When disaster strikes and evacuation becomes necessary, time is rarely on your side. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or flood, your top priority is safety—but that doesn’t mean your home has to be left completely vulnerable. As someone who’s inspected thousands of homes before and after extreme weather events, I can tell you: a little preparation goes a long way in reducing damage and speeding up recovery.
1. Shut Off the Utilities—Correctly
Before you grab your go-bag, take a few minutes to power down your home. Shut off electricity at the main breaker to prevent electrical fires from short circuits or downed power lines. If flooding is likely, turn off the water at the main valve to avoid contamination or pipe bursts. If you use natural gas or propane, close the supply valve—but only if advised by emergency services. Improper handling can lead to dangerous leaks.
2. Reinforce the Entry Points
Doors and windows are the weakest points of your home in a storm. Close and lock all of them, then secure any sliding doors with a rod or dowel in the track. If time allows, board up large windows with plywood—cut to size in advance and stored somewhere accessible. Garage doors should be braced from the inside if not already reinforced.
3. Elevate and Anchor What You Can
Anything left on the floor of your garage, crawl space, or basement is at risk in a flood. Elevate items like lawn chemicals, paints, and electronics onto shelving or attic space if time permits. Anchor large items like propane tanks, generators, and water heaters with straps to reduce movement during high winds or shaking.
4. Clear the Perimeter
Loose items outside your home can become dangerous projectiles. Bring in patio furniture, trash bins, planters, and grills. Trim weak tree limbs and secure fencing or latticework if there’s time. Clear gutters and downspouts to help redirect heavy rainfall away from your foundation.
5. Document Everything
Quickly snap photos of each room, including contents, before you leave. Focus on big-ticket items, appliances, and anything recently upgraded. These photos will serve as a baseline for insurance claims should damage occur.
6. Lock Up and Leave a Note
Once everything is secure, lock every door and window. Leave a visible note on the door for emergency responders indicating whether the property was occupied when you left and how many pets, if any, were inside.
Your home is a major investment—and taking these steps, even under pressure, can make a big difference in what you come back to. Remember: homes can be repaired, lives cannot. Prioritize safety, then secure what you can.