2025 Tornado Season: How to Prepare Your Home

As 2025’s tornado season approaches, prioritizing your safety and ensuring your home is ready for severe weather is key, primarily if you reside in regions prone to these powerful events, such as Tornado Alley (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska) or Hurricane Alley (Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and the Carolinas).

Whether facing the violent winds of a tornado or the torrential downpours and powerful gusts of a hurricane, proactive storm preparation is the key to safety and minimizing damage. To provide you with the most reliable information, we’ve consulted with experts to get essential steps, practical advice, and checklists to help you effectively prepare your home for both tornadoes and hurricanes during storm season. Let’s delve into how to prepare your home this storm season and fortify your defenses against whatever Mother Nature may bring.

 “Storms don’t wait for readiness — prepare like it’s coming tomorrow, and recover like your home depends on it. Before the storm, secure what you can see and service what you can’t. Afterward, document every detail and prioritize safety over speed. A well-prepared homeowner weathers the storm twice: once in the moment, and again in the recovery.” –Dustin Gutkowski, owner of Results Roofing

When and where is tornado season, exactly? 

Tornado season in the United States typically occurs in the spring and early summer, with peak activity from April through June. This season is especially active in the central part of the country. However, tornadoes can occur in other regions and during other times of the year, particularly in the Southeast during the late fall and winter months when atmospheric conditions are right. In addition to the traditional Tornado Alley, there are secondary regions of frequent tornado activity, such as “Hoosier Alley” in the Midwest, which includes parts of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and parts of Kentucky — and “Dixie Alley” in the Southeast, which includes states like Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and parts of Georgia.

Hurricane season, on the other hand, primarily affects the Gulf Coast, Atlantic Coast, and southeastern U.S., running from June 1 through November 30, with peak activity usually from August to October. Coastal states like Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and the Carolinas are most at risk. While hurricanes are less common in the Northeast, they can still bring significant impacts as storms travel northward along the coast. Both tornadoes and hurricanes are powerful natural forces, and understanding their seasonal patterns helps communities better prepare for severe weather.

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Tornado season 2025: How to prepare your house for a tornado or hurricane?

1. Secure your home’s exterior

Preparing your home’s exterior is a critical aspect of storm readiness. To secure windows for storms, consider installing durable storm shutters or upgrading to impact-resistant glass. 

Similarly, to reinforce doors for storms, ensure frames are sturdy and consider adding deadbolt locks. Roof storm preparation involves a thorough inspection to repair any loose shingles and properly secure vents and flashing. Maintaining your property’s resilience against weather-related risks involves several key considerations, extending beyond the obvious. 

Schedule a gutter tuneup

Don’t overlook your gutters and downspouts; keeping them clean ensures proper water drainage away from your foundation. “One of the most overlooked problems you can have is not keeping your gutters clean. Clogged gutters can back up, and either push water under your shingles and leak inside the home, or worse, they can cause roof edge rot. Clogged and full gutters can also become so heavy that they fall, ripping the edge of the roof and the fascia with it,” cautions Brandi Millard Noriega, Vice-President of Millard Roofing, Inc. 

Aleks Krylov, owner of Stern Gutters in New Jersey, also highly recommends: schedule a gutter tune-up, which can make the difference between a secure home and costly damage. 

“Make sure the tune-up service includes full cleaning, including a check for clogs in the downspouts, plus a system check to tighten anything that could be loosened or ripped off by high winds, including gutters, fascia trim, and soffits. Inspect the gutter slope to ensure proper drainage, reseal any vulnerable end caps and corners, tighten or replace hangers and brackets, and make sure downspouts and elbows are secure. Loose gutters are often the first to go in a storm; we’ve seen cases where a detached gutter was picked up by the wind and smashed against windows or siding, even landing on roofs and damaging shingles. Storm prep isn’t just about clearing water paths — it’s about locking down the parts most likely to fail. After the storm passes, a quick gutter cleanout is smart, too, as twigs and leaves tend to pile up fast and can block proper drainage.” 

Finally, take proactive steps with your landscaping by trimming trees to minimize the risk of falling branches during storms, and remember to secure all outdoor furniture, decorations, and trash cans to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Clear roofline from debris and overhanging branches.

Expert tip: “Before a storm hits, ensure your roofline is clear of moss, debris, and overhanging branches — even a blocked gutter can cause significant water ingress during heavy rain. After the storm, prioritize a safe ground-level inspection and photograph any visible damage. Then call in a trusted roofing professional to assess structural issues, especially around flashing, tiles, and ridge lines where damage is often hidden.” –Tracey Pilkington, Roofing Administrator with Yorkshire Roofing

Secure window screens and check weatherstripping around doors.  

Expert tips: “Before a storm, take down or secure your window screens. They tear easily and can turn into flying debris when the wind picks up. Check that the weatherstripping around your doors is sealing properly to keep water out. After the storm passes, walk through your home and look at the ceilings and upper corners of each room. If you see any water stains, even small ones, your roof likely took on damage and it is time to call a professional before it gets worse.” –Johnny Merehouyias, production manager with Alexandria Home Solutions LLC

“To prepare your home for storms or inclement weather, be sure to weatherize by sealing windows and doors. Also, be sure that any dead tree branches are trimmed so they don’t fall on your home. If there is a power outage after a storm, seek public spaces that can provide access to heating, cooling, or outlets to charge phones. Solar that is paired with batteries can provide back-up power in the case of an outage, and generate significant energy bill savings throughout the year.” –Margo Weisz, Executive Director, TEPRI

“A home’s most unprotected area in a storm is its windows. If your home can have storm windows installed, you can trade out the glass in your storm windows for polycarbonate. Storm windows with polycarbonate are more impact resistant than plywood, allowing your home to always be storm-ready.

Although polycarbonate scratches more easily than glass, it can last for years without having to be replaced from breakage, giving you the protection of plywood without the hassle of constantly installing and removing.”- Drew Harris, CEO of Tualatin Valley Glass 

Properly insulate your home for this year’s tornado and hurricane season

Expert tip: “Properly insulating a home –including floor, ceiling, wall, attic, and pipes — not only reduces energy use and costs but also protects the home and pipes from extreme weather. Efficient windows or solar screens and reducing leaks or gaps with caulk or weatherstripping can add to this protection. If there’s a power outage, the home can stay at a safe temperature for longer. Take care when sealing a home to make sure there aren’t sources of air pollution like carbon monoxide that could become more harmful in a sealed environment. Having an onsite source of power like a solar-powered battery bank, even just to charge devices can be very helpful, as well.” –Houston Advanced Research Center

Water diversion tubes

Expert tip: “Before the skies darken, don’t just stock up—strategically protect. Use water diversion tubes (like the HydraBarrier) to guide water away from doors, garages, and vulnerable landscaping. After the storm, deploy a high-efficiency utility pump (like a HydraPump Smart Pump) to automatically detect and quickly clear pooled water from low spots, patios, or flooded crawl spaces — speeding recovery and preventing further damage. Storm prep isn’t just about surviving the storm — it’s about bouncing back faster, smarter, and drier.” – Watershed Innovations

Backup generator or solar panels

To ensure uninterrupted power during a storm and potential outages, consider the peace of mind a backup generator or solar panel system can provide.

Expert tip: “Before a storm, consider installing a solar battery backup system to maintain power even during grid failures. This ensures essential appliances and medical devices keep running, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

After the storm, use a drone or professional inspection to check for issues like hail strikes or fallen tree branches that may have impacted your panels. Even if there’s no visible damage, monitor your system through its performance app. Many modern solar setups offer real-time diagnostics to help you spot drops in production.

If damage is detected and the panels are no longer performing as expected, most reputable solar companies will replace affected panels at no additional cost — thanks to manufacturer warranties or insurance support.” – Richard Barton with Northwest Hills Solar

Fix loose shingles and make a family plan

Expert tips: “To prepare for significant rain, hail, or a hurricane, ensure your roofing is in good condition—inspect for loose shingles and leaks, and make necessary repairs to prevent water intrusion. Reinforce or replace siding that may be susceptible to wind and hail damage, and clear gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and avoid flooding around your foundation. Additionally, create a ‘storm communication plan’ with family members, ensuring everyone knows how to stay informed and connected during the storm. These proactive steps can safeguard your home and provide peace of mind when severe weather strikes.”- Myron Stoltzfus-owner of Best Contracting

“Storms can be unpredictable, but a little prep goes a long way—have your gutters cleaned, check your roof and siding, make sure your windows are sealed, and don’t forget about the garage door—it’s a big target in high winds. After the storm, you can recheck the gutters for clogs and survey any broken branches that may have fallen, causing damage to your roofing, siding, and windows. Let the pros handle the damage inspection and repairs when it comes to getting on your roof or unjamming a stuck garage door. It’s not worth risking your safety trying to spot damage that can be easy to miss. We know what to look for, and we’ll make sure everything’s done right.”— Cory Jay, owner of Advantage Home Pros

2. Storm preparation: Create an emergency supply kit 

Having a comprehensive storm survival kit readily accessible can significantly improve your safety and comfort during and after severe weather. This list, a key part of your proactive storm preparation, will help you gather the necessary supplies to ensure you’re well-equipped for any eventuality.

3. Utility safety

A critical aspect of storm preparation involves understanding your home’s utility systems and knowing how and when to safely shut them off. Familiarize yourself with the location of your main shut-off valves or switches for gas, electricity, and water, as knowing how to perform a gas shut-off storm procedure or manage electricity safety storm situations can prevent significant damage or hazards. It’s essential to learn the proper techniques for turning off utilities before storm conditions worsen, ensuring you can act quickly and safely if instructed by authorities or if damage to your property occurs.

4. Review insurance coverage prior to hurricane and tornado season

Protecting your finances from potential storm damage is a crucial part of comprehensive preparedness. Take the time to thoroughly understand your current homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to know exactly what is and isn’t covered in the event of tornado and hurricane damage. If you reside in an area susceptible to flooding, carefully consider obtaining separate flood insurance, as standard homeowner’s policies typically don’t cover flood-related losses. To streamline any potential claims, be sure to document your belongings with photos and videos, providing valuable evidence for homeowner’s insurance storm damage, wind damage insurance, or flood claims.

Understanding and quantifying the potential negative impacts of climate change on a specific entity is crucial, and a climate risk score serves as a key metric for this purpose. Jeremy Porter, Head of Climate Implications Research at First Street, emphasizes proactive preparation: 

“Start by checking your climate risk score from First Street — it gives you a clear, localized understanding of the types of hazards your property is most vulnerable to, whether it’s flooding, wildfire, or extreme wind. That knowledge helps you make informed decisions about how to prepare. And just as critical: keep your insurance documents accessible and backed up digitally. After a disaster, having immediate access to those records can significantly reduce delays in filing claims and getting the support you need to recover.” 

By synthesizing complex climate data and projecting future scenarios, these scores, such as those provided by First Street, offer a clear assessment of vulnerability to various climate-related hazards. Ultimately, leveraging climate risk scores empowers stakeholders to proactively manage risks, enhance resilience, and allocate resources effectively in the face of a changing climate.

“Being prepared for a potential property loss from a flood can make the claim-filing process much easier. One way to do that is by creating a complete inventory of your belongings. Use your phone to take a video of each of the rooms in your home. Open cabinets and closets to ensure you have a thorough record of your belongings. 

It can surprise you to realize how much personal property you’ve acquired over time. Make sure you save a copy of the video to a cloud storage service (such as iCloud or Google Drive) so you can easily access it later. Remember, flooding from a storm is not covered by your homeowner’s policy, and federal disaster grants average about $5,000.” – Aon Edge

Tornado and hurricane season preparation checklist

You prepare your house for severe weather by:

1. Developing a family emergency plan and practicing it.
2. Securing windows and doors (installing storm shutters, reinforcing doors).
3. Reinforcing your roof and ensuring it’s in good repair.
4. Cleaning gutters and downspouts.
5. Trimming trees and shrubs around your house.
6. Securing outdoor furniture and loose items.
7. Knowing how to shut off utilities (gas, electricity, water).
8. Reviewing your insurance coverage.

Actions to take during a storm (tornado and hurricane)

During a tornado, your primary goal is to find the most secure shelter immediately. If you have a basement, storm cellar, or designated tornado-safe room, seek refuge there at once. If these options aren’t available, move to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, away from all windows, doors, and outside walls. Crouch low to the ground, ideally on your knees, and protect your head and neck with your arms or a blanket. Remember that speed is essential during a tornado warning, so don’t delay in seeking shelter during tornado conditions.

When a hurricane approaches, the necessary actions depend on your location and official instructions. If an evacuation order is issued, follow it immediately and head to a designated evacuation zone or shelter. If you are not in an evacuation zone and choose to stay in your home, secure all windows and doors by boarding them up with plywood or using storm shutters. Move to an interior room on the highest level that is safe from potential flooding. Stay informed about the storm’s progress and any updated instructions from reliable sources. Whether sheltering from a tornado or a hurricane, remaining calm and informed are key aspects of storm preparation and ensuring your tornado safety at home or navigating hurricane safety at home.

What not to do during a tornado?

• Do not go near windows, doors, or exterior walls. These areas offer little protection from flying debris.
• Do not stay in a car or mobile home. These structures provide minimal shelter from tornado winds.
• Do not seek shelter under a bridge or overpass. Wind forces can be amplified in these areas, making them dangerous.
• Do not remain on the upper floors of a building. Seek the lowest possible level for the greatest protection.
• Do not waste time trying to gather non-essential belongings. Your safety is the top priority.
• Do not go outside to look at the tornado. Flying debris can cause serious injury or death.

What not to do during a hurricane?

• Do not ignore or delay evacuation orders. If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately. Your safety is the priority.
• Do not leave windows and doors unsecured if you choose to stay. Ensure all windows are shuttered or boarded up and doors are reinforced as best as possible.
• Do not stay in exterior rooms or on lower levels prone to flooding. Seek shelter during hurricane conditions in an interior room on the highest level of your home that is safe from rising water.
• Do not rely on unverified or social media sources for storm information. Stay updated on the hurricane’s progress and official instructions through reliable sources like NOAA, local emergency management, and reputable news outlets for accurate hurricane safety-at-home guidance.

Actions to take after a storm (tornado and hurricane)

Once the storm has passed, your safety remains the top priority. Before venturing outside, always wait for official confirmation from authorities that it is safe to do so. Be acutely aware of post-storm hazards such as downed power lines, scattered debris, and potentially unstable structures. It is crucial to avoid any standing floodwaters, as they may be contaminated with harmful substances or even be electrically charged. When you do go outside, protect yourself by wearing sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing to prevent injuries from sharp objects and debris. Remember, prioritizing after-storm safety will help prevent further harm.

“Costly home repairs can be prevented by making sure gutter systems are clog-free and draining properly before any major storm event.  Once the storm has passed, we recommend that homeowners check their basements for signs of leaks, moisture, or cracking. Attic spaces and interior walls should be checked for signs of leaks or wet spots.” – My Gutter Doctor

Following the all-clear, carefully begin to assess damage to your property. Document any damage thoroughly with photos and videos, as this will be essential for your insurance claim. Before re-entering your home, conduct a preliminary check for significant structural damage. Be particularly cautious of weakened walls, roofs, and foundations that may be compromised. 

Once it’s safe to enter, perform a more detailed home damage assessment after the storm, whether it’s a tornado damage inspection or a hurricane damage inspection. Promptly contact your insurance company to file an insurance claim for storm damage, providing them with your policy number and detailed information about the damage you’ve documented. Understanding the homeowner’s insurance claim process will help expedite your recovery.

“If a storm is imminent, focus on your home’s resilience. Key steps include sealing cracks and gaps in the roof and walls, clearing debris from the roof and gutters, and trimming trees and shrubs near the home. After the storm, inspect the attic, roof, and foundation for leaks or structural shifts, and remove debris safely. 

Then, plan upgrades to help your home withstand future storms. Severe storms can affect all five pillars of home performance: Safety, Comfort, Operations, Resilience, and Energy. Consider improvements like impact-rated windows, reinforced doors, backup power systems, and better insulation. Free tools like the Pearl app provide personalized insights across all five pillars to identify and address weak spots before a storm, track upgrades, and uncover rebate opportunities. These steps can save time and money while improving your home’s performance and value.” – Cynthia Adams, CEO and Co-Founder at Pearl

To mitigate further losses, take reasonable steps to perform temporary home repairs after a storm, such as using a tarp for roof damage or boarding up windows. Keep detailed records and receipts for all materials and work related to these temporary fixes. 

As the recovery phase begins, follow local guidelines for storm debris removal and exercise caution during the home clean-up after the storm, always wearing appropriate safety gear. Remember that disaster recovery resources are often available through local organizations, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance if needed as you navigate the aftermath of the storm.

“Once the storm has passed, inspect your gutters and downspouts for any damage. High winds and heavy rain can cause gutters to pull away from the fascia, leak at the seams, or become clogged with storm debris. Check for standing water near your home, as this could indicate drainage issues. If you notice any sagging, detached sections, or blockages, address them immediately to prevent long-term damage. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help protect your home from costly water-related issues.” – J&A Exterior in Metro Detroit

Need-to-know FAQs

Is a bathtub safe during a tornado?

While a bathtub isn’t a foolproof tornado shelter, it can offer some protection from flying debris and is a better option than being in an open area, especially if your bathroom is windowless and on the lowest floor. 

What is the safest room in the house during a hurricane or tornado?

The safest room is generally an interior room on the lowest level of the house, away from windows and exterior walls. For a tornado, this could be a basement, storm cellar, or an interior hallway or closet. For a hurricane, if you are not evacuating, an interior room on the lowest level protected from potential flooding is best.

Should bedroom doors be open or closed during a hurricane?

Bedroom doors should be closed during a hurricane. This can help to contain pressure changes and potentially slow down debris or wind entering the room if windows or exterior walls fail.

Should you tape windows before a hurricane?

No, you should not tape windows before a hurricane. According to FEMA and other emergency management agencies, taping windows does not prevent them from breaking and can create larger, more dangerous shards of glass. The best way to protect windows is with storm shutters or impact-resistant glass.

“It is very important to assess your specific regional risk factors before the storm season arrives—whether coastal hurricane vulnerability, tornado exposure in interior plains, or island-specific typhoon threats — and tailor your emergency preparations accordingly with a complete storm kit organized for immediate access. 

After a severe storm, if your home does sustain damage, you must implement a flexible resource allocation strategy to help you maintain and shift focus between external repairs and indoor finishing tasks — this will help you maintain productivity and momentum in your repair and recovery efforts.” – Optic Weather