Tips to Help Homeowners Prepare for New England’s Hurricane Season
- When hurricane season arrives and what to expect.
- How to create a hurricane safety plan with your family.
- How to protect your home and property from hurricane damage.
- Recommended ways to stay safe and informed during hurricane season.
- How the Bearingstar team can provide support throughout hurricane season.
Severe storms hit our area all the time, but not many of them are a match for the strength and breadth of a hurricane. These forces of nature typically span at least 300 miles and arrive with sustained winds of 157 mph or more. Even communities a good distance from the eye of the hurricane are likely to get hit with powerful gusts and heavy rainfall if a hurricane is in their vicinity. Not to mention that these wicked storms frequently change their speed and path as they develop. So, before one of these large weather systems is actually heading in your direction, the Bearingstar team wants to provide some tips and information on preparing and protecting your home and family against these massive property threats. From how to create a hurricane safety plan with your family to the steps you can take to safeguard your home, we share some important—and relatively easy—actions that may help you head into hurricane season with confidence and peace of mind.
When is Hurricane Season in MA and CT, and What Should You Expect?
Unlike the fleeting days of summer here in New England, the Atlantic hurricane season seems to go on and on, for six long months from June 1 to November 30. While a full-strength hurricane obviously poses the most serious threat, according to the National Weather Center, so-called “weaker systems”—classified as tropical storms or depressions—can also leave behind significant damage due to high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, flooding, and more. In the aftermath of any of this extreme weather, homeowners can face a multitude of property issues, including downed trees, extended power outages, water-soaked basements, broken windows, and missing shingles and siding.
How Do You Create a Hurricane Safety Plan for Your Family?
When a hurricane is on the way, there’s often little time to react. That’s why having a plan in place before a storm forms can make all the difference for your safety. Think of it as creating a roadmap that helps you stay calm and prepared, no matter what the forecast brings. We gathered the following tips from the American Red Cross and Ready.gov to help you start building your comprehensive hurricane safety plan:
- Put together a home emergency kit. In the days leading up to and following a major storm, basic resources can be limited. You can get ahead of the crowds by gathering items in advance—like bottled water (one gallon per person per day), nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications—and storing them in an easily accessible place like a bin in the closet or garage. It’s also beneficial to put aside some cash along with copies of important documents like passports and birth certificates and store them in a container that is both waterproof and fireproof.
- Talk with your family about a communication plan. During a storm, cell service may be spotty and power outages can interrupt your normal routines. Agreeing on how you’ll contact one another—or where you’ll meet if you get separated—can ease anxiety and help everyone stay connected.
- Know your evacuation zone. Understanding the hurricane evacuation routes in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and having a couple of options for where you and your family will go if you are directed to leave town, can save precious time and reduce stress during an emergency. You may want to check your town’s official website for locally-specific hurricane emergency procedures and evacuation maps.
- Keep important numbers close at hand. Emergency services, utility companies, and your Bearingstar insurance consultant are just some of the people you might need to reach out to after a storm has passed. Double-check that you have all these important contacts stored in your phone, then make a written backup that can be stored in the waterproof/fireproof container mentioned above. With these go-to numbers at your fingertips, you’ll be able to quickly call for assistance if needed.
How Can You Protect Your Home and Property against Hurricane Damage?
Some tasks are simple maintenance you can handle early in the season, while others are quick actions you can take in the days leading up to a storm. Both play an important role in helping to reduce damage and stress. Here are some recommended steps for getting (and keeping) your home storm-ready:
- Secure outdoor items. Patio furniture, grills, and lawn decorations can become dangerous in high winds. Bringing them inside or anchoring them safely can help prevent both property damage and injuries.
- Protect windows and doors. Strong winds and flying debris can shatter glass quickly. Installing storm shutters or using plywood as a protective layer can help reduce the risk of broken windows and water intrusion.
- Clear out gutters and drains. When water can’t drain properly, it’s more likely to pool around your foundation or seep into your basement. Keeping gutters clean helps water flow away from your home where it belongs.
- Check garage doors for reinforcement. Garage doors are one of the more vulnerable points during a hurricane. Strengthening them—or checking to see if reinforcements are needed—can reduce the chances of wind entering and causing roof damage.
- Trim trees and shrubs. Overhanging limbs can cause significant damage to your home or power lines if they fall. Keeping trees and shrubs well-pruned throughout hurricane season and removing branches that are close enough to fall on your home may help minimize this risk.
How Can You Stay Safer and Well-Informed During Hurricane Season?
Staying informed is one of the most powerful ways to protect yourself and your loved ones during hurricane season. With conditions that can change quickly—and sometimes dramatically—being aware and prepared can help you make confident decisions every step of the way. Here are a few suggestions on how you can stay ahead of the storm:
- Follow trusted sources for weather updates. The National Hurricane Center (NHC), local news outlets, and NOAA Weather Radio are reliable go-to sources for real-time storm tracking and safety guidance.
- Charge up devices ahead of time. When a storm is approaching, it’s a good idea to make sure your phones, laptops, and portable chargers are fully powered. That way, you can stay connected and informed even if the electricity goes out.
- Listen to local authorities and evacuation instructions. If officials recommend or mandate evacuation, it’s because they want to keep you safe. Leaving early—before roads are congested or conditions worsen—can make the process smoother and less stressful.
How Can You Get More Support This Hurricane Season?
Our Massachusetts and Connecticut professionals are always just a phone call away and ready to support you before, during, and after a storm. Please contact us if you want to discuss anything—from additional tips on protecting your home from hurricane damage to how to make the recovery journey smoother after a storm.
In addition, we are available to take you through your homeowners, condo, or renters insurance coverage so you can understand how your policy might apply in the event you experience hurricane, tornado, or other storm-related damage to your property or belongings. Most importantly, if you need to file a claim, the team at Bearingstar is committed to making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
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