{"id":352372,"date":"2025-11-07T13:04:20","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=352372"},"modified":"2025-11-07T13:04:20","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T18:04:20","slug":"how-to-flood-proof-your-home-during-hurricane-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/insurance\/homeowners\/how-to-flood-proof-your-home-during-hurricane-season\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Flood-Proof Your Home During Hurricane Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Hurricane season is bringing wetter storms, more rapid intensification, and higher surge risk\u2014prepare for wind, rain, and flooding<\/em><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Atlantic hurricane activity has stayed elevated relative to long\u2011term averages since 2020, and record\u2011warm Atlantic waters helped drive an active 2023 season with 20 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (NOAA<\/a>). While the global number of tropical cyclones has not shown a clear long\u2011term increase, the share of very intense storms and hurricane rainfall rates are increasing as the climate warms; rapid\u2011intensification events are also becoming more likely (NOAA\/GFDL<\/a>; IPCC AR6<\/a>). Sea level is at a record high and rising ~4\u20135 mm\/yr, amplifying storm\u2011surge flooding baselines (WMO 2023<\/a>). Homeowners in and near coastal areas should plan for damaging winds, extreme rain, and surge\u2011driven flooding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help homeowners minimize loss if a hurricane occurs, this guide compiles code\u2011informed, research\u2011backed steps to reduce water intrusion and flood damage. In addition, having the right insurance coverages<\/a> in place before the storm ensures financial protection. Under FEMA\u2019s modernized pricing (Risk Rating 2.0), NFIP premiums vary by property\u2011specific risk; a national average around ~$1,000\/year is more representative today (low\u2011risk homes can still be in the low hundreds; high\u2011risk properties often pay several thousand) (Insurance Information Institute<\/a>; FEMA Risk Rating 2.0<\/a>; NFIP coverage<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A higher risk of hurricanes to end 2020 season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Risk today is shaped less by how many storms form and more by how intense and wet they become. Observations show increases in the proportion of Category 4\u20135 storms, higher rain rates (~7% per \u00b0C), and more rapid intensification episodes (e.g., \u226530 kt in 24 hours) in the satellite era, with greenhouse warming and reduced aerosols among the drivers (NOAA\/GFDL<\/a>; IPCC AR6<\/a>). In 2023, record\u2011warm Atlantic SSTs helped sustain 20 named storms despite El Ni\u00f1o (NOAA<\/a>). For historical context from 2020\u2019s busy season, see this analysis\u2014its discussion of timing highlights how unusual late\u2011season intensity can be (would be September 21st<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hurricanes remain the costliest U.S. disasters: tropical cyclones account for roughly half of all U.S. billion\u2011dollar disaster losses since 1980, totaling well over $1 trillion (NOAA NCEI<\/a>). Recent events underscore the stakes\u2014Hurricane Ian caused about $112 billion<\/a> in U.S. damage, the U.S. saw a record 28 billion\u2011dollar disasters totaling ~$92.9 billion in 2023 (NOAA<\/a>), and early 2024\u2019s Hurricane Beryl produced U.S. insured losses estimated around $2.5\u2013$4.5 billion (Moody\u2019s RMS<\/a>). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasted a very busy end to the hurricane season which normally runs until November 30th. This includes the latest storm, Hurricane Laura, which could cause as much as $30 billion dollars in damage<\/a>, according to AccuWeather estimates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to flood-proof your home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heavier hurricane rainfall and higher baseline sea levels elevate flood risk along coasts and well inland. Hurricane rain rates increase about 7% per \u00b0C of warming (IPCC AR6<\/a>), and sea\u2011level rise is amplifying storm\u2011surge flooding (WMO 2023<\/a>). If you plan to buy flood insurance, remember that new NFIP policies typically have a 30\u2011day waiting period before coverage takes effect, with limited exceptions such as certain loan closings (FEMA<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Openings and large doors are frequent failure points. Use impact\u2011rated windows\/doors or tested shutters (ASTM E1886\/E1996) and verify pressure ratings and installation; FEMA\u2019s Hurricane Ian Mitigation Assessment Team details best practices for openings, soffits, and water entry control (FEMA MAT<\/a>). Resources like the Home Living Lab<\/a> can help with general tips, but prioritize code\u2011approved, tested impact protection. For garage doors\u2014often the weakest link\u2014choose wind\u2011pressure\u2011 (and where required, impact\u2011) rated assemblies with proper track\/bracing per product approvals (ICC 600\u20112023<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with windows, your home\u2019s roof should also be a primary consideration. At reroof, add a sealed roof deck (secondary water barrier), upgrade to ring\u2011shank nails with correct spacing, and strengthen edge securement\u2014core elements of the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof<\/a> standard, reflected in ICC 600\u20112023<\/a> and post\u2011Ian investigations highlighting perimeter and flashing vulnerabilities (RICOWI<\/a>). Florida\u2019s 2023 Residential Code requires a secondary water barrier in many reroofs, accelerating sealed\u2011deck adoption (Florida Building Code 2023<\/a>). Designing to the 2024 IBC\/ASCE 7\u201122 wind loads improves component\/cladding reliability (2024 IBC<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also protect your home from a flood by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n