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How Can I Prevent Water Damage During Hurricane Season?

Last updated October 20, 2026

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The short answer

Secure Your Home's Exterior

Start by inspecting your roof for loose or missing shingles and have them repaired. Clean your gutters and downspouts thoroughly to ensure they can channel heavy rain away from your foundation. Extend downspouts at least five feet from your home's base. Check all exterior doors and windows for gaps, and apply weatherstripping or caulk to seal them against driving rain.

Trim any tree branches that hang over your roof or near your home, as they can break and cause damage. Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations that could become projectiles. These steps help minimize the points where water and wind can force entry into your home.

Protect Your Home's Interior

Move valuable items, important documents, and electrical appliances off the floor, especially in basements or ground-level rooms. Use waterproof containers for critical papers and photographs. If you have area rugs, consider rolling and storing them in a closet on an upper floor. Elevate furniture on blocks if flooding is a significant risk in your area.

Identify the location of your main water shutoff valve and ensure everyone in the household knows how to use it. This can stop water flow if a pipe bursts during the storm. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from power surges that often accompany severe weather. If you have a sump pump, test it to confirm operation before severe weather is expected.

  • Move electronics and valuables to upper floors.
  • Store documents in waterproof containers or bags.
  • Know the location of your main water shutoff valve.
  • Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent surge damage.
  • Test your sump pump if you have one.
  • Elevate furniture on cement blocks in flood-prone areas.

Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan

Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a basic first-aid kit, flashlights, and batteries. Keep this kit in an easily accessible, dry location. Discuss and practice your family evacuation plan, including a designated meeting spot.

Manage Landscape and Drainage

Grade the soil around your foundation so it slopes away from your home, directing surface water elsewhere. Consider installing French drains or dry wells to manage excess groundwater. Clear debris from storm drains in the street near your property to help prevent local flooding. Proper drainage is important to handle intense rainfall and prevent flooding.

Check that window wells are clear and have covers to prevent water accumulation. Ensure any drainage ditches or swales on your property are not blocked. If you have a basement, inspect the exterior for cracks and seal them with hydraulic cement. Proper landscape management is a first line of defense against water pooling and seeping into your home's structure.

What to Do After the Storm

Once it is safe, inspect your home for water damage. Look for signs like water stains on ceilings or walls, buckling floors, or a musty odor. If you find standing water, do not enter the area if electrical hazards are present. Contact local water damage pros for a thorough inspection and to begin the drying process, which helps prevent mold.

Document all damage with photos and notes for your insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Begin removing wet items like carpets and upholstery to dry, but be cautious of hidden moisture in walls and subfloors. Acting quickly can limit secondary damage and make the restoration process more straightforward.

  • Inspect your home for leaks, stains, or standing water.
  • Document all damage with photos for insurance purposes.
  • Contact pros for a water damage inspection if needed.
  • Remove wet carpets, rugs, and furniture to dry.
  • Be cautious of electrical hazards in flooded areas.
  • Start drying processes quickly to prevent mold growth.

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Phones are answered 24/7 for San Antonio and nearby communities.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I board up my windows for every hurricane?

Boarding up windows is recommended if a hurricane with high winds is forecast for your area. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection, but pre-cut plywood is a good alternative. This prevents broken windows, which can lead to significant water intrusion and interior damage from rain and wind.

How can I protect my car from hurricane water damage?

Park your car in a garage if possible. If not, avoid parking under trees or in low-lying areas prone to flooding. Move it to the highest ground available. Using a car cover can offer minor protection from debris but will not prevent flooding damage from rising water.

What if water gets in despite my preparations?

Act quickly to remove standing water and wet materials. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. Contact local water damage pros for an inspection and professional drying. They have the equipment to address hidden moisture in walls and floors, which is important for proper repair.

Call Now (210) 761-3044