [ ] Never operate indoors, in a garage, or under a carport — run outdoors at least 20 feet (6 m) from any window, door, or vent with the exhaust pointing away from the house
• [ ] Use heavy-duty outdoor-rated extension cords (12 AWG minimum for most loads; 10 AWG for higher loads) — never connect a portable generator directly to household wiring without a transfer switch
• [ ] Do not overfuel while running — shut off the generator and let it cool for 5 minutes before refueling; gasoline on a hot engine is an explosion hazard
• [ ] Store fuel safely in approved containers in a ventilated outdoor area, away from the house and any ignition source
• [ ] Run the generator under load for 30 minutes monthly to keep it operational — stale fuel is the number one cause of generator failure when you need it
• [ ] Do not backfeed the electrical panel — connecting a generator to a wall outlet without a transfer switch sends power into utility lines, electrocuting line workers and damaging your equipment; this is also illegal

Standby Generator ($3,000-$15,000 Installed)

• [ ] Professional installation required — includes an automatic transfer switch, gas line connection, and compliance with NEC 702 and local codes
• [ ] Run a weekly self-test (most standby generators do this automatically)
• [ ] Schedule annual professional maintenance ($150-$300) — includes oil change, filter replacement, battery test, and operational check
• [ ] Verify fuel supply — natural gas is continuous; propane tanks should be maintained at least 50% full during storm season

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Warning Signs

These signs during or after a storm indicate urgent or emergency situations:

• Gas odor anywhere in or near the home (evacuate immediately, call the gas company from outside)
• Water entering the home through walls, ceiling, or foundation (shut off electricity to affected areas at the breaker panel if safe to do so)
• Sparking or buzzing from electrical panels, outlets, or wires (shut off the main breaker and call an electrician)
• Structural cracking sounds, sagging roof, or leaning walls (evacuate and call emergency services)
• Standing water near the electrical panel or any electrical equipment (do not enter the area; call the utility company)
• Carbon monoxide detector alarm (evacuate immediately, call 911)
• Downed power lines anywhere on or near the property (stay at least 35 feet away; call the utility company)

Pro Detail

Dealer Upsell Opportunities: Storm Prep

Storm preparation creates high-urgency, high-value sales opportunities. The emotional weight of protecting one's family makes storm prep purchases less price-sensitive.

| Service | Typical Price | Closing Rate | Notes | |---------|--------------|-------------|-------| | Standby generator installation | $3,000-$15,000 | Medium-high | Sell pre-season; post-outage close rate is very high | | Whole-home surge protector | $200-$500 | High | Easy add-on during any electrical work | | Hurricane shutter installation | $1,500-$5,000 | Medium | Seasonal urgency in coastal markets | | Impact window upgrade | $5,000-$15,000+ | Medium | Long selling cycle; ROI + insurance discount pitch | | Sump pump + battery backup | $500-$1,500 | High | Sell after any flooding event | | Roof reinforcement (hurricane clips) | $1,500-$3,000 | Medium | Insurance discount may offset 30-50% of cost | | Tree removal/trimming | $200-$2,000 | High | Pre-storm urgency and post-storm necessity | | Water leak sensors | $50-$200 per sensor | High | Low cost, high perceived value |

Storm Season Strategy: Dealers in storm-prone regions should run pre-season preparedness campaigns (May for hurricane zones, March for tornado zones, October for winter storm zones). Position the dealer as the homeowner's trusted partner in storm preparedness, not just a repair service.

Code & Compliance

• Generator installations must comply with NEC 702 (optional standby systems) and local amendments; transfer switch required for all permanent and most temporary installations
• Hurricane shutters and impact windows may be required by local building code in high-wind zones (ASCE 7 wind speed maps; Miami-Dade NOA certification in South Florida)
• Garage door wind ratings: Florida Building Code requires garage doors to resist specific wind pressures based on wind zone; many other coastal jurisdictions have similar requirements
• Safe room construction must comply with FEMA P-320 (residential) or FEMA P-361 (community) standards to qualify for FEMA grants
• Defensible space requirements are law in many WUI jurisdictions (California PRC 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space; similar statutes in Colorado, Oregon, and other western states)

Cost Guide

| Item | Cost Range | Notes | |------|-----------|-------| | Emergency kit (complete, family of 4) | $200-$400 | Refresh annually | | Portable generator | $500-$2,500 | Size depends on loads to be powered | | Standby generator (installed) | $3,000-$15,000 | Includes transfer switch and gas connection | | Hurricane shutters (whole home) | $1,500-$5,000 | Accordion or roll-down styles | | Impact windows (whole home) | $5,000-$15,000+ | May reduce insurance premiums 10-30% | | Plywood (temporary window protection) | $10-$20 per sheet | Pre-cut and label for each window | | Sump pump + battery backup | $500-$1,500 | Essential for basements in flood zones | | Whole-home surge protector | $200-$500 | Installed at the main panel | | Storm shelter (below-ground) | $2,500-$10,000 | FEMA grants may be available | | Defensible space clearing | $500-$3,000 | Annual maintenance required |

Energy Impact

Storm preparation has limited direct energy impact during normal operations. However, the following items affect long-term energy performance:

• Impact windows reduce solar heat gain and air infiltration year-round, improving cooling efficiency by 10-25% in hot climates
• Whole-home surge protectors prevent damage to HVAC control boards, which are expensive to replace ($200-$800) and can leave the home without heating or cooling until repaired
• Standby generators consume fuel during extended outages: natural gas at approximately $5-$15 per day of continuous operation; propane at 2-3 gallons per hour under load
• Post-storm repairs that involve insulation replacement provide an opportunity to upgrade insulation levels, improving long-term energy efficiency

Shipshape Integration

SAM provides end-to-end storm management, from pre-season preparation through post-event recovery:

• Weather monitoring: SAM continuously monitors NWS (National Weather Service) forecasts and alerts for the home's location. When severe weather is forecast, SAM sends escalating notifications — 72-hour awareness, 48-hour preparation checklist, and 24-hour action alerts — each customized to the storm type and the home's specific vulnerabilities.
• Storm-specific checklists: Based on the home's location, construction type, and historical risk profile, SAM generates a customized storm preparation checklist. A coastal Florida home gets hurricane-specific items; a home in Oklahoma gets tornado prep; a Vermont home gets winter storm guidance.
• Shutoff location tracking: SAM stores the location and type of every shutoff in the home (water main, gas meter, electrical panel), verified during the initial home assessment. During emergencies, the homeowner can access this information instantly in the app, even offline.
• Post-storm damage assessment: After a storm event, SAM prompts the homeowner through a guided exterior and interior inspection, capturing photos tied to specific areas of the home. This documentation feeds directly into insurance claims and dealer service requests.
• Dealer emergency dispatch: During significant storm events, SAM prioritizes dealer dispatch based on customer risk level (older homes, homes with known vulnerabilities, homes where sensor data indicates possible damage). The dealer receives a prioritized customer list with context for each home.
• Insurance claim support: SAM provides pre-storm documentation (home condition photos, equipment inventories, maintenance history) that supports insurance claims. Post-storm, SAM can generate a damage summary report suitable for submission to insurers.
• Home Health Score: Storm preparedness contributes to the Home Health Score. Homes with documented generator maintenance, current shutoff verification, and completed seasonal storm prep checklists score higher. The score helps dealers identify customers who need pre-season outreach.