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When it comes to protecting Hudson Valley homes and families, hurricane preparedness might be something that residents take for granted. However, with increasingly frequent hurricanes impacting the region and average maximum wind speeds higher than ever in the area, there is a strong potential for future storms to inflict major damage.

In the following article, we’ll look at how to prepare your house for a hurricane so that you can proactively defend your loved ones from nature’s most destructive force.

Understanding Hurricane Risks in the Hudson Valley

Regional Vulnerabilities

In New York, hurricane season typically begins in June and ends in November. Because it’s close to the Atlantic coast, Hudson Valley is particularly vulnerable to flooding and wind damage during this timeframe — especially when hurricanes move inland. In addition to ocean proximity, it’s important to consider factors such as local construction codes and municipality layout when evaluating risk. Depending on the strength of building materials and the natural wind barrier provided by foliage, homes in Hudson Valley can experience damage to roofs, walls, and windows due to flying debris.

Historical Context

Hudson Valley residents who have lived in the area for more than 10 years undoubtedly remember when Hurricane Sandy hit landfall near Atlantic City in 2012. The damage accumulated in the region surpassed $50 billion due to record flooding and wind-related destruction. It was a bleak reminder of the risk posed by storms that can surge up rivers — like the Hudson — which are connected to larger oceans where hurricanes gather their strength.

Strengthening Your Home’s Exterior

Sealing and Reinforcing the Roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the destructive force of a hurricane. Secure it for maximum protection by inspecting and repairing existing damage. Keep an eye out for loose shingles and reinforce them with nails or roofing cement. In general, applying waterproof sealants is good practice to prevent leaks. Also, take care to remove anything that could later turn into debris such as weather vanes, satellite dishes, or antennas. 

Installing Storm Shutters

Cover your windows and doors with storm shutters to protect these particularly vulnerable exterior openings from hurricane damage. Choose from either permanent, polycarbonate storm shutters or temporary, plywood solutions. If using plywood, select something with a thickness of at least ⅝-inch to provide ample protection.

Securing Doors and Windows

In addition to storm shutters, you can also reinforce windows and doors with additional hardware such as tracts, fasteners, and connectors. Considering a home remodel? Now would be the perfect time to upgrade your windows and doors with impact-resistant models that can withstand ballistic debris. Double or fiberglass doors offer dependable protection and can be secured with additional reinforcements.

Protecting Your Home’s Surroundings

Yard and Landscaping

Tree branches and fallen trees can easily become airborne in high winds, causing damage to surrounding property. Trimming your trees and removing dead branches minimizes the likelihood of this scenario — even in the face of hurricane-force winds. In addition to your landscaping, you should secure or store any outdoor furniture and decor, as they can turn into liabilities when winds reach certain speeds.

Drainage Systems

Clear your gutters and downspouts of fallen leaves or debris to make sure they’re functioning properly. Your gutter system is responsible for efficient water drainage around your property, making it an essential safeguard against flooding from hurricane-strength rainfall.

Fencing and Outbuildings

In addition to loose, outdoor furniture items, you’ll also want to inspect and reinforce your property’s fences and gates. Secure sheds, detached garages, and other outbuildings with the same care you’ve paid to your home.

Preparing Your Home’s Interior

Emergency Supplies and Kits

In the likely event that your home loses power following a hurricane, you’ll want to make sure that you have ample rations to keep you and your loved ones fed, hydrated, and healthy. Assemble an emergency hurricane preparedness kit with essentials like food, water, and medication. Make sure that these materials are stored in secure, accessible locations so that they’re available when you need them.

Other supplies to consider for your hurricane preparedness checklist:

• Flashlights
• Fire extinguishers
• Matches or lighters
• Spare batteries
• Prescription medications
• Gasoline for your generator

Safeguarding Important Documents

Store important documents in waterproof containers — things like birth certificates, receipts, deeds, social security cards, insurance policies, and other printed records that can get ruined in floodwater. You should also consider creating digital backups of documents that are especially critical. Take pictures and videos of expensive possessions so that you can later prove their pre-hurricane condition when filing an insurance claim. 

Power and Utilities

It’s safe to assume that you’ll experience power outages during a hurricane, which means your home’s electrical safety devices may be temporarily disabled. How long these outages last can be unpredictable, so prepare for the worst with gas generators or battery backups. Also, make sure to safely shut off your water, electricity, and gas — especially if planning to evacuate. When the power goes out, you’ll want to make sure that these utilities are protected from surges or damages during the hurricane.

Developing a Family Emergency Plan

Communication Strategies

Establish a communication plan with your family members and friends. Anticipate the need to answer questions related to family members’ specific needs, emergency alerts, and evacuation routes — and develop answers to these questions. Designate an emergency contact outside the impacted area so that you have a lifeline for someone not affected by hurricane destruction.

Evacuation Routes and Shelters

Identify local evacuation routes and nearby emergency shelters. Before moving to these designated locations, prepare to-go bags for family members to carry with them. These compact kits should include essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies.

Special Considerations

Plan for the special needs of pets, elderly family members, or those with disabilities. Discuss the unique considerations of each, and assign responsibilities to tend to these considerations.

After the Hurricane

Safe Return and Inspection

If your neighborhood was part of an evacuation zone, do not return home until authorities have established that it’s safe to do so. Once home, check your property for structural damage and potential safety hazards. These could include damaged power or gas lines, leaks, flooding, broken glass, and any vaulted structures that could potentially fall if winds pick up again.

Cleanup and Temporary Repairs

Safely clean up debris, documenting property damage for insurance claims as you do so. Keep an inventory of temporary repair expenses, but don’t make any permanent repairs until a claim adjuster has surveyed the damage. Temporary repairs could include boarding up broken doors or windows to prevent theft or additional water damage.

All other repairs should be handled by professional electrical companies and plumbing experts.

Community and Government Assistance

Local emergency services and disaster relief organizations are literal lifesavers in the aftermath of hurricanes. 

In Hudson Valley, residents should call:

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

If you require assistance following a storm that’s been federally declared a disaster, you are encouraged to contact FEMA as soon as possible to request help. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response

Call (845) 486-2080 or toll-free at 1-800-211-3536 to contact the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response. You can also email them at [email protected].

Hudson Valley Regional Emergency Medical Services Council (HVREMSCO)

Call (845) 245-4292 to contact the HVREMSCO, which serves the counties of Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, Rockland, and Ulster.

Takeaways

As Hudson Valley’s go-to emergency plumbing service, we at T.Webber hope this has been a helpful guide on how to prepare for a hurricane. Together, we’ve learned that the most critical steps for hurricane preparedness include securing your home's exterior, protecting your property's surroundings, preparing your home's interior, and developing a comprehensive family emergency plan.

Remember, the time to act is now — don't wait until the last minute. Stay informed about hurricane risks in your area and take proactive measures to safeguard your home and loved ones before the next big hurricane strikes. T. Webber will be here for you with our emergency repair services once the storm has passed.