In a report issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Hawaiian Islands experience between 3 to 5 tropical storms or hurricanes each season. While not all storms make landfall, over half of them bring rain, flash flooding, and wind damage to the islands. Furthermore, Oahu residents should also expect thunderstorms and coastal surges with little to no notice, which can put homes at risk of flooding, roof damage, and power outages.
It is important that you prepare your home for weather threats proactively. If you take a moment to call your insurance agent and implement some simple preventative measures, you can prevent damage to your home and, most importantly, avoid hiring an emergency storm damage restoration company in Oahu.
Preparedness is Key For Storm Damage Prevention
Storms can arrive in Oahu extremely rapidly, devastating areas in a short amount of time. However, preparing ahead with thoughtful planning can limit the damage to your home, belongings, and most importantly, your family.
Fortify Your Home’s Exterior
Roof, Soffit, Gutters & Downspouts
- Once heavy rains and winds have subsided, you need to inspect the roof for missing, cracked, or lifted shingles.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts of debris so that water does not accumulate near the stem wall or pool near the foundation. Blocked gutters can lead to soil erosion and stress the foundation of your home.
Windows & Doors
- Secure or install storm shutters, or brace larger windows with exterior-grade reinforced plywood.
- Inspect the condition of the weatherproofing and compression seals on doors and windows. If the seals are old, you may be inviting moisture and drafts into your home.
- Lock and reinforce doors against strong winds. If necessary, add secondary locks at the top and bottom of especially vulnerable doors.
Landscaping and Drainage
Cut Back and Cut Down Potentially Dangerous Trees
- Cut any limbs that are close to your home, as heavy winds can easily break them and send them through your walls or windows. Additionally, pick up anything in your yard that is loose and could be blown into the air.
Grade Your Yard
- Make sure the ground is out-sloped from the house; even a few inches over 10 feet can prevent pooling and seepage into your property.
Add More Drains
- If you’ve experienced pooling in your backyard, consider adding French drains or spillways to help direct water away from your property during storms.
Also Read: What to Expect During a Professional Water Damage Restoration Process
Protect Internal Systems & Important Equipment
Protect Utilities & Power
- Locate and label your main shut-off valves and circuit breakers.
- Anchor or elevate outdoor HVAC units and backup generators to at least flood level or higher.
- Have a battery-powered or solar-powered weather radio (Oahu storms often knock out cell towers).
Protect Valuables & Equipment
- Move important papers, electronics, and fragile items to higher levels or place them in waterproof safes.
- Raise your furniture and electronics off the floor.
Build a Complete Emergency Kit
Build or restock a kit that has enough supplies for 14 days, especially during the saturated rainy hurricane season:
- Water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Nonperishable food, can opener, manual tools
- First-aid kit, medications, prescriptions
- Lanterns, flashlights, headlamps & extra batteries
- Multi-tool, rope, duct tape, rain jackets
- Battery-powered or crank radio
- Cash (ATMs may not work)
- Local maps and copies of insurance documents
Plan for Communication & Evacuation
Make a Family Plan
- If you become separated, designate a meeting place.
- Review and exchange emergency contacts.
- Learn how to turn off utilities (gas, water, power) safely.
- Map out a well-lit evacuation route and practice it.
Know Local Protocol
- Stay updated through Hawaii County or Honolulu Civil Defense for Oahu evacuation zones and shelters.
- Understand the sirens and warning signals; some storms can arrive faster than alerts reach your cell phones.
Document Your Home’s Condition Before the Storm
- Take pictures or make video recordings of your home, inside and out, including valuables and appliances.
- Upload copies electronically to the cloud or keep them in your emergency kit.
- This step will protect you if you need to hire a storm restoration company in Hawaii after the storm or file insurance claims.
After the Storm: Action Steps to Secure & Mitigate Damages
If you see downed power lines, gas leaks, or suspect structural damage, do not go inside! Take photos to document damage for your claims or remediation.
Proceed with Immediate Mitigation
- Cover any holes or broken windows with tarps or plywood to keep additional water out.
- Get standing water pumped out quickly; mold can start within 24–48 hours.
Call Upon Professionals Right Away
- If water has intruded into living areas, contact an experienced storm team for water extraction, drying, disinfecting, and reviewing foundation issues and potential mold.
Review Your Policy
- Make sure you know whether your policy covers flood insurance, roof coverage, or utility backup scenarios.
- After a storm, call your agent before starting any cleanup.
- Submit photos, videos, and estimates from a restoration provider you trust. It’s a critical component of your claim.
Final Thoughts & Checklist!
If a storm caused damage, contact a team of storm restoration company Hawaii professionals right away! Immediate certified action and quick response help mitigate further loss and are integral to restoring structural integrity and managing your claims effectively.
Hawaii Water Damage Restoration is Oahu’s trusted expert for storm remediation, flood recovery, mold remediation, and structural repairs. Our certified teams are available 24/7 to:
- Remove emergency water and conduct structural drying
- Mitigate damage and contaminants
- Perform mold inspections and remediation
- Tarp roofs, board up windows, and handle debris removal
- Provide full restorations for drywall, flooring, and painting
We document everything, manage claims, and work professionally to help you restore your home safely and efficiently while minimizing stress.
When storms come, we’re the team you want on your side. Contact us for fast, professional emergency restoration service across Oahu.
