10/08/2026
How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
Living in Louisiana means hurricane season is something homeowners simply can't ignore. A little preparation before a storm is in the Gulf can go a long way toward protecting your home, your roof, and your family, and it can make things much easier if your property is damaged.
Here are a few important steps every homeowner should take before hurricane season.
Start With Your Roof
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against wind and rain. Have it professionally inspected before hurricane season so small problems can be identified before they turn into major storm damage.
A qualified roofing contractor can check for loose or damaged shingles, flashing issues, deteriorated sealants, exposed fasteners, and other areas that could allow wind or water into your home.
At Cypress Roofing, we recommend regular roof inspections because catching a small problem early is almost always easier, and less expensive, than dealing with a major leak after a storm.
Take Photos and Videos of Your Home
Before a storm threatens our area, walk around your property and take clear photos and videos of the exterior of your home, including your roof if it can be photographed safely from the ground.
Do the same inside your home. Photograph rooms, furniture, appliances, electronics, and other valuable belongings.
Store those photos somewhere you can access even if you have to evacuate, such as cloud storage. Having a record of your property's condition before a storm can be extremely helpful if damage occurs.
Know What Your Insurance Policy Covers
Take a few minutes to review your homeowners insurance policy before hurricane season. Know your coverage limits and, especially, your hurricane or named-storm deductible.
Also remember that homeowners insurance and flood insurance are generally separate coverages. If you have questions about your specific policy, contact your insurance agent before a storm is approaching.
Secure the Outside of Your Home
High winds can turn everyday outdoor items into flying debris. Trim trees and branches that could damage your home, and secure or bring inside patio furniture, grills, decorations, umbrellas, toys, and other loose items.
Check windows, doors, vents, and other exterior openings for areas where wind-driven rain could enter. If your home has hurricane shutters or other storm-protection systems, make sure they are in good working condition before you need them.
Have an Emergency Plan
Protecting your home matters, but protecting your family comes first.
Keep important documents, medications, flashlights, chargers, batteries, water, and emergency supplies where they are easy to access. Know where you will go if an evacuation is ordered and make sure your vehicles are fueled before conditions deteriorate.
Keep copies of your insurance information and important contact numbers with you if you evacuate.
What Should You Do After a Storm?
If your home is damaged, document what you see with photos and videos as soon as it is safe to do so. If emergency measures are needed to prevent additional damage (such as temporarily covering an active roof leak), keep records and receipts for anything that is done.
Most importantly, don't automatically assume that visible damage means you should immediately file an insurance claim.
Have a qualified roofing professional inspect the roof first. We frequently see homeowners file claims only to discover that the damage does not justify a claim or does not exceed their deductible. A claim can still become part of your insurance history even when little or nothing is ultimately paid.
A professional inspection can help you understand the condition of your roof and the extent of the damage so you can make a more informed decision about your next step.
Preparation Makes a Difference
We can't stop hurricanes from coming to Louisiana, but we can prepare for them.
Taking care of your roof, documenting your property, understanding your insurance coverage, and having an emergency plan in place can help protect what matters most when severe weather arrives.
Cypress Roofing is here before, during, and after the storm.
If you'd like to have your roof inspected before hurricane season, or you're concerned about your roof after severe weather, contact Cypress Roofing. Our team can inspect your roof, document its condition, and help you understand what your next steps should be.
Cypress Roofing: Protecting What Matters.
