8 Clear Signs Your Home Isn’t Ready for the Next Storm

Think your home is storm-ready? Most people do, right up until their power goes out, water seeps in, or a gust of wind turns patio furniture into flying hazards. The truth is, plenty of homes look solid on the outside but fall apart under pressure when the weather gets serious.

Storm season doesn’t give second chances. If your home isn’t prepared ahead of time, the damage can be expensive, stressful, and in some cases, dangerous. Whether you’re bracing for heavy rain, high winds, or worse, a well-prepped home is your best defense.

Here’s how to tell if yours isn’t quite there yet.

1. You’ve Never Inspected the Roof

Roofs take the first hit during any major storm. Yet, most people never check theirs unless there’s a visible leak. Even small issues like loose shingles, cracked flashing, or old sealant can let water in fast when the rain starts coming down sideways.

If your roof is more than ten years old and hasn’t been professionally inspected in the last year or two, there’s a good chance it won’t hold up under pressure. And if you’ve noticed granules in your gutters, that’s a warning sign your shingles are wearing down. A strong, well-maintained roof is one of the most important items that ensure a storm-proof home. If it’s weak or aging, everything underneath it is at risk.

2. Your Gutters Overflow When It Rains

Overflowing gutters might not seem like a major concern, but they’re often a signal of bigger problems. When water can’t drain properly, it ends up pooling around the base of your home. That puts your foundation, basement, and landscaping at risk.

Clogged gutters, disconnected downspouts, or poorly directed drainage can all turn into serious issues during a storm. It’s worth checking them before heavy rain hits.

3. Windows and Doors Feel Drafty

If you can feel air coming in around your windows and doors, so can water and wind. Drafty frames mean the seals are wearing down or were never properly installed to begin with. Not only does this let moisture in, but it also reduces your home’s energy efficiency.

Storm winds push hard against weak points, and a poorly sealed window could shatter more easily or let in water during wind-driven rain. Weatherstripping and storm shutters aren’t just nice extras. They’re key layers of protection.

4. The Yard Looks Like a Wind Hazard

Take a quick look outside. Are there lightweight chairs, potted plants, or tree branches hanging over the house? If so, your yard could turn into a projectile zone during a storm.

What feels like harmless decor in calm weather becomes a serious risk when winds pick up. It’s not just about damage to your own home either. Loose objects can fly into your neighbor’s property too.

Here are some of the most common problem items:

• Unsecured patio furniture – Easy for wind to flip or throw
• Dead tree limbs – Prone to snapping off and causing damage
• Loose fencing – Can detach and act like a battering ram
• Garden tools or toys – Small but dangerous when airborne
• Gravel or stones – Seem harmless until they’re moving at speed
• Hanging decorations – Often the first to tear off and fly
• Open trash bins – Can blow open and scatter contents everywhere

5. You Don’t Know Where Your Shutoffs Are

In the middle of a storm, you might need to turn off your water, gas, or electricity quickly. But if you don’t know where those shutoff points are, or how to operate them, you’re putting your home at risk.

Leaking gas, rising water, or electrical surges can all become major emergencies. Make sure you know where these systems are and how to control them. A few minutes of preparation can prevent a major disaster if things escalate.

6. There’s No Emergency Lighting or Backup Power

Storms often knock out power. If your home doesn’t have backup lighting or any form of emergency power, that’s not just inconvenient, it can be dangerous. Total darkness makes it hard to check damage, navigate safely, or even call for help.

Battery-powered lights, solar-powered backups, or a generator can keep the essentials running. Even a few lanterns or flashlights placed strategically can make a big difference in how you handle a power outage.

7. Your Sump Pump Hasn’t Been Tested

If you have a basement, crawl space, or any low-lying area in your home, a sump pump is critical. But it’s not enough to just own one. It needs to be tested and maintained regularly.

A storm isn’t the time to find out that the motor’s burned out or the float switch is stuck. Test it before the rainy season. Make sure it drains properly and that there’s a backup battery system in case the power fails.

8. You Don’t Have a Storm Plan

This might be the most telling sign of all. If you haven’t discussed or written out a basic plan with your household, you’re not prepared for a storm. A storm plan doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should include:

• Communication – Who to contact if phones go down
• Evacuation routes – Where you’ll go and how to get there
• Emergency supplies – What you’ll need if you stay or leave
• Medical needs – A plan for prescriptions or care during outages
• Pet care – Don’t forget food, leashes, or crates if you evacuate

Having a plan reduces panic and makes decision-making faster when it counts.

Don’t Wait Until the Forecast Changes

Preparing your home isn’t just about reacting to warnings. It’s about staying ahead of them. The strongest homes don’t get that way overnight. They’re checked, maintained, and upgraded over time to stay storm-ready.

Even a few adjustments can make a noticeable difference. Take stock of your home today and fix what needs fixing while the skies are still clear. Storms are unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be.

Peace of mind starts before the storm hits. Make sure your home is ready when it does.