Storm Season Prep for Your Home's Systems

Hurricanes, severe thunderstorms and heavy rain can knock out power, flood basements and stress every system in your home. You can't control the weather, but you can prepare your home's equipment and know what to do before, during and after a storm.

Before the season starts

Use calmer weeks to get ready.

Check your sump pump. If you have one, pour a bucket of water into the pit and make sure the pump turns on and drains it. Confirm the discharge line is clear and sends water away from the house. Consider a battery backup pump if outages are common. Our page on sump pump coverage explains how plans often treat them.

Clean gutters and drains. Clogged gutters and yard drains can send water toward your foundation.

Protect electronics and appliances. Whole-home surge protection, installed by an electrician, can help protect appliances and HVAC equipment from power surges. Plug-in surge protectors help with smaller electronics.

Service your air conditioner. Storm season often overlaps with the hottest months. A tune-up helps make sure the system is ready when power returns.

Review your generator plan. If you have a portable or standby generator, test it and follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.

Gather documents. Store copies of insurance policies, your home warranty contract and appliance information somewhere safe, including digitally.

When a storm is on the way

As a storm approaches:

1. Secure outdoor items that could become projectiles, such as patio furniture and grills.
2. Set the thermostat a few degrees cooler than usual in summer, or warmer in winter, to bank comfort before a possible outage.
3. Set refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and keep doors closed.
4. Charge phones and power banks.
5. Know how to shut off your main water, gas and electricity. Only shut off gas if instructed or if you suspect a leak, since a utility may need to restore it.
6. If your area is under evacuation orders, follow them.

Power outages and your systems

When power goes out:

• Turn off or unplug major appliances and electronics to protect them from surges when power returns.
• Switch your HVAC system off at the thermostat. Turn it back on several minutes after power is restored.
• Never run a portable generator indoors or in a garage, even with the door open. Place it well away from windows and doors.
• Don't backfeed your home by plugging a generator into an outlet. Use a properly installed transfer switch or extension cords to individual appliances.

After the storm

Check your home carefully before restarting everything:

• Look for water. Check the basement, crawl space and around the water heater and HVAC equipment.
• Inspect outdoor units. If your AC condenser or heat pump was flooded or hit by debris, have a technician inspect it before turning it on.
• Check for gas smells. If you smell gas, leave and call your utility from outside.
• Watch for electrical hazards. Stay away from downed lines, and have an electrician inspect any equipment that got wet.
• Check food safety. Discard perishables that got too warm.

Document any damage with photos before cleanup.

Insurance vs. home warranty after a storm

This distinction matters. Homeowners insurance is generally designed for damage from sudden events like wind, fallen trees and, depending on your policy, certain water damage. Flood coverage is usually a separate policy.

A home warranty typically covers repairs to systems and appliances that fail from normal wear and tear. Most plans exclude damage from storms, floods, lightning, power surges and other acts of nature. Some plans include limited coverage for certain situations, so read your contract. Our page on what home warranties cover can help.

Systems to watch in the weeks after

Some problems show up later. Keep an eye on:

• AC or heat pump performance
• Sump pump cycling
• Electrical outlets or breakers tripping
• Appliances behaving oddly after power returned

If something fails, figure out whether the cause was the storm or ordinary wear, since that often decides whether to call your insurer or your home warranty provider. Our claims page explains the warranty side.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help homeowners compare home warranty plans from independent third-party providers and explain what each plan covers, and excludes, before you buy. Request a free quote at get a quote.