Hurricane season doesn’t just call for urgency – it calls for preparation. At The Home Depot, a comprehensive approach to storm readiness helps protect people, property and the planet, whether it’s through eco-conscious product options or disaster relief efforts in hard-hit communities.
Sustainable Storm Preparation Starts at Home
Thoughtful hurricane prep includes securing your home and assembling a durable emergency kit. You can choose sustainable materials like reusable tarps, rechargeable batteries, solar-powered lanterns and long-lasting water containers. Many of these items are available at your local Home Depot store or online, helping you get prepared.
The Home Depot’s Coordinated Response System
Behind the scenes, The Home Depot activates emergency command centers and relies on trained “Hurricane Captains” across multiple support functions. These captains lead 24-hour response teams to ensure stores are ready, supply lines stay open and communities receive essential goods like generators, tarps, flashlights and batteries quickly, often even before the storm hits.
Community Support Through The Home Depot Foundation
The Home Depot Foundation and Team Depot – The Home Depot’s associate volunteer force – play a critical role in disaster response and recovery. In 2024, more than 56,000 associates completed nearly 2,500 projects to help communities rebuild after natural disasters. Since 2011, Team Depot has volunteered over 2.5 million hours, supporting neighbors, veterans and first responders in times of crisis.
From funding and volunteer deployment to direct support for associates, the Foundation is committed to helping people recover and rebuild. In 2024 alone, The Home Depot Foundation contributed more than $9 million toward disaster response, preparedness and long-term recovery.
Learn more about our disaster response work over the past 30 years.
Be Ready: What to Do Before the Storm Hits
Preparation is your best defense. Here are some smart steps to take:
- Designate a meeting location and create a contact plan with a friend or relative out of state.
- Know your evacuation routes and locate your nearest shelter in advance.
- Secure important documents and valuables in waterproof containers and move them to upper levels if flooding is a risk.
- Review your insurance coverage, especially flood insurance, which is not included in most homeowners’ policies.
- Prepare an emergency kit, including items that can be found at The Home Depot such as:
- Bottled water (one gallon per person per day for 10 days)
- First aid kit
- LED flashlights and lanterns with extra batteries
- Portable or standby generator
- Carbon monoxide alarm
- Power inverters and extension cords
- Tarp and ratcheting tie-downs
- Weather radio
- Trash bags and gas cans
Protecting Your Home
As a storm approaches, reinforce your home with these essential tasks:
- Board up windows or install hurricane shutters.
- Bring in outdoor furniture, grills, toys and garden tools.
- Clear out gutters and downspouts.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water for non-drinking uses.
- Unplug appliances and turn off propane tanks.
- Relocate cars, RVs and boats to higher ground.
- Move sentimental or high-value items to a higher floor.
By preparing early and planning smartly, you not only increase your family’s safety, but also minimize waste and environmental harm. For even more detailed tips and an emergency essentials checklist, check out The Home Depot’s Hurricane Guide.
