Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and for residents of New York City and Long Island, the threat is real and growing. Superstorm Sandy in 2012 caused over $19 billion in damage to New York alone, devastating coastal communities from the Rockaways to the South Shore of Long Island. Hurricane Ida in 2021 killed 13 New Yorkers and flooded thousands of basements across Queens, Brooklyn, and Nassau County.
Being prepared can make the difference between a manageable disruption and a catastrophic loss. At Upper Restoration, we’ve responded to hurricane aftermath across the NYC metro area for years. Here are 10 essential steps to get your family and home ready before the next storm hits.
1. Know Your Evacuation Zone
NYC has six hurricane evacuation zones (1–6), with Zone 1 being the most vulnerable to storm surge. Long Island coastal communities in Nassau and Suffolk counties have their own evacuation protocols. Visit NYC.gov/hurricanezone to check your zone, or contact your local Nassau/Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management. Know your route to higher ground and identify shelters in advance — don’t wait until an evacuation order is issued to plan your escape.
2. Create a Family Communication Plan
Designate an out-of-state emergency contact who can relay messages if local communications fail. Establish meeting points if family members are separated. Program emergency numbers into every family member’s phone. For Long Island and NYC residents, download the Notify NYC app and register for Nassau or Suffolk County emergency alerts. These systems provide real-time updates on evacuations, shelter locations, and road closures.
3. Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should sustain your family for at least 72 hours without outside help. Essential items include: one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid kit, medications (7-day supply), important documents in waterproof containers, cash (ATMs won’t work without power), and phone chargers with portable battery packs. For NYC apartment dwellers with limited storage, prioritize compact, high-calorie foods and collapsible water containers.
4. Protect Important Documents
Store copies of insurance policies, deeds, identification, medical records, and financial documents in a waterproof, fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Photograph or scan all documents and store them in secure cloud storage. After Sandy, thousands of Long Island and NYC homeowners struggled with insurance claims because their documentation was destroyed. Having digital backups accessible from any device eliminates this vulnerability.
5. Review and Update Your Insurance
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. If you live in a flood-prone area of Long Island (South Shore, coastal Suffolk) or NYC (waterfront Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island), you need a separate NFIP flood insurance policy — and there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins. Review your policy limits annually. Document your home’s contents with video walkthroughs stored in the cloud. Understand your insurance claims process before you need to use it.
6. Secure Your Home’s Exterior
Before a hurricane approaches, secure or bring inside all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and anything that could become a projectile in high winds. Trim dead branches from trees near your home — falling limbs cause significant roof and siding damage. On Long Island, where many homes have large lots with mature trees, this is critical. In NYC, secure rooftop items, window AC units, and balcony furniture. If your property has a pool, lower the water level and turn off the pump.
7. Install Storm Shutters or Board Windows
For Long Island homes, particularly those on the South Shore and East End, permanent storm shutters provide the best wind protection. If shutters aren’t feasible, have pre-cut plywood panels labeled for each window ready to install. Use 5/8-inch exterior plywood — tape does NOT protect windows from hurricane-force winds. In NYC, high-rise residents should move furniture away from windows and close all blinds and curtains to reduce flying glass risk if windows break.
8. Prepare Your Property’s Drainage
Clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains of debris before the storm arrives. On Long Island, ensure your sump pump is working and consider a battery backup — power often fails during hurricanes. Direct downspouts away from your foundation. In NYC, clear area drains and window wells of leaves and debris. Many of the basement flooding cases in Nassau County we respond to after storms are caused by clogged drainage systems that were easily preventable.
9. Charge Devices and Fill Prescriptions
Charge all phones, tablets, and portable batteries to 100% when a storm is approaching. Fill all vehicles with gasoline — pumps don’t work without electricity, and post-Sandy gas lines lasted weeks on Long Island. Fill prescriptions early and stock a 7-day supply of all medications. Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets if water service is interrupted. Withdraw extra cash — electronic payment systems may be down for days after a major hurricane.
10. Know Your Post-Storm Restoration Resources
After a hurricane passes, the first 24–48 hours are critical for minimizing secondary damage. Know who to call for emergency water extraction, storm damage restoration in Nassau County, and Suffolk County storm damage recovery. Upper Restoration provides 24/7 emergency response across NYC and Long Island, with crews ready to begin water extraction, structural drying, and mold prevention immediately after conditions are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hurricane category would cause the most damage to Long Island?
Even a Category 1 hurricane (74–95 mph winds) would cause widespread damage to Long Island given the region’s coastal exposure, aging housing stock, and dense tree canopy. Storm surge is typically more destructive than wind — a Category 1 or 2 storm with the right trajectory could push 6–12 feet of storm surge into South Shore communities, surpassing Sandy’s devastation in some areas.
Is NYC really at risk for hurricanes?
Yes. NYC is increasingly vulnerable due to rising sea levels, aging infrastructure, and dense coastal development. Superstorm Sandy (2012) caused $19 billion in NYC damage alone. Hurricane Ida (2021) killed 13 people from basement flooding. NOAA projections show hurricane-force storms reaching the NYC metro area will become more frequent as ocean temperatures rise.
How long after a hurricane should I wait before returning home?
Wait for official all-clear announcements from local authorities before returning. Once home, do not enter if you see structural damage, smell gas, or encounter standing water that may be contaminated or electrified. Document all damage with photos and video before touching anything — this is critical for insurance claims.
Does flood insurance cover hurricane damage on Long Island?
Flood insurance (NFIP) covers water damage from storm surge and flooding but NOT wind damage. Wind damage is covered by your standard homeowners policy. After a hurricane, you’ll likely need to file claims under both policies. There is a 30-day waiting period for new flood policies, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching to purchase coverage.
What should I do if my home floods during a hurricane?
Prioritize safety first — never walk through flood water (it may be electrically charged or contaminated). Once water recedes, call a professional restoration company within 24 hours. Mold begins growing within 48 hours in humid conditions. Upper Restoration’s flood damage team provides emergency extraction, antimicrobial treatment, and structural drying to prevent mold and further damage.
