Hurricane Season Prep: How to Keep Your Home & Furniture Safe

At Rooms To Go, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of the communities we serve. With hurricane season running from June 1 to November 30, it's not a matter of if we'll see storms - it's a matter of when. Being proactive is essential.

Whether you're a seasoned coastal resident or experiencing your first storm season, knowing how to prepare your home and family can help you face even the most intense weather with greater confidence and peace of mind. From emergency planning to home protection and emotional recovery, the steps you take today can make all the difference tomorrow.

Be Storm Ready: What to Know and Do Before a Hurricane Hits

Hurricanes are powerful, fast-moving systems that often leave little time to react. Having a plan in place before a storm is forecast can protect your family, pets, property, and peace of mind.

Start with the basics: Know your evacuation zone. Identify whether you're in Zone A, B, C, or another designation, and understand what that means for your specific area in terms of flood risk and evacuation protocols. You can also sign up for local weather alerts through FEMA, NOAA Weather Radio, or your county's emergency alert system.

Assemble an emergency kit that includes:

• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)

• Non-perishable food and manual can opener

• Battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries

• Medications and medical devices

• Important documents in a waterproof container

• Hygiene products, cash, chargers, pet supplies

Furniture tip: If you anticipate an evacuation or power outage, consider protecting your furniture. Move items away from windows, cover upholstered pieces with plastic sheeting to guard against leaks, and elevate pieces - especially in flood-prone areas - to reduce the risk of water damage.

Strengthen Your Home Before the Storm

A little preparation now can prevent weeks or even months of costly damage. Your home is your first line of defense during hurricane season, and strengthening it - both structurally and internally - can make a critical difference.

Start with the exterior:

• Secure doors and windows with storm shutters, impact-resistant glass, or pre-cut plywood.

• Trim trees and shrubs to minimize the risk of falling limbs.

• Inspect your roof for missing shingles, loose flashing, or clogged gutters - small issues can lead to major leaks during heavy rain.

• Walk your property and anchor anything that could become airborne in high winds, including patio furniture, garden tools, planters, and toys.

• In flood-prone areas, use sandbags or water barriers, ensure your sump pump is functioning, and elevate appliances or important items when possible.

But don't overlook the inside of your home - interior furniture matters too:

• Elevate key pieces like sofas, dressers, or bed frames with risers or cinderblocks wrapped in protective covers, especially if you live in a low-lying area.

• Move smaller items - rugs, electronics, lamps - onto higher shelves or inside cabinets.

• Roll up area rugs and store them in dry areas to avoid mold and mildew.

• Cover upholstered furniture and mattresses with plastic sheeting or tarps to guard against leaks and moisture intrusion.

Lastly, review your insurance policies - homeowners, flood, and wind coverage - and make sure you understand what's protected. Document your valuables with photos or video to streamline potential claims. Taking these steps now not only protects your property but also helps preserve your furniture investment and speeds up recovery in the aftermath of a storm.

Hurricane Recovery and Community Support Resources

In times of crisis, it's not just about what you have - it's about who shows up. Communities that prepare and support one another recover faster, rebuild stronger, and feel less alone in the process. Whether it's checking on neighbors, lending a hand, or simply sharing reliable information, small efforts can create a lasting impact.

At Rooms To Go, we're proud to stand alongside organizations that are dedicated to disaster response and recovery. The United Cajun Navy swiftly mobilizes volunteers to deliver emergency supplies and assist with search and rescue efforts when every moment counts. Samaritan's Purse offers hands-on cleanup and home repairs, while also providing emotional and spiritual support to families navigating loss and uncertainty. The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services delivers food, shelter, and long-term recovery resources to help communities regain stability.

While our core business is home furnishings, our commitment runs deeper. We believe in doing our part when it matters most by partnering with relief teams already making a difference on the ground.

If a storm does strike, remember: you are not alone. National and local organizations like FEMA, the Red Cross, and trusted community partners are ready to help with everything from temporary housing and supplies to counseling and financial assistance. Recovery is never easy, but it becomes possible, step by step, with the right people by your side. To learn more about how Rooms To Go supports our local communities, visit our Gives Back page.

Affordable Furniture Solutions for Hurricane Recovery

After a storm, rebuilding a sense of normalcy often starts at home. When life feels unsettled, something as simple as a familiar couch or a restful night's sleep can bring real relief and comfort.

We understand how overwhelming the recovery process can be. That's why we've made it easier to access in-stock, affordable furniture that ships quickly - so you can start putting your space, and your life, back together. Whether you're replacing storm-damaged essentials or furnishing a room from scratch, our priority is helping you get what you need, when you need it.

Here's how we help make recovery a little easier:

• Thousands of items ready to ship, from beds and sofas to dining tables

• Everyday low priced furniture, with no need to wait for a promotion or coupon

• Flexible financing options to help manage costs during rebuilding

Because comfort is more than just furniture, our goal is to help restore a sense of peace, stability, and home. Your space should be where you can exhale, gather with loved ones, and begin to heal - one step at a time.

Hurricane Season Support That Lasts

Hurricane season is unpredictable, but your preparation and recovery don't have to be. With the right resources, planning, and support, you can protect what matters most and faces the challenges ahead with confidence.

At Rooms To Go, we're committed to standing beside the families and communities we serve - before, during, and after the storm. Whether you're preparing your home in advance or beginning the process of rebuilding, our goal is to offer practical support and real comfort when it's needed most. As the season unfolds, remember: Stay safe. Stay prepared. And when the time comes, we'll be here to help you feel at home again.