Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: Protect Your Waterfront Home

Living by the water is beautiful, sunsets, ocean breezes, and easy access to boating or water sports. But when hurricane season hits, owning a waterfront home comes with extra responsibility. That’s why it’s so important to have a hurricane preparedness checklist made just for waterfront properties.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to keep your home, dock, and family safe before, during, and after a storm.

Why Waterfront Homes Need Extra Protection

Hurricanes are powerful, and waterfront homes are often the first in their path. Here’s why they’re more at risk:

• Storm surge and flooding can hit hard and fast
• High winds can damage roofs, windows, and outdoor structures
• Docks and boats can break loose if they’re not secured properly

The good news? With the right plan in place, you can reduce the risk of major damage with the right waterfront property protection.

Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

If you live near the water, hurricane season isn’t something to take lightly. Having a solid plan in place can make all the difference when a storm is headed your way. This hurricane preparedness checklist is designed to help you protect your waterfront home, your dock, and everything else that matters most.

Let’s go step-by-step through what you need to do before a hurricane hits.

1. Check Your Insurance Coverage

Why is this important? Many homeowners assume their regular insurance covers everything, but it usually doesn’t. Standard policies often don’t include damage from flooding or storm surge, which are the most common problems during a hurricane near the water.

What should you look for?

• Flood insurance: This usually needs to be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Windstorm insurance: In hurricane-prone areas, wind damage might also require a separate policy or rider.
• Coverage for docks and boat lifts: These structures are often not included in regular homeowners insurance unless specifically added.
• Outbuildings: Sheds, detached garages, and boat houses may need their own coverage.

Helpful tip: Take photos of your home, dock, and any valuable items before hurricane season starts. This gives you a visual record if you ever need to file a claim. Store digital copies in a cloud drive and print hard copies to keep in a waterproof folder.

What if I wait until there’s a storm warning to update my policy? Most insurance companies place a hold on policy changes once a named storm is approaching. It’s best to review your coverage well before hurricane season begins, ideally in the spring or early summer.

2. Secure Windows and Doors

Why does this matter?
Strong winds, flying branches, and flying debris can easily shatter glass and force open doors. Broken windows don’t just let in rain, they allow wind pressure to build inside your home, which can cause major structural damage.

What should you do?

• Install hurricane shutters or cover your windows with plywood (at least 5/8-inch thick) if a storm is on the way.
• Reinforce doors, especially large ones like garage doors, which are more likely to fail during high winds. Use bracing kits or upgrade to wind-rated doors if possible.
• Inspect your weather stripping around doors and windows to make sure it’s sealing properly and keeping out water.

Sliding doors tip: If you have sliding glass doors that face the water, give the tracks a good cleaning and oil them so they slide smoothly. Add a bar or rod to the track to prevent the door from being forced open.

Are impact windows enough, or do I still need shutters? If your home has hurricane-rated impact windows and doors, you may not need shutters. However, check your local building code or ask a professional, some areas still recommend or require additional protection.

3. Clear Your Yard and Outdoor Spaces

Why it’s critical:
Even small, lightweight items can become dangerous projectiles when winds pick up. Cleaning up your yard before the storm can prevent damage to your home, your neighbors’ homes, and emergency responders’ access.

What should you secure or remove?

• Trim tree branches: Cut back limbs that hang over your roof, fence, or power lines. Dead or weak trees should be removed.
• Store outdoor furniture: Tables, chairs, umbrellas, and grills should be brought inside or secured with heavy-duty straps.
• Tie down large items: Things like pool equipment, playsets, or storage bins may need additional anchoring.
• Move small boats and gear: Bring kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing gear into a garage or secured shed. If they’re too large to move indoors, tie them down tightly and remove loose parts.

Bonus Tip: Turn off and store any propane tanks in a safe, ventilated place away from your home. If you have outdoor electrical outlets, cover them with waterproof caps or tape.

Should I drain my pool or leave it full? Leave it full! A drained pool can actually be lifted out of the ground by rising groundwater. Instead, lower the water slightly, add extra chlorine, and cover the pump system if possible.

4. Prep Your Floating Dock

Floating docks are a great choice for waterfront homes, especially during hurricanes, because they move with the changing water levels. Unlike fixed docks, they can rise and fall with storm surge or flooding. But they only work well if they’re properly maintained and securely anchored.

Here’s what to do before the storm hits:

• Inspect your dock for damage. Look for cracks, loose boards, rusted hardware, or worn-out connections. Even small issues can lead to bigger problems during high winds or rough waters.
• Tighten everything. Go over every bolt, screw, and bracket. Make sure ladders, cleats, bumpers, and accessories are secure. If something feels loose, fix it or remove it for safekeeping.
• Check your anchoring system. A floating dock needs to be held in place, but not too tightly. The best systems allow it to move up and down with the tide or surge without breaking free. Common types include:
  • Pipe brackets
  • Piling hoops
  • Weighted chains
• If your dock jerks or shifts too much during small storms or windy days, it may not be ready for a hurricane.

What if I don’t know what kind of anchoring I have? If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to have a dock professional inspect it before hurricane season. A quick check can save you from serious repairs later.

What makes AccuDock different? If your dock is built by AccuDock, you already have an advantage. Our docks are made with high-quality materials, marine-grade hardware, and customizable anchoring systems designed to perform during extreme weather. Still, we recommend a seasonal checkup to keep everything in top shape.

5. Secure or Move Your Boat

If you own a boat, now’s the time to plan how to protect it. Don’t wait until a storm is already on its way, marinas and storage facilities often fill up fast.

What are your options?

• Move it inland. If you can trailer your boat, consider taking it to a secure indoor facility. This is usually the safest option and protects it from both wind and water damage.
• Leave it in the water (carefully). If your boat has to stay docked:
  • Double up the dock lines and tie it at several different angles to allow movement without strain.
  • Use chafe guards where ropes touch the boat or dock to prevent wear.
  • Drop the anchor as a backup support if needed.
  • Remove the bimini top, seat cushions, fishing gear, and anything else that could blow away.
• Take out valuables. Electronics, important paperwork, and personal gear should all be removed before the storm. If flooding or theft occurs, you’ll be glad you did.

Should I leave my boat lift raised or lowered? This depends on your lift type and water level forecasts. In many cases, lowering the lift and securing the boat at dock level is safer, especially if your lift isn’t built to handle storm surge.

6. Protect Shoreline Utilities

If your home is on or near the water, chances are you have utilities that run close to the shoreline, like electrical outlets, pumps, lighting, or even irrigation systems.

Here’s how to protect them:

• Turn off the power. Anything outside near the dock should be shut off at the breaker panel, especially if it’s exposed to water.
• Wrap or tie down wires and hoses. Use zip ties or waterproof tape to secure any cords, cables, or pipes that can’t be moved. This helps prevent snapping or tangling during strong winds.
• Unplug and move extension cords indoors. Don’t leave chargers or small electronics outside. They won’t survive heavy rain or flooding, and they can pose an electrical hazard if water gets inside.

What about backup systems like generators or dock pumps? If you have backup systems, make sure they’re elevated off the ground and in waterproof containers if possible. Fuel-powered generators should never be used indoors and must be stored in well-ventilated, safe areas.

Pro Tip: Label your breakers and shoreline switches clearly so you can act quickly next time. If you’re away when a storm approaches, a neighbor or caretaker will be able to follow your setup more easily.

7. Build an Emergency Supply Kit

When a hurricane is heading your way, the last thing you want is to be stuck in long lines at the grocery store or scrambling to find batteries. That’s why it’s smart to build your emergency supply kit before hurricane season even starts. Think of it as your “just-in-case” box, something that’s ready to go at a moment’s notice.

What should be in your emergency supply kit?

• Bottled water: You’ll need at least one gallon of water per person per day. Plan for at least three days, and don’t forget your pets!
• Non-perishable food: Canned goods, granola bars, dry cereal, peanut butter, crackers, and any special dietary items your family needs.
• Flashlights and extra batteries: Power outages are common during hurricanes, and candles aren’t always safe. Stick with flashlights and battery-powered lanterns.
• Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio: This helps you stay informed if the internet or cell service goes down.
• First-aid kit and medications: Include bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, and any prescription or over-the-counter medicine your family uses.
• Important documents: Store insurance policies, ID cards, home ownership papers, and emergency contact info in a waterproof folder or plastic bag.
• Phone chargers and power banks: Fully charge them ahead of time so you can stay connected even if the power is out.

Where should I keep my emergency kit? Pick a spot that’s easy to reach, like a hallway closet or a bin in the garage. If you need to evacuate quickly, you won’t want to search for supplies.

Pro Tip: Include some comfort items too, like a deck of cards, snacks for kids, and even a small fan. They can make a stressful situation feel a little more manageable.

8. Make an Evacuation Plan

If you live in a waterfront home, there’s a good chance your area is part of a hurricane evacuation zone. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out where to go or what to bring. Having a plan in place will help you stay calm and organized when every minute counts.

Steps to build your evacuation plan:

• Know your zone: Visit your local emergency management website to find out if your property is in an evacuation area. These zones are based on storm surge risk, not wind speed.
• Pick your destination: Choose a few safe places you could go, such as a family member’s home, a friend’s house inland, or an emergency shelter. Keep in mind that hotels fill up fast during storms, so it’s good to book early if you plan to stay in one.
• Map out your route: Know how to get there using different roads in case some routes are flooded or closed.
• Prepare a go-bag: In addition to your main emergency kit, pack a smaller bag with clothes, toiletries, chargers, snacks, water, and pet supplies (if needed). This makes leaving quick and simple.
• Stay connected: Write down important phone numbers and keep them in your wallet. If cell service goes out, you’ll still be able to reach people from a landline or someone else’s phone.

How do I know when to leave? Watch updates from trusted sources like the National Hurricane Center and local emergency officials. If an evacuation order is issued, follow it right away. Leaving early means avoiding traffic and reducing stress.

Pro Tip: Make sure your entire family knows the plan. Practice it once before hurricane season so everyone knows what to do, even younger kids.

9. Take Photos Before the Storm

This is one of the most important (and often forgotten) steps in hurricane preparedness. Taking pictures before the storm hits gives you proof of what your home and belongings looked like. This can make a huge difference when it comes time to file an insurance claim.

What should you photograph?

• Wide shots of the outside of your home, dock, and property
• Close-ups of anything valuable or recently upgraded (like new windows, fencing, or your floating dock)
• Serial numbers and receipts for items like appliances, electronics, and power tools

Where should I store the photos? Save them in two places: one digital (like cloud storage or a USB drive) and one physical (printouts stored in your waterproof folder). That way, even if your phone or computer is lost or damaged, you still have access to your records.

Should I include my dock and boat in these photos? Absolutely. Especially for waterfront homeowners, your dock and boat can be major investments. Include pictures of the dock’s anchoring system, condition, and any equipment like ladders or bumpers. If you have a boat, snap photos of the exterior, interior, registration number, and anything stored on board.

What to Do After the Storm

Once the storm passes and it’s safe to return:

• Check for damage and take new photos
• Contact your insurance company
• Stay away from any downed power lines or standing water
• Inspect your dock to see if it needs repairs

If your floating dock needs help or you’re ready to upgrade to a stronger system, the AccuDock team can guide you through next steps.

Stay Safe With a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

Having a clear hurricane preparedness checklist makes all the difference when a storm is on the way. From protecting your windows and dock to securing your boat and checking your insurance, every task helps you avoid costly damage and stay safe.

And don’t forget, waterfront property protection takes a little extra work. But it’s worth it to protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Need help getting your dock ready for hurricane season? Contact AccuDock to learn more about our custom floating dock systems, built tough for all kinds of weather. We’re here to help you prepare, protect, and stay ready, year after year.