I. Exterior

• Secure all doors and windows. Windows and doors are extremely vulnerable to damage when struck by flying projectiles. Shutters and plywood provide additional protection. If a window is broken out, water can infiltrate an interior and damage furnishings and collections.

• Secure loose objects onsite. Trash cans, signs, lawn furniture, water hoses, children's and pets' toys, and other loose objects can become dangerous projectiles during a storm. It is essential to gather and remove loose objects to a secure location.

• Check drainage. If there is time, clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. If downspouts empty around the foundation of the building, consider adding temporary extension pipes to carry water away from the building. Be sure to secure the extension pipes.

II. Interior

• Move objects away from windows, doors, and fireplaces, as the areas of a building most likely to fail during a severe storm are window & door openings, roofs, and chimneys. Be sure to remove hanging décor from above fireplaces.

• Protect fragile objects from potential moisture or wind damage. Consider moving items such as glassware, prints, pottery, etc. into safe containers, chests, or boxes to protect from storm damage.

• Shut off gas to the building. Liquid propane gas should be cut off at tank; natural gas supply lines should be shut off at exterior valve. Gas lines can be damaged during a storm, so it's better to play it safe.

• Shut off or partially shut off power. If a building will not be occupied during a storm, consider turning the main power breaker off. It the building has a security & fire system, consider leaving the breaker on for the system only. Breakers should be shut off for exterior outlets and any circuits vulnerable to moisture. For historic wood frame structures, hurricane force winds can blow moisture into exterior wall cavities.

III. Supply List

We recommend that you have the following items on hand for emergency repairs and to protect objects from moisture:

• Buckets: Several large and small to collect water
• Towels, Blankets, Rags, Mop: Essential for water clean-up
• Roll of Plastic: May need to cover objects or windows following the storm 
• Tarps and ropes: Necessary for emergency roof repairs. Roll roofing and sheet tin are also helpful.
• Plywood and lumber: Essential for temporary window, door, and roof patches
• Camera or video camera to document property. It helps to document the building and contents before the event.

IV. Responsibility Checklist and Contacts

Know who will check your site if we have a severe storm. Consider the difficultly that individuals may have accessing the site or leaving home with their own serious problems. More than one person should have a responsibility to assist in checking on the site.