Hurricane Roof Preparedness Checklist 2026: Pre-Season + 72-Hour Pre-Storm + Post-Storm
The complete Grand Strand hurricane roof preparedness timeline — what to do in May–June before the season starts, what to do in the 72-hour window when a storm is approaching, and what to do immediately after. Sourced from NHC, NWS Charleston, IBHS, and SCEMD primary guidance. Written by WeatherShield Roofing, GAF Certified Plus™ since 2022.
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Why Hurricane Preparedness Is a Three-Phase Job
Most homeowners think of hurricane preparation as something you do in the 24–48 hours before a storm hits. That window matters, but it is the smallest and least important of three preparation phases. The roofs that survive hurricanes well are the ones that were inspected and repaired in May–June, photographed for pre-loss documentation in June, prepped properly when NHC issued a watch 72 hours out, and inspected by a licensed SC contractor within a week after the storm. Get any one of those phases wrong and the damage compounds.
According to HurricaneCity and the NOAA National Hurricane Center historical record, the Grand Strand has been crossed by 309 tropical cyclones within 50 miles since 1851 — roughly one every 2 years on average. Hurricane Hugo (1989) was the benchmark Category 4 at SC landfall with sustained winds near 140 mph at Sullivan's Island. Hurricane Florence (2018) produced catastrophic flooding and wind damage across the region. Hurricane Ian (2022) caused widespread roof damage in the Carolinas after Florida landfall. Storms are not abstract. They happen. The question is whether your roof is ready when the next one shows up.
By The Numbers: Grand Strand Hurricane Risk
Every figure cited from primary government, regulatory, or industry sources.
Atlantic hurricane season official start
Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center (hurricanes.gov)
Climatological peak of Atlantic hurricane season
Source: NOAA NHC climatology data
Tropical cyclones tracked within 50 miles of Myrtle Beach since 1851
Source: HurricaneCity & NOAA NHC historical dataset
NHC Hurricane Watch lead time before hurricane conditions possible
Source: National Hurricane Center watch/warning definitions
NHC Hurricane Warning lead time before hurricane conditions expected
Source: National Hurricane Center watch/warning definitions
Hurricane claim-frequency reduction on IBHS FORTIFIED roofs
Source: IBHS FORTIFIED program research (ibhs.org)
Of post-storm roof damage that is not visible from the ground
Source: GAF and Owens Corning contractor inspection data
Minimum tree-trim distance from roofline per ANSI A300 + IBHS guidance
Source: ANSI A300 Part 1 tree care standard; IBHS hurricane prep
Phase 1: Pre-Season Preparation (May–June)
Complete every item on this list before June 1. Pre-season is when roofers, arborists, and insurance adjusters have the most availability. Once a watch is issued, everyone is booked.
Annual Professional Roof Inspection
Schedule a free 21-point inspection from a SC LLR-licensed roofing contractor. The inspector should check shingles, underlayment, roof decking visible from the attic, flashing (chimney, walls, vents), valleys, ridge caps, pipe boots, drip edge, gutters, fascia, soffit, attic ventilation, hurricane strap visibility from inside, and the entire perimeter for prior storm damage that was missed. Inspections take 45–90 minutes and produce a written report with photos. Schedule before May 31 — after that, hurricane-season demand stretches wait times to 2–4 weeks.
Tree Trimming
Trim limbs at least 6 feet back from the roofline per ANSI A300 (Part 1) and IBHS hurricane preparation guidance. Remove all dead branches anywhere on the property. Remove any tree that overhangs the roof in any way. Falling limbs are the single most common cause of structural roof damage during hurricanes. Use ISA-certified arborists, not roofers, for tree work — improperly performed pruning can kill the tree or create wind sails that increase failure risk.
Gutter and Downspout Clearance
Clear all gutters and downspouts. Hurricane rainfall rates routinely exceed 4–8 inches per hour per NWS Charleston records. Clogged gutters back up under shingles, saturate fascia, and rot decking. Test downspouts with a garden hose — water should flow freely and discharge at least 4–6 feet from the foundation. Gutter guards help but do not eliminate the need for annual cleaning.
Hurricane Clip / Strap Verification
Climb into the attic and visually verify metal hurricane connectors at every rafter-to-wall connection. SC building code has required these in coastal zones for new construction since the early 2000s, but homes built before then often lack them. If you cannot see hurricane straps from the attic, schedule a structural assessment. The SC Safe Home Program offers grants up to $5,000 for qualified retrofits.
Secondary Water Barrier Check
FORTIFIED Roof construction requires a sealed roof deck (taped seam or fully adhered membrane) that prevents water intrusion if the roof covering is blown off. If your roof was installed since 2018, ask your contractor whether a sealed deck was installed. If the next replacement is coming up, upgrade to FORTIFIED — see our FORTIFIED Roof installation page for specifications.
Pre-Loss Photo Documentation
Photograph every side of the roof, all gutters and downspouts, the entire exterior perimeter, fascia and soffit, and interior ceilings of every room. Phone photos are date and GPS stamped automatically — admissible insurance evidence. Save to cloud storage. This single step prevents insurers from disputing whether damage was pre-existing or storm-caused, the most common reason claims are denied or underpaid.
Phase 2: 72-Hour Pre-Storm Window
When NHC issues a Hurricane Watch (48–72 hours before hurricane conditions are possible), execute the following checklist. Do not wait for a Warning — by then you have only 36 hours and the roads will be congested.
Secure or Bring Inside All Loose Items
Patio furniture, garbage cans, lawn ornaments, hanging planters, bird feeders, gas grills, kids' toys, trampolines, pool floats, garden tools, ladders, and anything else not bolted down. Hurricane winds turn each of these into projectiles capable of puncturing roofing, breaking windows, and damaging neighboring property. Garage doors are particularly vulnerable — once a garage door fails, hurricane wind enters the home and creates the pressure differential that lifts entire roof systems off walls. If your garage door is not impact rated, brace it from the inside.
Document Everything Now (Photos)
Walk the entire perimeter with your phone camera. Capture each side of the home, the roof from each corner, gutters, downspouts, exterior walls, doors, windows, deck, fence, and landscaping. Get interior photos of every room. Date stamps in phone metadata are admissible insurance evidence proving pre-storm condition. Email photos to yourself or upload to cloud storage so they survive even if your phone is destroyed in the storm.
Stage Emergency Supplies
In a waterproof container in an interior closet: flashlights with fresh batteries, extra batteries (AA, AAA, D, C depending on your devices), heavy-duty tarps (10x12 or larger), 5-gallon buckets, work gloves, basic tools (hammer, screwdriver set, utility knife), tarp tape, plastic sheeting, first aid kit, prescription medications (3-day supply minimum), bottled water (1 gallon per person per day, 3-day minimum), non-perishable food (3 days), can opener, cash in small bills (ATMs go down).
Insurance Documents in Waterproof Bag
Stage these together in a waterproof zippered pouch (or upload high-resolution scans to cloud storage): homeowners declarations page, contents inventory list, a copy of your driver's license, the claims phone number for your insurance carrier, your roofing contractor contact (us: 843-877-5539), bank account information for direct deposit of insurance payments. Per SC Code Title 38 and SCDOI guidance, having these ready significantly accelerates claim processing.
Review Evacuation Routes
Check current evacuation order status at scemd.org and horrycounty.org. Know your designated evacuation route from SCEMD signage and printed maps — phones often lose signal during evacuations. Have a destination 100+ miles inland identified. If you have pets, confirm pet-friendly shelter availability or hotel reservations along your route. Fuel vehicles to full tank when watch is issued — fuel availability degrades rapidly once warning is issued.
What NOT to Do Before the Storm
Do not tarp the roof. Tarps catch wind, rip off, and become airborne projectiles. Do not climb the roof to inspect. Do not board windows with low-grade plywood and screws — IBHS research shows 5/8" plywood with proper anchoring works; thinner sheets fail. Do not attempt new repair projects 24 hours before the storm — half-finished projects fail worse than no project.
Phase 3: Immediately Post-Storm
What you do in the 72 hours after the storm shapes the entire insurance claim outcome. Move carefully, document obsessively, and call professionals.
Safety First: Wait for the All-Clear
Do not leave shelter until local authorities issue an all-clear. Tornadoes embedded in hurricane outer bands continue producing damage hours after the eye passes. Once outside, assume every downed power line is live — electrocution is the leading cause of post-hurricane fatalities per CDC data. Stay 35 feet away from any wire on the ground. Watch for gas leaks (smell of rotten eggs); evacuate immediately and call from a safe distance.
Inspect From the Ground (Never Climb)
Do not climb a damaged roof. Hurricane damage routinely compromises decking and framing — added weight can cause collapse. Walk the entire perimeter at ground level. Look for missing or lifted shingles, granules in gutters and on the ground, dented gutters and downspouts, displaced flashing, tree damage, damaged vents and pipe boots, and active leaks inside the home (ceiling stains, water on floors, attic moisture).
Document Everything from Ground Level
Photograph every visible damage point with your phone. Get wide shots showing the whole home and close-ups showing specific damage. Photograph debris before moving it. Photograph interior water stains, drips, and any standing water. The first 48 hours of documentation is the most important evidence in your claim. Save to cloud storage.
Mitigate Active Water Intrusion
Place buckets under active drips. Move valuables and electronics away from leaks. Cover furniture with plastic. Photograph everything you do — emergency mitigation expenses are typically reimbursable under your policy. Save receipts. Do not attempt DIY tarping unless you have professional-grade tarp and roof safety equipment — call us at (843) 877-5539 for emergency tarping. Hardware-store blue tarps fail within 7–14 days and can void parts of the insurance claim.
Call Insurance Carrier Within 72 Hours
Use the claims number on your declarations page. Get three pieces of information: claim number, adjuster name and contact, and a direct answer about your named storm deductible (typically 2–5% of dwelling coverage on coastal SC policies). File within 30–60 days per most SC policies and within one year per SC contractual limitations. Earlier is better — hurricane-season backlogs stretch adjuster scheduling to 30–60 days after major storms.
Schedule Independent Roofer Inspection
Book a free inspection from a SC LLR-licensed GAF Certified Plus™ contractor before the insurance adjuster arrives. The contractor produces a written damage report with photos, measurements, scope of work, and Xactimate-compatible line items — documentation that significantly improves claim outcomes. See our 7-step SC roof insurance claim process guide for the complete sequence.
What NOT to Do Post-Storm
Do not climb the roof. Do not sign with door-to-door storm chasers — most are unlicensed in SC, demand large deposits, and disappear before warranty issues surface. See our storm chaser warning guide for red flags. Do not accept the first adjuster offer without an independent contractor inspection. Do not sign Assignment of Benefits (AOB) paperwork — it transfers your insurance rights to the contractor and is associated with significant fraud risk per SCDOI consumer alerts. Do not pay deposits over 10% before work begins.
The Top Hurricane Mistakes Grand Strand Homeowners Make
- Tarping the roof before the storm. Tarps catch wind, rip off, and become projectiles. Tarping is for after.
- Waiting until the warning to prepare. A warning means 36 hours. Once it's issued, gas stations are crowded, supplies are gone, and roads are congested.
- Climbing the roof after the storm. Damage hides structural compromise. People die doing this every hurricane season.
- Signing with door-to-door storm chasers. Out-of-state contractors with no SC license, large deposits, AOB paperwork — all warning signs.
- Accepting the first adjuster scope. Adjusters routinely miss 30–50% of damage. Always get an independent contractor inspection.
- DIY blue-tarp installation. Hardware-store blue tarps fail within 7–14 days and can void parts of the insurance claim. Use professional tarping.
- Skipping the pre-loss photos. Without pre-storm documentation, insurers can argue damage was pre-existing — the most common reason for claim denial.
- Not knowing the named storm deductible. On a $400,000 home with a 3% named storm deductible, your out-of-pocket is $12,000 — finding this out for the first time after a storm is a financial crisis.
Photo Documentation Standards (Insurance-Grade)
The strongest insurance claims are won on documentation. Standards based on NAIC consumer guidance, SCDOI bulletins, and III claim recommendations:
- Date stamps preserved. Phone photos automatically embed date and GPS in metadata. Do not screenshot or re-export — that strips metadata. Original files only.
- Multiple angles per damage area. Wide shot showing context, medium shot showing damage area, close-up showing detail.
- Reference objects for scale. Hand, ruler, or tape measure visible in close-up shots when possible.
- Both sides of damaged components. Front and back of dented gutters, both faces of torn flashing, etc.
- Interior ceiling and attic. Photograph every room ceiling and attic interior — water damage often shows up as stains 24–72 hours after the storm.
- Exterior all four sides. Even if damage appears only on one side, photograph all four for context.
- Cloud backup. Sync to iCloud, Google Photos, or Dropbox. Phones get destroyed in storms. Cloud copies survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Atlantic hurricane season start in South Carolina?
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 each year per the National Hurricane Center. Peak activity for South Carolina coastal impact runs August through October, with the climatological peak around September 10. Pre-season roof preparation should be complete by May 31. The Grand Strand has experienced 309 tropical cyclones tracked within 50 miles since 1851 per HurricaneCity and NOAA NHC historical data.
How far back should I trim trees for hurricane preparation?
Per ANSI A300 (Part 1) tree care standards and IBHS hurricane preparation guidance, trim limbs at least 6 feet back from the roofline and remove all dead branches. Remove any tree that overhangs the roof in any way — falling limbs are the single most common cause of structural roof damage during hurricanes. Schedule trimming before June 1 each year. Use ISA-certified arborists, not roofers, for tree work.
Should I tarp my roof before a hurricane?
No. Tarping before a hurricane creates more risk than it solves — wind catches the tarp, rips it off, and the loose tarp itself becomes airborne debris that can damage neighboring properties. Tarping is for after a storm when you have an opening in the roof. Before the storm, the right preparation is making sure everything that can come loose is secured or brought inside, and that your insurance documentation is staged and ready.
What insurance documents should I have ready before hurricane season?
Stage these in a waterproof container or upload to cloud storage: declarations page (showing dwelling coverage, named storm deductible, ACV vs RCV); list of household contents with serial numbers and photos; recent dated photos of your roof, exterior, and high-value rooms; the claims phone number for your carrier; your roofing contractor's contact (us: 843-877-5539). Per SC Code Title 38 and NAIC consumer guidance, this documentation accelerates claim processing significantly.
Do I need to evacuate Myrtle Beach during a hurricane?
Evacuation orders for the Grand Strand come from the SC Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) and Horry/Georgetown County Emergency Management. Mandatory evacuations are issued for areas at storm surge risk per the National Hurricane Center storm surge inundation maps. Always evacuate when ordered. Even when not mandatory, consider evacuating if you have a roof that has not been inspected this season, if you live in a manufactured home, or if you have any health condition requiring power-dependent equipment. Up-to-date evacuation routes and shelters: scemd.org.
How do I document my roof for insurance before hurricane season?
Take photos of every side of the roof (front, back, both sides, and the ridge) with your phone — modern phone cameras automatically date-stamp and GPS-tag photos in metadata, which is admissible insurance evidence. Photograph gutters, downspouts, fascia, soffit, exterior walls, and any visible flashing. Photograph interior ceilings of every room from corner. Save photos to cloud storage so they survive even if your phone is destroyed. Repeat annually before June 1.
What should I never do after a hurricane to my roof?
Never climb a damaged roof. Hurricane damage often hides structural compromise that fails under added weight. Never sign with door-to-door storm chasers offering immediate work — most are unlicensed in SC, demand large deposits, and disappear before warranty issues surface. Never accept the first insurance adjuster offer without an independent contractor inspection. Never DIY tarp installation without proper materials — hardware-store blue tarps fail within 7–14 days and can void parts of the insurance claim. Never pay cash deposits over 10% before work begins.
How quickly should I call my insurance company after a hurricane?
Most SC homeowners policies require initial notification within 30–60 days of the loss, and SC law gives one year from the date of loss to file the written claim. Practically, call within 24–72 hours. Earlier claims get faster adjuster scheduling, fresher documentation, and better outcomes. Get your claim number, the adjuster's name and contact, and a direct answer about your named storm deductible (typically 2–5% of dwelling coverage on coastal SC policies). Schedule a free professional inspection from a licensed SC roofing contractor before the adjuster arrives.
What is a hurricane watch vs warning?
Per the National Hurricane Center: a Hurricane Watch is issued when hurricane conditions (sustained winds 74 mph or higher) are possible within 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning is issued when those conditions are expected within 36 hours. Tropical Storm Watch/Warning use the same 48/36 hour structure for sustained winds 39–73 mph. Begin pre-storm preparation when a watch is issued. Complete preparation before a warning is issued — at that point, time to evacuate or shelter is short.
How do I check if a tropical storm is coming to Myrtle Beach?
Three primary sources: (1) National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov for storm tracks, intensity, and probabilities; (2) NWS Charleston at weather.gov/chs for local forecasts and watches/warnings specific to coastal SC; (3) SC Emergency Management Division at scemd.org for evacuation orders. Avoid relying on social media or Facebook weather pages — they often share outdated tracks and unverified forecasts. Sign up for SC Emergency Management text alerts via scemd.org for verified updates.
Should I install storm shutters or hurricane straps?
Storm shutters protect windows and doors — important but separate from roof protection. Hurricane straps (metal connectors at every truss-to-wall and rafter-to-wall connection) are required by SC building code in coastal high-wind zones for new construction and dramatically reduce hurricane uplift damage. If your home was built before SC adopted current code (varies by jurisdiction, generally pre-2003), retrofitting straps is one of the highest-ROI hurricane improvements available. The SC Safe Home Program offers grants up to $5,000 for qualified retrofits. See our SC Safe Home Program page.
What is FORTIFIED Roof and is it worth it before hurricane season?
FORTIFIED Roof is the IBHS hurricane-resistance construction standard. Per IBHS field research, FORTIFIED roofs reduce hurricane insurance claim frequency by 40–70%. Required components: 8d ring-shank nails at 6-inch spacing, sealed roof deck, ASTM D7158 Class H wind-rated shingles, reinforced edge metal. South Carolina homeowners with FORTIFIED designation qualify for premium discounts up to 35% per the SC Safe Home program. If your roof is being replaced anyway (insurance claim, age, or storm damage), upgrading to FORTIFIED at the same time costs an additional $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft and typically pays back in 4–7 years through premium savings alone.
Important Disclaimer
WeatherShield Roofing is a licensed South Carolina roofing contractor — not a public adjuster, emergency management agency, or law firm. Hurricane preparedness guidance reflects published National Hurricane Center, NWS Charleston, IBHS, and SC Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) recommendations. Always follow current local evacuation orders from horrycounty.org, georgetowncountysc.org, and scemd.org. For insurance-specific guidance, consult the SC Department of Insurance (doi.sc.gov), your insurance carrier, or a SC-licensed public adjuster. For legal questions, consult a SC-licensed attorney.
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