Step One: Understand the Forecast

Before anything else, make sure you know what each warning means:

• A Hurricane Watch means conditions may occur within 48 hours. Time to prep.
  
• A Hurricane Warning means conditions will occur within 36 hours. Time to act.
  
  

Bottom line: the earlier you prepare, the safer—and less stressful—the experience becomes.

Step Two: Build an Emergency Kit

Think of this as your storm survival toolbox. Make sure your kit includes:

• 1 gallon of water per person per day
  
• Nonperishable food, manual can opener
  
• Flashlights, batteries, phone chargers
  
• Medications, first aid items, hygiene products
  
• Copies of insurance policies and key documents
  
• Cash and backup IDs
  
• Pet food, baby supplies, and comfort items
  
  

You’ll want enough to last 3–7 days, even if power or roads are down.

Step Three: Protect Your Property Inside & Out

These six areas are where we see the biggest impact after a storm. Don’t skip a single one!

1. Prevent Water Damage

• Lock all windows and doors
  
• Remove window AC units
  
• Clear gutters and downspouts
  
• Move valuables off the basement floor
  
• Test your sump pump and battery backup
  
  

2. Monitor Your Trees

• Prune limbs within 10 feet of your house
  
• Remove dead branches or unhealthy trees
  
• Watch for cracks in large trunks

Note: Even small limbs can cause major damage in high winds.

3. Reinforce Roofs, Doors, and Windows

• Install storm shutters or board windows
  
• Reinforce garage doors and entryways
  

Check seals on skylights

These areas are especially vulnerable in hurricane-force winds.

4. Secure Outdoor Items

• Bring in patio furniture, grills, umbrellas, and flowerpots
  
• Do not store propane tanks inside—secure them outdoors
  
• Business owners: anchor signage, displays, and benches

If it’s not bolted down, it could become a projectile.

5. Strengthen Structural Elements

• Ask a contractor about hurricane straps
  
• Retrofit soffits and brace roof trusses
  
• Ensure your roof-to-wall connections are secure
  
  

These upgrades help your home resist uplift and wind pressure.

6. Take Inventory of Your Belongings

• Photograph valuable items and receipts
  
• Store everything in a secure cloud folder
  
• Update your insurance policy to reflect new purchases
  
  

High-value items like jewelry, watches, fine art, and collectibles may need separate endorsements or policies. Don’t wait until after a loss to find out you’re underinsured.

Step Four: Have a Smart Evacuation Plan

If an evacuation order is issued—don’t delay.

• Fill your gas tank ahead of time
  
• Bring your emergency kit, prescriptions, and pet essentials
  
• Keep your phone charged and back up key contacts
  
• Let someone know where you’re headed
  
  

The more you plan, the easier it is to leave safely.

Step Five: Review Your Insurance Coverage Before the Storm

Not Sure If You're Properly Covered? Let’s Fix That. Let’s be honest—insurance isn’t always easy to understand. Between policy limits, wind deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements, it’s no wonder most people aren’t sure if they’re truly protected. That’s where we come in.

At McShea Insurance, we make it simple. We break it down, explain the fine print, and tailor your policy to you—not the other way around. Here’s how we help you feel confident going into hurricane season:

• We walk you through your home, flood, and wind coverage so you know exactly what’s included—and what’s not.
  
• We make sure your limits and deductibles are aligned with current rebuilding costs (especially important with Cape and Islands inflation).
  
• We help you add protection for high-value items like jewelry, watches, and artwork—or for a secondary residence or seasonal home.
  
• And we make sure that if you ever need to file a claim, you won’t be caught off guard or left in the dark.
  
  

We’re here long before the storm hits—and long after it passes. That’s the McShea difference.