Hurricane Season in Savannah

Living in Savannah comes with plenty of perks: beautiful coastlines, historic neighborhoods, mature trees, and developed green spaces. But if you've spent even one hurricane season here, you know that sometimes the best things about the city can also be the most detrimental during a hurricane.

The good news? Most hurricane preparation doesn't have to happen in the 48 hours before landfall. A little planning now can help protect your home, reduce stress, and make recovery much easier if severe weather heads our way.

Whether you've lived in Savannah for decades or just moved to the area, here's how to get your home hurricane-ready.

Start with Your Insurance, Before You Need It

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that homeowners insurance automatically covers everything related to a hurricane. Unfortunately, that's not always the case.

Before hurricane season is in full swing, review your policy and make sure you understand:

• Whether you have flood insurance (this is typically a separate policy)
• Your hurricane or wind deductible
• What's covered if trees damage your home
• Coverage limits for personal belongings
• Whether you'll be reimbursed for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable

Keep digital copies of your insurance documents in cloud storage so they're accessible even if you lose power or can't get back into your home.

Know Your Flood Risk

Many homeowners assume they're safe if they aren't located in a high-risk flood zone. The reality is that heavy rainfall, storm surge, and poor drainage can create flooding in areas that rarely experience it.

Take time to:

• Learn your property's flood zone designation.
• Understand your evacuation zone.
• Know the safest evacuation routes if local officials issue an order.

Knowing this information before a storm is approaching gives you one less thing to worry about when time matters most.

Inspect Your Roof

Your roof is your home's first line of defense during severe weather.

A quick inspection can identify:

• Missing or loose shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Soft spots
• Loose vents
• Areas where water could enter

Small repairs completed now are often much less expensive than emergency repairs after a storm.

Trim Trees and Remove Dead Limbs

Savannah's beautiful trees are one of the city's greatest treasures, but they also deserve regular maintenance.

Remove:

• Dead limbs
• Broken branches
• Limbs hanging over the roof
• Trees showing signs of disease or instability

Healthy trees are far less likely to cause damage during high winds. Despite this though, knowing the type of trees you have and their likelihood of falling is imperative. We have lots of pine trees around Savannah and those tend to have the most shallow roots but also the longest trunks, so keep an eye on your pines.

Secure Outdoor Items

When tropical storm-force winds arrive, everyday backyard items can quickly become dangerous projectiles.

Before a storm, bring inside or securely store:

• Patio furniture
• Potted plants
• Grills
• Trash cans
• Garden décor
• Umbrellas
• Outdoor toys

It only takes a few minutes and can prevent significant property damage.

Clean Your Gutters and Drains

Heavy rain is almost guaranteed during hurricane season.

Keeping gutters, downspouts, and drainage areas clear helps water move away from your home instead of backing up under the roof or pooling around the foundation.

Test Your Generator

If you own a generator, don't wait until the lights go out to discover it won't start.

Check:

• Fuel levels (have additional fuel on-hand)
• Oil
• Extension cords
• Battery (if applicable)

If you don't have a generator, consider whether one makes sense for your household, especially if someone relies on refrigerated medications or medical equipment.

Build a Hurricane Supply Kit

The grocery store shelves tend to empty quickly whenever a storm enters the forecast.

Instead of waiting, gradually build a supply kit that includes:

• Drinking water
• Non-perishable food
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• First-aid supplies
• Prescription medications
• Pet food and supplies
• Cash
• Important documents in a waterproof container

Review your supplies each year and replace anything that's expired.

Document Your Home

One of the easiest things you can do today is also one of the most valuable after a storm.

Walk through your home with your phone and record:

• Every room
• Appliances
• Flooring
• Cabinets
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Valuable items

Store the video online so you have documentation if you ever need to file an insurance claim.

If You're Buying or Selling During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season doesn't mean the real estate market comes to a halt. In fact, homes continue to buy and sell throughout the season every year.

If you're purchasing a home, it's a great time to ask questions about:

• Flood history
• Insurance costs
• Roof age
• Window protection
• Drainage around the property
• Recent improvements

If you're selling, having maintenance records, insurance information, and documentation of storm-related upgrades can help give buyers additional confidence.

Preparation Brings Peace of Mind

No one can control the weather, but you can control how prepared you are before the next storm develops. A few proactive steps today can help protect your home, reduce stress, and give you confidence when hurricane season arrives. If you have questions about flood zones, buying or selling during hurricane season, or preparing for a storm, our team is always happy to help. Living on the coast comes with unique considerations, and having local expertise on your side can make all the difference.