Hurricanes can be violent and dangerous to your family and your home. Before a major storm threatens your community, take steps to secure your home and protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.

When it’s hurricane season

Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30. But don’t wait until a warning—take steps to prepare in advance for a potential hurricane—it’s the best way to protect your family, your home and your business.

Know when hurricane season starts.

The best preparation plan for hurricanes begins before the first storm arrives. Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November 30 every year. But don’t wait until a warning is issued—take steps to prepare in advance for a potential hurricane—it’s the best way to protect your family, home, and business.

Take action when a hurricane watch is issued.

A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of a hurricane within a 24-36-hour period. At that time, you should:

  • Purchase any emergency supplies that you don’t already have on hand. Hit the stores early, as items such as batteries, candles, flashlights and bottled water will get snapped up quickly.
  • Prepare your yard by removing all outdoor furniture, lawn items, planters and other materials that could be picked up by high winds. Also remove weak branches on plants and trees. Lower antennas and retractable awnings.
  • Fully charge your cellphone.
  • Fill your car’s gasoline tank.
  • Jot down the name and phone number of your insurer and insurance professional and keep this information handy in your wallet or purse.

When a warning is issued stay informed and ready.

A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less, which means a storm is imminent.

  • Stay informed of the storm’s progress by listening to the radio or TV. Even better, listen to an NOAA Weather Radio for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).
  • Install hurricane shutters, board up or securely shutter large windows and draw drapes across windows and doors.
  • Get off the boat—never remain on a boat during a hurricane! Check mooring lines of boats in the water and dry dock if possible.

Be ready in case evacuation becomes necessary

Make sure you are fully prepared with an evacuation plan. Also, remember:

  • Don’t wait until the last minute—shelters might be full, or the roads might be jammed. If you have pets, consider traveling before an evacuation is ordered. There is a possibility that officials will require you to leave your pet home.
  • Take along survival supplies from your list.
  • Keep important documents with you at all times, including your home inventory, and make sure you have your insurance professional’s name and phone number.
  • Take warm, protective clothing for the whole family in case you get stuck for a while.
  • Lock all windows and doors in your home. Don’t compound hurricane damage with the threat of possible looters.
  • Keep all receipts for anything that might be considered an additional living expense (ALE) if your home is destroyed or damaged and rendered uninhabitable.

Take safety precautions if you remain home during a hurricane

Stay indoors. Don’t go out even during the brief calm when the eye of the storm passes over, as wind speeds can increase dramatically in seconds.

  • Stay away from windows and glass doors and move furniture away from exposed doors and windows.
  • Stay on the downwind side of the house. If your home has an “inside” room with no windows, stay there during the height of the hurricane.
  • Keep the television or radio tuned to information from official sources.

After the hurricane, be vigilant of the dangers that remain

The storm may have passed, but it likely has created new dangers.

  • Beware of outdoor hazards like loose or fallen tree limbs, loose signage, or awnings that are in danger of breaking off and falling.
  • Keep away from loose or dangling power lines and report them immediately to the proper authority.
  • Walk or drive extra cautiously as washouts may weaken road and bridge structures.
  • In the event of a power outage, throw out food that may be spoiled.
  • Boil municipal water before drinking until you have been told it is safe.

Take action if your home is damaged.

Notify your insurance professional as soon as possible after the storm of any losses. If you have to relocate, let your representative know how to contact you. In addition:

  • Make temporary repairs as soon as possible if these can be done safely. This strategy will protect your property from further damage or looting; however, keep all receipts for materials used for insurance purposes.
  • Get written estimates for any proposed repair jobs and use only reputable contractors. Be especially careful of building contractors who want huge deposits up front or encourage you to spend a lot on temporary repairs. Ask for their references and check with the Better Business Bureau on complaints. Never accept help from a door-to-door contractor solicitation!
  • Hang on to your receipts for expenses that will be covered by insurance or will be tax-deductible.

Read Other Blog Posts

Living room

Renting Out Your Home? Here’s What You Need to Know About Liability and Insurance

Renting out your home—whether short-term or long-term—can provide extra income but also introduces legal and insurance risks. Before listing your property, it's essential to research local laws, use a clear rental agreement, screen tenants carefully, and ensure your insurance policy provides the right coverage. Taking steps like securing valuables, documenting your home’s condition, and staying accessible can help protect your property and minimize potential issues.
Ashley Pu Calderon and Wayne Texeira

Working with Co-op Students Yields a Mutually Beneficial Experience

As summer winds down and the next academic year approaches, we at Murphy Insurance Agency are both proud and a little wistful as we say goodbye to Ashley Pu Calderon, our most recent co-op student from Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School. While we’re sad to see her go, we’re incredibly excited for her as she begins her college journey
College Students 1200

Headed to College? Don’t Forget About Insurance

Whether it’s freshman year or senior year, sending a student off to college is a big deal. Between class schedules, dorm shopping, moving day, and maybe a few emotional goodbyes, there’s a lot going on. With so much happening, it’s easy to overlook things like insurance. But here’s the thing: insurance should definitely be on your college checklist, because being covered can save you time, money, and major stress down the road.
Kitchen

Smoke Detector Maintenance: Keep Your Home and Family Safe

Smoke detectors are one of the most vital tools for protecting your home and family, but they only work if they’re properly maintained. In this post, we’ll cover how to choose the right smoke detectors, where to place them, and how to keep them in working condition through regular testing and battery replacement. A few simple steps can make all the difference in a fire emergency.
Life Insurance in Groton, MA Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

Life Insurance in Groton, MA: Protecting What Matters with Murphy Insurance

For families and individuals in Groton and surrounding communities, life insurance from Murphy Insurance offers more than peace of mind—it provides a solid foundation for long-term financial security. Whether you’re safeguarding loved ones, covering debts, or planning for the future, our personalized life insurance solutions are designed to fit your goals and budget. From affordable term life to permanent protection and full-service planning, our Groton-based team is here to help you protect what matters most with trusted guidance, top-rated options, and local expertise.
Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flood Insurance May Be Critical to Safeguard Your MetroWest, Massachusetts Home

Flooding isn’t just a coastal problem—it’s a growing concern across MetroWest, Massachusetts. Whether you live in Framingham, Hudson, or Hopkinton, you may be surprised to learn your home is at risk. Learn how flood insurance can help protect your property from the damage that standard homeowners’ policies don’t cover.
Roundabout

Safe Driving Saves Money on Your Automobile Insurance

For better or worse, your automobile insurance premium is a direct result of your driving record. While you can’t always prevent every accident or control what happens on the road, safe driving is one of the most powerful tools you have to protect both yourself and your finances. Keep reading to learn how maintain a safe driving record can lower your premium, and—as a result—protect your wallet.
Car driving

Buying a Car? Don’t Forget the Insurance Quote First!

Shopping for a new car can be exciting, but it’s crucial to check in with your agent before finalizing your purchase. Not all vehicles are created equal when it comes to insurance costs. Two cars might look similar on the outside, but one could cost you hundreds more per year to insure.
Shovel

Digging on Your Property? Here’s Why “Dig Safe” Should Be Your First Step

Under federal and state law, all homeowners and contractors are required to notify the appropriate utility companies before doing any excavation work. Keep reading to learn more about the standards for digging on your property.

Visit Our Homeowners Insurance Page

Homeowners Insurance

At Murphy Insurance, we take great care in assessing your options for homeowners insurance to ensure that you receive the most favorable value. Our dedication to serving you entails collaborating with highly-rated insurance providers and conducting comprehensive assessments of available choices. Our goal is to achieve the ideal equilibrium between affordability and coverage that suits your unique needs. Please let us provide you with a customized homeowners insurance quote.