Tropical Storm Preparedness: Tips For Humberto & Imelda 2025
Right now, on the East Coast, the buzz is all about two names: Humberto and Imelda. As these tropical storms gather strength in the Atlantic, their potential paths are a real concern for everyone from Florida to New England. While the exact trajectory is still being finalized in the latest hurricane update, I’ve learned that hoping for the best is never as effective as preparing for the worst. This guide is my way of sharing the hands-on, no-nonsense approach to tropical storm preparedness that I rely on. It’s a comprehensive checklist to empower you to protect your property and loved ones, giving you the peace of mind that comes from being ready.
Understanding the Dangers
When a storm like Humberto or Imelda approaches, many people just think about the wind. But as someone who’s spent years fortifying home, I know that wind is just one part of the danger. A crucial part of effective tropical storm preparedness is understanding the full scope of the threats.
- Onshore Winds: Even if the storm doesn’t make a direct landfall, its outer bands can bring powerful winds. I’ve seen them rip off shingles, topple fences, and turn everyday yard items into dangerous projectiles. This is the damage that can occur even without the eye of the storm hitting us.
- Dangerous High Surf: For anyone in a coastal community, this is a major concern. The storm surge and powerful waves can be incredibly destructive, eroding beaches and damaging homes close to the shore.
- Coastal Flooding: This is often the most overlooked threat. Flooding can happen miles inland, well beyond the immediate coastline, due to torrential rain and storm surge. I always remind myself that standard homeowners’ insurance rarely covers flood damage, which is why a separate flood policy and proactive preparation are so important.
The reality of the situation is staggering. A recent hurricane update report by Cotality shows that over 33.1 million residential properties are at moderate to high risk. States like Florida, Texas, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are at the top of that list. This isn’t just a distant problem; it’s a very real and personal threat that demands our full attention and a powerful plan for tropical storm preparedness.
The Ultimate Prepare for a Hurricane Checklist
For me, tropical storm preparedness isn’t about rushing to the store at the last minute. It’s about a systematic, two-phase approach that covers everything from our house’s structure to our family’s safety. This is my complete prepare for a hurricane checklist.
Hurricane Season Readiness (The “Before” List)
This is where the real work of tropical storm preparedness happens. It’s about taking action before any storm is even named. I’ve found that being proactive is the only way to avoid stress and chaos later on.
- Home Insurance Review: I make a point to pull out my home insurance policy every year. I look for specific details on hurricane and flood coverage. I also check for “binding restrictions,” which means I must make any policy changes well before a storm gets an official name.
- Financial Preparation: An emergency fund is a non-negotiable part of my tropical storm preparedness plan. I always have an emergency savings buffer. I also make sure to have physical cash on hand, as ATMs and credit card machines often go down during extended power outages.
- DIY Home Hardening: This is my specialty. A lot of people believe you need a professional to fortify your home, but many key steps are perfect for a DIY enthusiast.
- Windows & Doors: The most vulnerable points of entry. While storm shutters are great, a cost-effective DIY option is to cut plywood boards to size. I measure my windows and doors, pre-drill the holes, and store the plywood and hardware in the garage. This is a critical hurricane preparedness item. I also make sure my garage door is properly secured as it’s often the weakest part of a home’s exterior.
- Roof: I get up on a ladder to inspect for loose or missing shingles. While I leave things like hurricane clips to professionals, a simple inspection and sealing can make a huge difference in my tropical storm preparedness.
- Yard & Landscaping: I always take a walk around my property to secure or bring in anything loose. Furniture, grills, trash cans—anything that could become a projectile in high winds is brought inside. I also spend time trimming trees and shrubs, removing dead or weak branches that could easily snap and cause damage. This is a simple but vital part of my prepare for a hurricane checklist.
- Family Plan:
- Evacuation Plan: We have a clear plan. We know our local evacuation routes and the locations of designated shelters. A key detail in my tropical storm preparedness is having a plan for our pets, as many shelters don’t allow them.
- Communication Plan: We have a pre-determined out-of-state contact who serves as a central point for family members to check in with. This way, if local cell service is down, we have a clear way to communicate.
The 2025 Hurricane Season Snapshot
According to NOAA’s official outlook, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season (June 1–November 30) carries a 60% chance of being above normal, a 30% chance of being near normal, and just a 10% chance of being below normal.
Last-Minute Preparations (The “A Few Days Before” List)
This phase kicks in when an official storm watch or warning is issued. This is when I activate my pre-planned tropical storm kit and other last-minute measures.
- Physical Home Protection: This is when I finally install those plywood boards on my windows. I also clear my gutters and drains to prevent water from pooling around the foundation, which can lead to serious flood damage. If there’s a risk of flooding, I move my vehicles to higher ground.
- Power & Utilities:
- Generator prep: I test my generator and make sure I have a good supply of fuel stored in a safe, dry place. I always follow the critical safety warning: a generator must be used outdoors, far from any windows or doors, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Charging devices: I make sure all my phones, power banks, and other electronic devices are fully charged. I’ve also invested in a few solar chargers as a backup.
- Refrigerator/Freezer: I turn the settings to the coldest to preserve food as long as possible.
- Stocking up: This is all about gathering my hurricane preparedness supplies. My go-bag is the core of my tropical storm kit, and it’s always ready.
- Water: My list includes at least one gallon per person per day for 3-7 days.
- Food: I have a dedicated bin of hurricane preparedness food, which includes non-perishable items like canned goods, protein bars, and dried fruit that are easy to prepare.
- Go-Bag: This is where I keep all my critical hurricane preparedness items. It contains important documents in a waterproof bag, cash, medications, and a first-aid kit.
- Tools: Flashlights, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and a manual can opener are all essential hurricane preparedness items that get checked off my list.
During the Storm: The Safe Zone
This is the time to hunker down and rely on all the tropical storm preparedness work you’ve done.
The “DO NOTS”:
- Do not go outside: Even if the eye of the storm passes and it gets eerily calm, the winds will return.
- Do not use candles: They are a major fire risk. I rely exclusively on flashlights and headlamps.
- Do not tape windows: This common myth provides no protection. Instead, it can create larger, more dangerous shards of glass if the window shatters.
The “DOS”:
- Stay indoors: I move my family to a small, interior room, a closet, or the basement—the safest parts of the house.
- Stay informed: We listen to the NOAA Weather Radio for official updates.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
After the Storm: Safety and Recovery
The danger isn’t over once the winds die down.
- Critical Safety: I wait for an official “all clear” before going outside. There are still many dangers, like downed power lines, contaminated floodwaters, and unstable structures.
- Damage Assessment: I document everything. I take photos and videos of all damage for my insurance company. My tropical storm preparedness includes a clear plan to report damage to my insurance provider as soon as it’s safe to do so.
- Cleanup: I wear protective gear, like gloves and boots, during cleanup. I don’t use tap water until it’s declared safe by authorities, and I throw out any food that may have spoiled during a power outage.
Conclusion
Weathering a major storm, whether it’s Humberto or Imelda, is a monumental task. But for a DIY enthusiast like me, it’s also a testament to the power of preparation. This isn’t just about checklists and supplies; it’s about taking control, empowering yourself with knowledge, and putting in the effort to protect what matters most. With a strong plan for tropical storm preparedness, you can face even the most powerful of storms with a sense of calm and confidence.
Don’t wait. Share this guide with friends and family. Your proactive tropical storm preparedness can make all the difference for them, too.
