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Juanita Bay Water ResponseWater Damage Help · Kirkland, WA

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Homeowners

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Assemble Your Emergency Supplies

Start by gathering at least three days of food and water for every person in your home. Include a manual can opener, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a first aid kit. Add cash and copies of important documents in a waterproof bag.

Store supplies in a sturdy, portable container that you can grab quickly. Check expiration dates twice a year, such as when you change your clocks. Also include pet supplies if you have animals, and a basic tool kit for small repairs after the storm passes.

  • Water: one gallon per person per day
  • Non-perishable food items
  • Flashlights and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Portable phone charger
  • Copies of IDs and insurance papers

Secure Your Home's Exterior

Walk around your home and look for loose items that could become projectiles in high winds. Bring in patio furniture, planters, and grills. Secure trash cans and remove any loose roofing shingles or siding that could tear off.

Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood if a hurricane is forecast. Reinforce garage doors, as they can fail under pressure. Trim tree branches that hang over your roof, and remove dead or weak trees that could fall on your home.

Prepare for Water Intrusion

Water can enter through cracks, windows, and foundation gaps. Seal any openings with caulk or weatherstripping. Check your roof for missing shingles or damaged flashing, and repair those areas before the storm season. Clean your gutters and downspouts so rainwater flows away from your foundation.

If you have a basement, consider installing a sump pump and a battery backup. Raise appliances and electronics off the floor. Keep a supply of sandbags if your area is prone to flooding, and know how to shut off your main water valve to prevent burst pipes during pressure changes.

  • Caulk windows and doors
  • Repair roof damage
  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Install a sump pump with backup
  • Elevate appliances and electronics
  • Know your water shutoff valve location

Plan for Power and Communication

Power outages are common during hurricanes. Charge all your devices and portable power banks in advance. Consider a generator for essential appliances, but run it outdoors only, away from windows. Keep a supply of fuel in a safe container, but never store fuel indoors.

Set up a family communication plan so everyone knows where to meet if separated. Write down emergency contacts, including your insurance company and local utilities. Save these numbers on paper, since your phone may run out of battery.

Document and Review Your Insurance

Take photos or videos of every room in your home, including closets, cabinets, and the exterior. Record the make and model of major appliances and electronics. Store these records in a waterproof container or a cloud service. This documentation helps with any claims after a storm.

Review your policy to understand what is covered, such as wind damage or flooding. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Ask about separate flood insurance if you live in a flood-prone area. Keep your policy number and claims phone number in your emergency kit.

Talk to someone now

Phones are answered 24/7 for Kirkland and nearby communities.

Call Now (425) 406-3256

Frequently asked questions

What should I do with my car during a hurricane?

Move your car to higher ground or a parking garage if possible. Avoid parking under trees, power lines, or in low-lying areas that could flood. Fill the gas tank before the storm, and keep an emergency kit in the trunk with blankets, water, and a flashlight.

How do I protect important documents from water damage?

Place documents like passports, deeds, and insurance policies in a waterproof, fireproof safe. Also scan them and store digital copies on a password-protected cloud service. If you don't have a safe, use a sealed plastic bag inside a sturdy container.

What is the right way to board up windows?

Use 5/8-inch plywood cut to fit each window frame. Attach with galvanized screws, not nails, and place them at least every 12 inches. For a tight fit, pre-drill holes and install the panels before the storm. Shutters are another option if you have them.

Call Now (425) 406-3256