Hurricane Season Water Damage Prep — Louisiana

Louisiana hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. While Shreveport sits 300 miles inland from the Gulf, hurricanes and tropical storms routinely push destructive rainfall, flooding, and wind-driven water damage deep into northwest Louisiana. Hurricane Laura (2020) and Hurricane Ida (2021) both caused significant damage in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Preparation is not optional.

Phase 1: Pre-Season Preparation (May)

Insurance Review

This is the most important step and it must happen before hurricane season begins:

• Verify your homeowners policy covers wind-driven rain damage (most do)
• Purchase or renew flood insurance if you do not already have it (30-day waiting period)
• Add sewer backup endorsement ($40 to $60 per year) to cover storm-related sewage backups
• Document your home's current condition with video and photos for baseline comparison
• Review your deductible amounts, as some Louisiana policies have separate wind/hail deductibles

Read our detailed guide on insurance coverage for water damage.

Roof Inspection

Your roof is your primary defense against hurricane water damage. Have it inspected professionally ($200 to $400). Look for:

• Loose, cracked, or missing shingles
• Deteriorated flashing around vents, chimneys, and skylights
• Clogged or damaged gutters and downspouts
• Damaged or missing soffit and fascia

Drainage System Check

Ensure your property can handle heavy rainfall:

• Clean all gutters and downspouts
• Test your sump pump and replace batteries in backup systems
• Clear yard drains of debris
• Verify grading directs water away from your foundation
• Check for clogs or damage in French drain systems

Phase 2: When a Storm Is Forecast (48 to 72 Hours Out)

Exterior Protection

1. Board up or shutter windows. Wind-driven rain enters primarily through broken windows.
2. Secure or bring in outdoor items. Patio furniture, trash cans, and yard decorations become projectiles that break windows and damage siding.
3. Trim dead branches. A falling branch can penetrate your roof, creating an instant water entry point.
4. Cover vulnerable openings. Garage doors are a major weak point. Brace them from inside or install a hurricane-rated garage door.

Interior Protection

1. Move valuables off ground floors. Electronics, documents, photo albums, and irreplaceable items go to the highest level of your home.
2. Unplug electronics in rooms that may flood.
3. Fill bathtubs and containers with clean water. Municipal water systems can be compromised during hurricanes.
4. Stage emergency supplies: sandbags, plastic sheeting, towels, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, and a portable phone charger.

Phase 3: During the Storm

• Stay away from windows and exterior doors.
• Monitor for water intrusion. Check ceilings, windows, and doors regularly.
• If water enters, place buckets and towels to contain it. Do not attempt repairs during the storm.
• If flooding occurs, move to the highest floor. Do not attempt to walk through or drive through flood water.

Phase 4: After the Storm

1. Inspect safely. Watch for downed power lines, structural damage, and standing water. Do not enter your home if you see structural damage.
2. Document everything immediately. Photograph and video all damage before moving anything or beginning cleanup. This is critical for your insurance claim.
3. Cover roof damage. Use tarps to prevent additional water entry. Most restoration companies and roofers offer emergency tarping.
4. Begin water removal. The faster you remove standing water, the less damage and mold risk you face. Louisiana's heat and humidity accelerate mold growth dramatically after a hurricane.
5. File your insurance claim immediately. After a hurricane, insurers are flooded with claims. Early filers typically get faster adjuster visits and faster payouts.
6. Call a professional. Storm damage restoration companies mobilize quickly after hurricanes. Early calls get priority scheduling.

Shreveport-Specific Considerations

While Shreveport is inland, specific neighborhoods face elevated hurricane-related water damage risk:

• Broadmoor — Already flood-prone, hurricane rainfall overwhelms drainage completely
• Bossier City — Red River rises from upstream hurricane rainfall
• Cedar Grove — Flat terrain pools hurricane rainfall
• Mooretown — Combined sewer system backs up during extreme rain

Hurricane preparation costs hundreds of dollars. Hurricane damage costs tens of thousands. If you need help preparing your Shreveport home for hurricane season or are dealing with storm damage now, contact us. We connect Shreveport homeowners with licensed restoration professionals who respond 24/7 during storm events.