This Hurricane Season Could Be Worse—Are You Prepared?
Every hurricane season brings uncertainty—but this year, the warnings are louder than ever. Meteorologists are forecasting a particularly volatile 2025 season, and with FEMA funding facing major cuts, post-storm assistance may not arrive when you need it. The takeaway? Homeowners need to take preparedness seriously, now more than ever.
It’s not just about survival, it’s about minimizing damage. According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every $1 invested in federal disaster mitigation saves $6 in future damage repair. That’s not just smart policy—it’s a strong argument for personal preparation.
This page provides additional hurricane preparedness statistics and tips to ensure you’re ready this season.
Florida Leads in Storm Prep—But Most States Are Lagging Behind
A recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey reveals an eye-opening divide in storm readiness across the Southeast. In Florida, 84% of respondents say they take advanced steps to prepare for hurricane season. But in neighboring states, those numbers drop sharply:
- Georgia: 58%
- North Carolina: 57%
- South Carolina: 63%
These gaps in preparedness are especially concerning as the 2025 forecast continues to intensify. Hurricanes don’t care about state lines—and with fewer federal safety nets, homeowners in every coastal state need to rethink what it really means to be “ready.”
Why This Season Is Different
While we know many homeowners aren’t as prepared as they should be, the projections for this year make it clear: if you weren’t ready in the past, 2025 is the year to prepare.
Meteorologists point to warmer ocean temperatures and shifting atmospheric patterns as key indicators of an active and unpredictable hurricane season. Experts predict that:
- 3 to 6 storms could directly impact the U.S.
- 3 to 5 of those may become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher, with sustained winds of 111–129 mph)
These storms can devastate homes, communities, and critical infrastructure—especially in coastal and low-lying areas.
FEMA Warns It’s Not Ready—Homeowners Urged to Prepare Now
As hurricane season approaches, an internal FEMA report obtained by CNN reveals the agency is “not ready” to respond to major storms in the months ahead.
With FEMA’s disaster relief budget already under significant strain, agency officials are now expressing uncertainty about their overall readiness ahead of hurricane season, which officially begins on June 1.
This sobering admission has deepened concerns about delayed, reduced, or potentially unavailable federal aid in the aftermath of major storms. With limited government resources and worsening forecasts, homeowners can no longer afford to wait and hope for help to arrive.
The message is clearer than ever: don’t wait for the storm—prepare now.
How to Prepare for a Hurricane
While no home is hurricane-proof, there are several things you can do now to minimize damage costs and increase your chances of a faster recovery:
- Inspect and reinforce your roof to prevent wind damage
- Clear gutters and drains to allow water to flow away from your foundation
- Secure outdoor items like furniture, grills, and tools to prevent windborne debris
- Schedule a foundation inspection to identify early signs of damage
- Create an emergency plan and stock up on essentials in case of power outages or evacuation
When it comes to emergency kits, it’s more than just food and flashlights. Be sure to include:
- Non-perishable food items and bottled water
- Prescription medications and important documents
- Pet supplies and comfort items
- Cash, in case ATMs and card readers are down
- Battery backups and portable chargers
- A generator, if possible, to keep critical appliances running during extended outages
A little preparation now can go a long way when the storm hits.
How Hurricanes Can Affect Your Home Long-Term
Hurricanes don’t just leave behind broken windows and downed trees—they cause lasting structural damage that worsens over time, especially if not addressed early. One of the most overlooked areas of concern is your home’s foundation.
Here’s how hurricanes can create long-term problems for your home:
- Soil Saturation and Erosion
Prolonged heavy rainfall can oversaturate the soil around your home, weakening its ability to support the foundation. In some cases, this leads to soil erosion or voids forming beneath the home—setting the stage for settling or sinking. - Hydrostatic Pressure
Water buildup around the foundation walls creates pressure that can force water into your basement or crawl space. Over time, this can lead to cracks, bowing walls, and mold growth. - Foundation Shifting or Settling
As waterlogged soil dries out after a storm, it can shrink and shift, moving your foundation with it. This can result in sloped floors, misaligned doors and windows, and other structural red flags. - Recurring Moisture Issues
Homes that aren’t properly sealed or waterproofed are more likely to experience ongoing dampness, which promotes mold, wood rot, and decreased air quality, especially in basements and crawl spaces.
If your foundation is already vulnerable, a hurricane can speed up its decline—turning small problems into major repairs. Now is the time to inspect, reinforce, and repair—before the next storm has a chance to do more damage.
Don’t Let an Existing Problem Become a Bigger One
If a storm is coming, the last thing you want is an already weak foundation or basement making things worse.
Protect your property by installing drainage systems, storm shutters, and keeping gutters clear to better handle heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding. According to FEMA, just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage—often more than the wind itself.
At Groundworks, we understand the power of a hurricane—and while we can’t stop one, we can help your home stand stronger when it hits. If your foundation is already showing signs of settling, sinking, or cracking, hurricane conditions like high winds and saturated soil can push it beyond the point of recovery.
That’s why foundation repair, along with basement waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation, is so important. These solutions help prevent water intrusion, reduce long-term damage, and increase your home’s overall storm resilience.
Repairing your foundation now means you’re not just solving a problem—you’re giving your home the best possible chance to withstand whatever this hurricane season brings.
Protect Your Property with Groundworks
Groundworks protects your home from hurricane flooding with trusted foundation repair and waterproofing solutions.
Contact us for a free inspection to determine the appropriate steps to ensure your home remains safe and dry this hurricane season.
Foundation Waterproofing FAQs
While a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture after flooding, it’s not a solution for flooding issues. A proper waterproofing system is necessary for severe water problems.
Waterproofing typically is done to the inside of your basement or crawl space, not the outside. Interior waterproofing is longer lasting, and it is much easier to do. If you have a basement foundation, then it is virtually impossible to waterproof it from the outside once it has already been built.
Basement waterproofing is definitely worth it. It enhances your home’s value and appeals to potential buyers, offering immediate and long-term benefits for your property.
