Prepare Your Rhode Island Home for Storm Damage

August 2026 marks 35 years since Hurricane Bob struck New England, bringing powerful winds, heavy rain, coastal flooding, and significant property damage to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. For many longtime residents, Hurricane Bob remains a reminder that major hurricanes can affect New England homes, even when they are not common.

Today, homeowners have better forecasting, emergency alerts, and storm-preparation resources than they did in 1991. But one thing hasn't changed: preparing your home before a major storm can make a significant difference in limiting property damage.

As we move through the peak of hurricane season, now is a good time for Providence homeowners to take a closer look at their homes and make sure they're prepared for the possibility of another major storm.

What Made Hurricane Bob So Significant?

Hurricane Bob made landfall near Newport, Rhode Island, in August 1991 before moving north through New England. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge to Rhode Island and surrounding areas.

While major hurricanes are relatively uncommon in New England compared with the southeastern United States, coastal communities in Rhode Island are particularly vulnerable to storm surge, flooding, and wind-driven rain. Inland communities aren't necessarily immune either. Heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, cause basement flooding, and allow water to enter homes through roofs, windows, foundations, and other vulnerable areas.

The 35th anniversary of Hurricane Bob is a useful reminder that homeowners shouldn't wait for a storm to be approaching before thinking about property protection.

8 Ways to Prepare Your Rhode Island Home for Storm Damage

1. Check Your Roof

Inspect your roof for missing, damaged, or loose shingles and have potential problems repaired before severe weather arrives. Even a relatively small roof defect can allow significant amounts of water into your home during a storm with heavy rain and strong winds.

Pay particular attention to areas around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations.

2. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts help direct rainwater away from your home. If they're clogged with leaves and debris, water can overflow and collect around the foundation.

Make sure downspouts direct water away from the house, and that water has a clear path to drain away from the foundation.

3. Test Your Sump Pump

If your home has a basement or below-grade living space, your sump pump can be one of your most important defenses against flooding.

Test the pump before a major storm and consider having a battery backup or other backup system in place. A power outage during a severe storm can leave a primary sump pump unable to operate when you need it most.

4. Check Basement Windows and Doors

Inspect basement windows, exterior doors, and other potential entry points for water. Make sure they're properly sealed and that window wells are free of debris.

If your basement contains furniture, electronics, storage boxes, or other valuables, consider moving important items off the floor before a major storm.

5. Inspect Your Home's Drainage

Walk around your property and look for areas where water tends to collect. Make sure drainage systems aren't blocked and that water isn't being directed toward your foundation.

Taking care of drainage problems before a storm can help reduce the risk of basement flooding and water damage.

6. Secure Outdoor Items

Patio furniture, grills, planters, decorations, trash cans, and other outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds.

Bring loose items indoors or secure them appropriately before a storm. Don't wait until the storm is already approaching to begin preparing.

7. Know Where Your Shutoffs Are

Make sure everyone in your household knows where to shut off the home's water and electricity if necessary. Knowing how to quickly shut off utilities can help reduce additional water damage if a pipe breaks or water begins entering the home.

8. Document Your Property

Before a major storm, take photographs or video of your home and belongings. Document the condition of rooms, appliances, furniture, and other valuable items.

If your home does experience storm damage, having documentation of its pre-storm condition can be helpful when working with your insurance company.

What If Your Home Does Experience Storm Damage?

Even with preparation, severe weather can cause unexpected water damage. A storm can leave behind roof leaks, flooding, damaged ceilings and walls, wet insulation, contaminated water, and other problems that require professional attention.

If water enters your home, it's important to address the damage as quickly as possible. Water can spread through building materials and migrate into areas that aren't immediately visible. Wet drywall, insulation, flooring, carpeting, and other materials can continue absorbing moisture after the storm has passed.

If it's safe to do so, document the damage with photographs and contact your insurance company. Avoid entering areas with standing water if there could be electrical hazards, and don't attempt to clean up contaminated floodwater yourself.

ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning has over 25 years of experience restoring storm damage in Rhode Island. Our water damage restoration company can assess the affected areas, identify hidden moisture, remove damaged materials when necessary, sanitize affected spaces, and use professional drying equipment to help return the property to a safe, dry condition.

Don't Wait for the Next Hurricane to Prepare

Hurricane Bob happened 35 years ago, but its impact serves as an important reminder for Rhode Island homeowners: major storms can happen here.

You don't need to wait for a hurricane forecast to inspect your roof, clean your gutters, test your sump pump, and address potential sources of water intrusion. Spending a little time preparing your home now could help minimize damage if the next major storm brings heavy rain, strong winds, or flooding to Rhode Island.

If your home experiences water or storm damage, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning is ready to help with professional water damage restoration and emergency restoration services throughout Rhode Island. Acting quickly can help limit additional damage and get your home on the road to recovery.