After a hurricane, prioritize safety before anything else: avoid downed power lines and floodwater, don't run a generator indoors or in a garage, and wait for an official "all clear" before going outside. Once it's safe, document any damage to your home and submit a maintenance request through your resident portal so your MainStreet Renewal team can help by responding to the MainStreet Renewal safety confirmation survey.
The moment a storm passes can bring a rush of relief, but the hours and days right after a hurricane carry their own risks. Downed lines, standing water, and storm-weakened structures can be just as dangerous as the storm itself. Here's how to move through the aftermath safely, and what to do once it's time to assess your home.
Wait for local officials to confirm it's safe before leaving your home, since roads may be blocked, flooded, or carrying hazards that aren't visible from a window. When you do go out, treat every downed power line as live, and keep a safe distance ‚ never touch one or anything it's in contact with, including fences, standing water, or metal objects. Avoid walking or driving through floodwater whenever possible, since it can hide downed lines, sharp debris, sinkholes, or displaced manholes, and can also rise or move faster than it appears.
If you lost power and plan to use a generator, run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, and never in a garage even with the door open. Generators produce carbon monoxide, which is invisible and can be fatal indoors. Check on elderly neighbors or family members nearby if it's safe to do so, since heat and lack of power can be especially hard on older adults in the days after a storm.
Once you're back inside, use your senses before you use your utilities. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound, or suspect a leak, leave the home immediately, avoid using anything that could create a spark including light switches, and contact your gas provider or emergency services from outside. Look for obvious structural concerns before moving through the home, sagging ceilings, cracked walls, or a roof that looks visibly damaged from outside are all signs to stay out and call for help rather than investigate further on your own.
Before cleaning anything up, take photos and video of any damage you find, room by room and from multiple angles, including standing water, damaged belongings, and anything affecting the outside of the home like roofing, fencing, or siding. This record is useful for insurance purposes and helps your MainStreet Renewal maintenance team understand what happened before repairs begin. Try to avoid throwing away damaged items until they've been documented, even if it's tempting to start cleaning right away.
Once you've confirmed it's safe and documented what you're seeing, submit a maintenance request through your resident portal as soon as you can. Include your photos and a clear description of what you're noticing. This helps your maintenance team prioritize storm-related requests and get the right resources to your home faster. If something feels urgent, like active water intrusion, a gas smell, or exposed wiring, treat it as an emergency request and follow the emergency contact instructions in your resident portal.
Florida, Gulf Coast, and Southeast humidity means moisture-related concerns can develop quickly after a storm, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. If you notice standing water, damp carpet, or a musty smell, try to increase airflow with fans or open windows if it's safe and weather permits, and let your MainStreet Renewal team know as soon as you submit your request so drying and any needed treatment can start quickly.
Is it safe to go outside right after a hurricane? Wait for local officials to confirm it's safe before going outside. Roads may be blocked or flooded, and hazards like downed power lines may not be visible right away.
Can I run a generator in my garage after a hurricane? No. Generators should only be run outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors, and vents, and never in a garage, even with the door open, because of carbon monoxide risk.
What should I do first if my home has storm damage? Confirm it's safe, then document the damage with photos and video before cleaning up, and submit a maintenance request through your resident portal so your MainStreet Renewal team can respond.
The days after a storm can feel like a lot to manage at once. Take care of your family's safety first, then work through your home at your own pace. Whenever you're ready, your MainStreet Maintenance® team is just a request away. Submit what you're seeing through your resident portal, and we'll take it from there.
For a Hurricane Prep List, please see our latest blog here.