Hurricane and storm season can bring heavy rain, strong winds, power outages, flooding, roof leaks, sewer backups, and water intrusion across Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. Even when a hurricane does not make direct landfall in the DMV, the region can still experience tropical rain, saturated ground, flash flooding, and wind-driven damage.

For homeowners, preparation is one of the best ways to reduce risk. You cannot control the weather, but you can take steps to protect your home, reduce water damage, and make recovery easier if a storm affects your property.

ServiceMaster National Capital Restoration helps homeowners throughout the DMV respond to storm damage, water damage, flooding, and emergency restoration needs. As part of the SRM network, we also have the capacity to support larger storm events and complex losses across residential, commercial, and multi-unit properties.

These hurricane preparation tips for Virginia and the wider DMV can help you get your home ready before severe weather arrives.

Start With Exterior Drainage

Many storm-related water problems begin outside the home. If rainwater does not move away from the foundation, it can collect near basement walls, window wells, crawl spaces, and lower levels.

Before storm season, check:

• Gutters
• Downspouts
• Grading around the home
• Window wells
• Exterior drains
• Driveway drains
• Basement stairwell drains
• Yard areas where water collects

Make sure gutters are clear and downspouts are attached. Downspouts should direct water away from the foundation whenever possible. If water pools against the house, it can increase the risk of basement seepage and foundation moisture.

Test Your Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, test it before heavy storms arrive. A sump pump that fails during a storm can quickly lead to basement flooding.

Homeowners should:

• Test the pump with water
• Make sure the float moves freely
• Check that the discharge line is clear
• Confirm water drains away from the foundation
• Clean debris from the sump pit
• Consider a battery backup
• Replace aging pumps before they fail

Power outages are common during severe weather. If your sump pump depends on electricity, a battery backup can help reduce the risk of flooding when the power goes out.

Inspect the Roof and Attic

Roof leaks can cause major damage during hurricane and storm season. Even a small weakness can let water into the attic, ceilings, insulation, and walls.

Before storm season, look for:

• Missing shingles
• Damaged flashing
• Loose vents
• Cracked sealant
• Sagging areas
• Stains on attic materials
• Wet insulation
• Daylight showing through roof areas
• Ceiling stains inside the home

If you notice roof concerns, have them repaired before a storm. A roof leak can spread quickly and may not be obvious until water stains appear on ceilings or walls.

Check Windows, Doors, and Exterior Openings

Wind-driven rain can enter through small gaps around windows, doors, siding, vents, and exterior penetrations.

Check for:

• Cracked caulk
• Gaps around windows
• Loose weatherstripping
• Damaged door sweeps
• Leaks around vents
• Water stains near windows
• Soft trim or wood rot
• Loose siding or exterior materials

Small maintenance issues can become bigger problems during a storm. Sealing gaps and repairing vulnerable areas can help reduce water intrusion.

Move Important Items Off Basement Floors

Basements and lower levels are some of the most vulnerable areas during storms. Even a small amount of water can damage boxes, documents, furniture, rugs, electronics, and stored belongings.

Before storm season:

• Move boxes off the floor
• Use plastic bins instead of cardboard
• Store valuables on shelves
• Keep important documents in waterproof containers
• Move electronics away from low areas
• Keep rugs and fabric items away from known damp spots
• Clear floor drains
• Check for musty odors or damp areas

If your basement has flooded before, take extra precautions. Past water intrusion is a warning sign that the area may be vulnerable again.

Prepare for Power Outages

Storms can cause power outages, and power loss can make water damage worse. Sump pumps, HVAC systems, refrigerators, freezers, security systems, and medical equipment may all be affected.

Prepare by keeping:

• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Portable chargers
• A battery backup for the sump pump
• A weather radio
• Bottled water
• Basic first aid supplies
• A list of emergency contacts
• Important documents in one place
• A plan for pets and family members

If you use a generator, follow all safety instructions and never operate it indoors, in a garage, or near open windows.

Know Where Your Shutoffs Are

During a storm, plumbing or appliance failures can happen at the same time as weather-related problems. Knowing where your shutoffs are can help limit damage.

Make sure you know the location of:

• Main water shutoff
• Gas shutoff
• Electrical panel
• Appliance shutoff valves
• Toilet shutoff valves
• Sump pump power source
• HVAC shutoff

Labeling these areas can help family members act quickly in an emergency.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Storm damage and water damage coverage can vary. Some water damage may be covered under a homeowners policy, while other situations may require separate coverage or endorsements.

Before storm season, ask your insurance agent about:

• Water damage coverage
• Roof leak coverage
• Sewer backup coverage
• Sump pump failure coverage
• Flood insurance
• Mold coverage
• Deductibles
• Documentation requirements

Outside flooding is often treated differently from sudden interior water damage. Knowing your coverage before a storm can prevent confusion later.

Document Your Home Before a Storm

Photos and videos can help document the condition of your home before damage happens. This can be useful if you need to file a claim later.

Take photos or videos of:

• Finished rooms
• Basement areas
• Appliances
• Flooring
• Furniture
• Electronics
• Valuable items
• Exterior walls
• Roof condition from the ground
• Stored belongings

Keep digital copies in a safe place. Documentation is easier before a storm than after damage occurs.

Create a Storm Response Plan

A simple plan can help everyone respond calmly if storm damage happens.

Your plan should include:

• Emergency contact numbers
• Insurance company contact information
• Restoration company contact information
• Utility company contact information
• Location of shutoff valves
• Safe areas of the home
• Evacuation plan if needed
• Pet plan
• Medication and medical equipment needs
• Important documents

Share the plan with family members so everyone knows what to do.

What to Do If Water Enters Your Home

If water enters your home during or after a storm, safety comes first. Do not walk into standing water if electricity may be involved. Do not touch wet outlets, cords, appliances, or electrical panels.

If it is safe, take these steps:

• Move people and pets away from affected areas
• Stop the source if possible
• Move small valuables to a dry location
• Take photos and videos of visible damage
• Avoid contact with stormwater or sewage-contaminated water
• Do not use household fans if the water may be contaminated
• Do not use a household vacuum to remove water
• Call a professional restoration company quickly

Stormwater can contain contaminants, especially if it entered from outside, backed up through drains, or came through a sewer system.

Why Fast Drying Matters After Storm Damage

Water damage can worsen quickly after a storm. Even when standing water is removed, moisture may remain under flooring, behind walls, in insulation, or inside cabinets.

Fast drying helps reduce the risk of:

• Mold growth
• Musty odors
• Warped flooring
• Damaged drywall
• Wet insulation
• Ceiling damage
• Structural deterioration
• More expensive repairs

Professional restoration teams use moisture detection tools, extraction equipment, air movers, dehumidifiers, and drying monitoring to help affected areas dry correctly.

When to Call a Professional Restoration Company

Some small, clean water spills can be handled by homeowners. Storm-related water damage is different. If water affects building materials, comes from outside, enters a basement, or may be contaminated, professional help is recommended.

Call a professional if:

• Water entered from outside
• A basement flooded
• Carpet or padding is wet
• Drywall or insulation is wet
• The ceiling is stained or sagging
• You smell musty odors
• Water came from a sewer or drain backup
• Multiple rooms are affected
• You are unsure how far moisture spread
• You need insurance documentation

Fast professional mitigation can help reduce secondary damage and support the insurance process.

How ServiceMaster NCR Helps After Hurricane and Storm Damage

ServiceMaster NCR provides emergency restoration services for homeowners throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland. Our team helps with storm-related water damage, flooding, drying, cleanup, and documentation.

Our storm and water damage services may include:

• Emergency response
• Water extraction
• Moisture detection
• Structural drying
• Dehumidification
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• Odor control
• Material removal when needed
• Insurance documentation support
• Large-loss support through the SRM network

When severe weather affects multiple properties or larger buildings, SRM network capacity helps support more complex restoration needs.

Hurricane and Storm Season Preparation Checklist

Use this checklist before severe weather arrives:

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Direct water away from the foundation
• Test the sump pump
• Check backup power options
• Inspect the roof and attic
• Seal gaps around windows and doors
• Move valuables off basement floors
• Store documents in waterproof containers
• Review insurance coverage
• Take photos of your home and belongings
• Know where shutoff valves are located
• Save emergency contacts
• Call for help quickly if water enters your home

A little preparation can make a major difference when storms arrive.

Call ServiceMaster NCR for 24/7 Storm and Water Damage Help

If your home has storm damage, flooding, roof leak damage, basement water, or hurricane-related water intrusion, ServiceMaster National Capital Restoration is ready to help. Our team provides 24/7 emergency restoration support throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland.

Call 866.867.3123 for 24/7 storm and water damage restoration.