Getting Your Home Ready for Hurricane Season: 2024 Checklist

TL;DR: Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, and most storm damage claims trace back to three preventable issues: loose roofing, clogged gutters, and unprotected windows. Spend a weekend and roughly $150-$400 on inspection and small fixes now, and you cut your odds of a five-figure repair bill later.

_Last reviewed: August 2026 · 7 min read_

Hurricane warnings give you days, sometimes just hours, and by then it's too late to fix a loose shingle or a clogged downspout. The good news is that most storm damage comes from a short list of preventable weak points, and you can check every one of them in a single weekend.

Okoniq Property Hub logs your seasonal inspections and repair dates in one place, so when a claim adjuster asks "when was this last checked," you have the answer instead of a guess.

Is your roof actually ready for 100+ mph winds?

Your roof is ready if every shingle is nailed flat, flashing is sealed, and there are no soft spots when you press on the decking from the attic. Wind uplift starts at the edges and ridgeline, so a shingle that's curling or lifting even slightly at a corner can peel back an entire section once sustained winds hit 75 mph or higher.

Walk your yard with binoculars before the season starts and look for granule loss, missing shingles, or rusted flashing around chimneys and vents. If your roof is past 15 years old, get a professional check rather than guessing from the ground. The same roof maintenance jobs people skip every fall matter even more heading into hurricane season, since a roof that's already aging fast has less margin against wind and rain.

Are your gutters and drains actually moving water away from the house?

They're working if water flows freely through downspouts and drains at least 5 feet from your foundation during a normal rain. Hurricanes can dump 6 to 12 inches of rain in a day, and clogged gutters send that water straight down your siding and into your foundation instead of away from it.

Clear leaves and debris from gutters and check that extensions point away from the house before June 1. If you've noticed pooling near your foundation after regular storms, it's worth fixing now: see 5 drainage jobs people forget before rainy season for the full list. Also check for signs water is getting behind your gutters, since that's a slower leak that hurricane rain volumes will expose fast.

Should you board up windows, or is impact glass worth the cost?

Plywood works if it's at least 5/8-inch thick, cut to fit, and anchored with lag screws into studs, not just the window frame. Impact-rated glass or accordion shutters cost more upfront but eliminate the yearly scramble and add resale value, especially in coastal markets where buyers ask about it directly.

| Option | Upfront Cost | Setup Time | Reusable | |---|---|---|---| | Plywood panels | $150-$300 for a typical home | 3-5 hours per storm | Yes, if stored dry | | Permanent shutters | $2,500-$7,000 installed | Minutes, crank or slide | Yes, indefinitely |

Whichever route you take, do it before a watch is issued. Hardware stores sell out of plywood and screws within hours once a storm is named.

What should be in your home's storm-prep kit besides plywood?

A complete kit includes a battery or generator backup, sealed documents, and a way to secure anything outside that could become a projectile. Patio furniture, grills, and potted plants turn into hazards in 60+ mph gusts, so bring them indoors or strap them down.

Test your generator monthly, not just in June, and keep it running on a 30-day fuel supply if you're in a high-risk coastal zone. For the inside of the house, a few security upgrades under $100 — like a video doorbell or smart lock — also help if you need to evacuate and check on the property remotely.

FAQ

When does hurricane season officially start?

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity typically between mid-August and late October.

How much does basic hurricane prep cost?

A homeowner spending on plywood, gutter cleaning, and a roof inspection typically pays $150 to $400 total, far less than the average wind-damage claim, which NOAA data shows often exceeds $10,000.

Do I need flood insurance if I already have homeowners insurance?

Yes, standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage, and FEMA requires separate flood insurance for homes in designated high-risk zones with a federally backed mortgage.

How often should I inspect my roof before storm season?

Check it at least once in early spring before June 1, then again after any major storm during the season to catch small damage before it worsens.

What's the single most common storm damage claim?

Wind-driven rain intrusion through roofs and window seals is the most common cause, usually starting from a small gap that widens once sustained wind and rain hit it directly.

This is educational information, not construction or insurance advice. Talk to a licensed contractor for structural work and your insurance agent about flood and wind coverage specific to your zone.