Life safety comes first. Follow evacuation orders and instructions from local emergency officials. Never enter a damaged building, floodwater, a fire area, a suspected gas leak or an energized wet area until authorities say it is safe.
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Build the foundation before disaster season
- Know the hazards most likely at your address and sign up for local emergency alerts.
- Create two evacuation routes, an out-of-area contact and a meeting point.
- Photograph rooms, appliances, valuables and exterior elevations; securely store copies of insurance policies and receipts.
- Know how to shut off water, electricity and gas—but shut off gas only when directed or when you clearly detect a leak, and let the utility restore it.
- Keep vehicles fueled or charged and account for medications, pets, mobility equipment and backup medical power.
- Review insurance limits, deductibles, exclusions and coverage for flood, earthquake, wildfire and temporary living costs.
Wildfire and house fire
Before
- Maintain working smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and practice two ways out.
- Keep leaves, needles and combustible debris away from roofs, gutters, decks and the base of the house.
- Move firewood, fuel and easily ignited furniture away from structures when wildfire risk rises.
- Keep vegetation maintained and address dead limbs without creating unsafe ladder or chainsaw work.
- Use properly rated extinguishers and learn when evacuation is safer than attempting suppression.
After
- Do not return until fire officials authorize it. Watch for hot spots, unstable trees, damaged roofs and weakened floors.
- Do not restore utilities yourself when wiring, gas piping or equipment may be damaged.
- Photograph damage before cleanup and separate damaged property only when safe.
- Use qualified fire-restoration, electrical, roofing and structural professionals for hidden damage.
Wildfire smoke and indoor air
Before and during
- Create one cleaner-air room with windows and doors closed when safe.
- Use a properly sized portable air cleaner. EPA recommends choosing by smoke CADR and avoiding devices that intentionally produce ozone.
- If compatible with the HVAC system, use the highest-efficiency filter the manufacturer allows; EPA identifies MERV 13 or higher as a useful target when the system can handle it.
- Keep replacement filters available before smoke arrives and monitor AirNow and local alerts.
After
- Replace dirty filters and clean settled ash with methods that avoid sending particles back into the air.
- Wear appropriate respiratory protection during outdoor ash cleanup and follow local public-health advice.
- Have HVAC equipment inspected if it was exposed to heavy ash or fire damage.
Flooding
Before
- Know whether the property is in a flood-prone area and understand that standard policies may exclude flood damage.
- Keep valuables, chemicals and important documents above likely flood levels.
- Test sump pumps and alarms; consider battery backup where outages are common.
- Use water sensors near water heaters, laundry areas, crawlspaces and low points.
- Keep gutters, drainage paths and nearby storm drains clear when it is safe and legal to do so.
After
- Never walk or drive through floodwater. Assume standing water may be contaminated and electrically energized.
- Do not switch power on or off while standing in water. Have electrical service inspected after inundation.
- Photograph water lines and damage, contact the insurer and begin approved drying quickly.
- Remove wet porous materials as directed. Hidden moisture, sewage and mold may require professional remediation.
- Do not use flooded fuel-burning or electrical equipment until it has been evaluated.
Hail and severe storms
Before
- Move vehicles and outdoor furniture under cover when warnings allow time.
- Secure loose yard items and close shutters or window coverings.
- Document the roof, siding, gutters and vehicles before storm season.
- Trim hazardous branches using a qualified tree professional when needed.
After
- Inspect from the ground for missing roofing, dented gutters, broken glass and fallen limbs.
- Check attics and ceilings for active leaks. Protect interiors without climbing onto a wet or damaged roof.
- Photograph hail size when safe, the surrounding property and each damaged elevation.
- Get multiple written roofing or siding estimates and beware of pressure to sign immediately.
High winds and damaging windstorms
Before
- Bring in or firmly secure patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, trampolines, trash cans, decorations and tools that can become airborne.
- Inspect shutters, garage doors, exterior doors, roofing, flashing, siding and gutters; repair loose components before wind season.
- Have dead, damaged or overhanging limbs evaluated by a qualified tree professional, especially near the house, driveway and utility lines.
- Charge phones and power banks, place flashlights where they are easy to reach and plan for a power outage.
- Park vehicles away from trees and power lines when a warning gives enough safe lead time.
During and after
- Stay indoors in an interior room away from windows and exterior doors. Do not go outside to retrieve loose objects once winds begin.
- Treat every downed wire as energized. Stay well away and report it to emergency services or the utility.
- Inspect from the ground for missing roofing, loose siding, damaged chimneys, broken glass, fallen limbs and leaning trees.
- Do not climb onto a wet or wind-damaged roof. Photograph damage and use qualified roofing, electrical, tree and structural professionals.
Tornadoes
Before
- Identify a basement, storm shelter or small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. A vehicle, mobile home, porch or highway overpass is not a safe shelter.
- Keep shoes, helmets, flashlights, a weather radio, medications and pet supplies in or beside the shelter area.
- Practice reaching shelter quickly and make sure every family member knows the plan, including overnight.
- Know the difference between a watch and a warning, and enable reliable local emergency alerts.
- If the home has no suitable shelter, identify the nearest sturdy building or community safe room before storms develop.
During and after
- When a warning is issued, shelter immediately. Protect your head and neck and cover your body with a mattress, blanket or sturdy object if available.
- Do not open windows. Stay sheltered until officials say the threat has passed.
- Afterward, watch for broken glass, nails, unstable walls, gas leaks and downed power lines. Expect emergency access to be limited.
- Leave a visibly damaged building and do not re-enter until it has been judged safe. Photograph damage only from safe locations.
Hurricanes, tropical storms and storm surge
Before
- Know the evacuation zone, routes and destination. Leave promptly when officials order evacuation, especially in storm-surge or flood-prone areas.
- Install code-approved shutters or impact protection correctly. Do not rely on tape to protect windows.
- Secure outdoor objects, clear gutters and drains, trim hazardous limbs and verify that roof, doors and garage doors are in sound condition.
- Store drinking water, medications, food, batteries and documents above potential flood levels. Fuel or charge vehicles and backup power equipment.
- Review wind, flood and temporary-living coverage; standard policies may not cover every hurricane-related loss.
During and after
- Stay indoors away from windows. Do not go outside during the eye; dangerous winds can return suddenly from the opposite direction.
- Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater or storm surge. Follow boil-water notices and local health instructions.
- Wait for official clearance before returning. Expect blocked roads, unstable trees, contaminated water, damaged utilities and extreme heat.
- Do not operate a generator indoors, in a garage or near doors, windows or vents. Keep it outdoors at the manufacturer-required distance and use carbon-monoxide alarms.
- Document damage before cleanup and contact the insurer. Use qualified professionals for roofs, structures, electrical systems, gas systems, mold and contaminated water.
Heavy rain and wind-driven water
Before
- Clean gutters and confirm downspouts discharge away from foundations without creating a neighbor problem.
- Check roof penetrations, flashing, siding joints, window drainage and crawlspace conditions.
- Correct soil that directs water toward the foundation and keep exterior drains open.
- Store a wet/dry vacuum, fans and basic containment supplies where they remain accessible.
After
- Find and stop the source only if it can be reached safely.
- Document wet materials and begin drying after electrical hazards are controlled.
- Check attics, wall bases, crawlspaces and insulation—not only the visible stain.
- Call a roofing, drainage or restoration professional when water is concealed, recurring or contaminated.
Snow, ice and extreme cold
Before
- Insulate vulnerable piping, service heating equipment and know the water shutoff location.
- Clear dryer, furnace and other approved vents according to manufacturer instructions.
- Stock ice melt suitable for the walking surface, snow tools, lighting and backup heat plans.
- Watch forecasts for unusually heavy or wet snow and understand the roof’s known weak areas.
After
- Keep exterior vents, meters and safe exit routes clear without damaging equipment.
- Look for ceiling movement, unusual cracking, roof sagging, ice dams and active leaks.
- Shut off water when a pipe bursts, then call for plumbing and water-damage help as needed.
- Do not climb onto an icy roof. Contact a professional for concerning snow load or structural signs.
Earthquakes
Before
- Anchor tall furniture and secure objects that could fall over beds, seating and exits.
- Use approved flexible connections and seismic restraint where required; water-heater strapping and gas work must follow local code.
- Store heavy items low, latch cabinets and keep shoes and flashlights near beds.
- Practice Drop, Cover and Hold On and identify safe spots away from glass.
After
- Expect aftershocks. Leave damaged buildings and move away from chimneys, glass and unstable walls.
- Check for fire, gas odor, damaged wiring, broken water lines and structural movement without entering unsafe spaces.
- Do not use matches, switches or flames if gas may be leaking.
- Have structural, foundation, chimney, gas and electrical damage evaluated before reoccupying.
What to do after damage to the house
- Confirm it is safe to enter. Obey evacuation restrictions and watch for structural instability, electrical hazards, gas, sewage, contaminated water and falling materials.
- Call emergency services for immediate hazards. Contact the utility for suspected gas or service-line problems.
- Prevent additional damage only when safe. Shut off water, place a bucket, move undamaged property or cover an opening from a safe location. Do not climb damaged roofs or make energized repairs.
- Document everything. Photograph wide views and details before moving or discarding property. Record dates, conversations, receipts and temporary expenses.
- Notify the insurer. Ask about emergency repairs, approved vendors, deductibles, temporary housing and what must be kept for inspection.
- Separate temporary protection from permanent repair. A tarp or drying fan may limit further damage, but structural, roofing, electrical, gas, mold and contaminated-water repairs need the right professional.
- Get several written estimates. Compare scope, materials, permits, cleanup, warranty and how concealed damage or change orders will be handled.
- Verify contractors. Check required licensing, insurance and local permits. Avoid large cash demands and disaster-pressure sales tactics.
DIY does not mean alone. Many people can handle planning, photographs, inventory, simple cleanup and low-risk temporary protection. If the home has structural movement, roof damage, fire or smoke damage, contaminated water, mold, gas, damaged electrical equipment or major tree impact, bring in qualified help.
Official preparedness resources
Use local emergency instructions first. Additional planning information is available from Ready.gov, including guides for severe weather, tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, earthquakes, winter weather and disaster recovery. For smoke filtration, review the EPA indoor-air filtration guidance.
General educational information only. Conditions, insurance and legal requirements vary. Follow public-safety officials, manufacturer instructions and local codes. Use qualified professionals where required or whenever you are unsure.