General information, not legal, engineering or insurance advice.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, and storms sometimes form outside those dates. The time between a forecast and landfall can be short, so the best preparation happens early. This checklist focuses on your roof, windows and doors, plus the basics every Louisiana household needs.
Source: Tropical Cyclone Climatology, NOAA.
Before the season (spring)
Roof
- From the ground or with binoculars, look for missing, curling or damaged shingles, loose flashing and sagging areas. Leave climbing to a professional.
- Clean gutters and downspouts so heavy rain can drain away from the house.
- If your roof is near the end of its life, plan a replacement before the season rather than after a storm, when roofers are busiest. Ask about building it to the FORTIFIED Roof standard; see our FORTIFIED roof guide.
Windows, doors and shutters
- Storm panels: count them, check each one is labeled for its opening, and make sure all hardware is present. Do a practice install on at least one large opening.
- Accordion and roll-down shutters: close and open every shutter. Clean tracks, test locks and motors, and know how the manual override works.
- Impact windows and doors: check that latches and locks work, weatherstripping is intact and drainage holes aren't blocked.
- Garage door: find out whether it is wind-rated. If you have a bracing kit, make sure you know how to install it.
- Upgrades: if you plan to add protection, start now. Contractors get busier and lead times longer once a storm threatens.
Paperwork and insurance
- Review your homeowners policy: know your hurricane or named-storm deductible and what's covered.
- Standard homeowners policies don't cover flood. FEMA says there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new National Flood Insurance Program policy takes effect, so don't wait for a storm. Source: Flood Insurance, FEMA.
- Photograph or video every room and the exterior for an insurance inventory. Store copies online.
- Keep roofing and window contracts, permits, product documentation and any FORTIFIED certificate together, with copies stored online.
Household plan
- Find out whether you live in an evacuation area and decide where you would go. Your parish emergency preparedness office (listed by GOHSEP) is the best local source.
- Build a supply kit: water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery or hand-crank radio, first-aid kit, chargers and cash.
- Plan for pets, and for anyone who needs medical equipment or extra help.
- Trim trees and remove dead branches near the house and roof.
When a storm is forecast
- Follow official forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and instructions from your parish officials.
- Put up panels and close shutters early. Don't wait for the wind; installing panels on a ladder in gusts is dangerous.
- Protect every opening, including sliding glass doors. Taping windows does not prevent breakage.
- Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, grills, planters and anything that could become debris.
- Fill vehicles with fuel, charge devices and refill prescriptions.
- Check road conditions on 511LA before you travel. If you're told to evacuate, go.
After the storm
- Stay off the roads until officials say they're clear, and avoid downed power lines and floodwater.
- Generators: never run one inside a home, basement or garage. The CDC says not to run one less than 20 feet from any window, door or vent. Source: CDC.
- Photograph damage before cleanup, make temporary repairs (such as tarping a damaged roof) to prevent further damage, and keep receipts.
- Leave shutters closed until the threat has passed, then remove panels so you have an exit in case of fire.
- Beware of storm chasers. Verify any contractor's license on the LSLBC contractor search before you sign or pay, and never pay in full upfront. See our hiring guide.
End of season
- Clean and store panels and hardware, labeled, in a dry place.
- Note anything that was hard to install or missing so you can fix it before next June.
- Consider whether a stronger roof or full-time opening protection would make next season easier. See impact windows vs. storm shutters.