Hurricane Season Prep for Homeowners

Hurricane Season Prep for Baton Rouge Homeowners: What to Do Before the Storm

Baton Rouge sits inland, but hurricanes still bring high winds, heavy rain, flooding, and long power outages. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Here’s how to protect your home and your finances.

Why Hurricane Prep Matters in Baton Rouge

• Wind and fallen trees: Mature trees add value to a neighborhood, but they can damage roofs, fences, and power lines.
• Flooding: Heavy rain can flood homes outside high-risk zones, and standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it.
• Power outages: Outages can last days after a major storm, which affects food, medicine, and comfort in the heat.
• Insurance and resale: A well-maintained, well-documented home is easier to insure, easier to repair, and easier to sell.

Protect Your Home Before Storm Season

• Roof: Check for missing or lifted shingles, damaged flashing, and worn seals. Repair small problems before they become leaks.
• Trees: Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines, and remove dead limbs.
• Gutters and drainage: Clear gutters and downspouts, and make sure water drains away from the foundation.
• Windows and doors: Check seals and locks, and confirm shutters or plywood covers fit.
• Yard: Secure or store patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and anything that can become a projectile.
• Generator: Test it, store fuel safely, and never run it indoors or in a garage.

Review Your Insurance Early

Policies change, and insurers often limit new coverage when a storm is approaching. Review your coverage before you need it:

• Homeowners policy: Confirm your coverage limits and whether the policy has a separate wind or hurricane deductible, which is often a percentage of your home’s insured value.
• Flood insurance: Flood damage is not covered by a standard policy. Flood policies usually have a waiting period before they take effect, so don’t wait for a storm to buy one.
• Replacement cost: Make sure your coverage reflects current rebuilding costs, which have risen.
• Contents coverage: Ask what’s covered and what’s excluded.

Get Your Paperwork and Supplies Ready

• Documents: Keep copies of your insurance policies, mortgage papers, IDs, and the deed in a waterproof bag or secure cloud folder.
• Home inventory: Photograph or video each room, plus major appliances and valuables.
• Emergency kit: Water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, medications, phone chargers, and pet supplies.
• Cash and fuel: Power outages can take card readers and gas pumps offline.
• Evacuation plan: Know your route, your destination, and where you’ll go with pets.

If a Storm Is Coming

• Fill your gas tank and withdraw some cash.
• Bring in outdoor items and secure what can’t be moved.
• Charge phones and backup batteries.
• Take photos of your home’s condition as it is now.
• Follow local officials’ guidance on evacuations.

After the Storm

• Wait until it’s safe, then photograph all damage before you clean up.
• Contact your insurance company promptly and keep receipts for temporary repairs.
• Stay away from downed power lines and standing water.
• Be careful hiring contractors. Verify licensing, get written estimates, and avoid paying in full upfront.

Buying or Selling During Hurricane Season?

• Buyers: Check the flood zone, get insurance quotes before you make an offer, ask about the roof’s age and any past storm damage, and review the seller’s disclosures.
• Sellers: Keep repair records, roof and drainage maintenance, and any insurance claim history organized. Buyers will ask, and clear answers build trust.

Buying or selling in Baton Rouge? The Houk Group can help you understand flood zones, insurance considerations, and how storm readiness affects the value of a home.

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