Protect your home and loved ones with this 3-day preparation timeline adapted from Liberty Mutual Insurance.
3 Days Before the Storm
- Inventory your home, garage, and any out-buildings. Document all of your possessions for insurance purposes.
- Hire a tree service to cut down loose or weak branches from trees or plants surrounding your home.
- Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts. Clear any clogs and remove debris to prevent water damage.
- Seal up holes around the home where wind, pipes, or electrical cables enter.
- Check the roof for loose or worn shingles. Replace as needed. Consider removing satellite dishes.
- If you have a pool, uncover it and cut power to the pool equipment.
- Make sure your car’s gas tank is full and the tires are properly inflated.
2 Days Before the Storm
- Cover outdoor electrical outlets with duct tape.
- Move patio furniture, garbage cans, recreational equipment, and loose debris indoors.
- Stock up the car with emergency supplies, blankets, and a change of clothes for everyone in your home. View our Top 10 Emergency Supply List here.
- Deploy your Volusia County hurricane shutters.
- Reinforce doors with 6-inch surface bolts and board up any sliding glass doors with storm-proof shutters.
1 Day Before the Storm
- Fill bathtubs, buckets, and sinks with water for cleaning and flushing toilets.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting and avoid opening them too often.
- Move vehicles into the garage or sheltered parking area.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Unplug small appliances.
Less Than 24 Hours Before the Storm
- Keep your cell phone fully charged. Get a portable USB battery pack and fully charge it just in case the power goes out.
- Listen to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for weather and storm updates in your area.
- Check that all hurricane shutters are secured. Stay away from windows.
- Prepare your backup generator – just in case.
