Here is what you need to know about protecting your home during hurricane season; our team at St. Pierre Construction is here to provide expert advice and tips to keep your family and home safe during hurricane season. Living along the beautiful coast of Charleston, SC, comes with its share of rewards, which includes breathtaking views, coastal breezes, and a vibrant lifestyle. But as every Lowcountry resident knows, it also means preparing for hurricane season.
From June through November, coastal homeowners face the risk of high winds, storm surges, and heavy rain that can cause significant property damage and put families in harm’s way. At St. Pierre Construction, we specialize in building resilient coastal homes designed to withstand harsh weather. We know that preparation is the key to safety—and it starts long before the first storm appears on the radar.
Below, we share our expert guide to protecting your home and your family during hurricane season, with practical steps and specialized solutions designed for Charleston’s coastal climate.
Invest in a Dedicated Generator System
One of the most disruptive aspects of a hurricane is the loss of power, which can sometimes last for days or even weeks. A dedicated gas or propane-powered generator can keep essential systems running during an outage, including:
- Refrigerators and freezers to preserve food.
- HVAC systems for safety during extreme temperatures.
- Medical equipment for household members with health needs.
- Lighting and charging capabilities for communication devices.
Why Propane or Natural Gas Generators Are Ideal for Coastal Homes:
- Fuel Availability: Gasoline can be hard to find during emergencies, but propane and natural gas can be stored in advance or piped directly to your home.
- Longer Runtime: Standby systems automatically activate and can run for extended periods without the need for refueling.
- Whole-Home Coverage: Larger units can power your entire home, not just a few circuits.
Pro Tip: Have your generator installed by a licensed professional and test it before hurricane season starts. The St. Pierre Team is proud to partner with Generac Supercenter of Charleston. The Generac team provides proven & reliable whole-home generators that are built in the USA.
Fortify Windows and Doors with Storm Protection
Flying debris is one of the leading causes of damage during a hurricane. Even a small breach in a window or door can allow high winds and water to enter, causing pressure changes that lead to roof or structural damage.
Best Options for Coastal Protection:
- Impact-Resistant Windows: Built to withstand windborne debris without shattering.
- Hurricane Shutters: Available in roll-down, accordion, or panel styles; easily deployed when a storm is approaching.
- Storm Doors: Provide an extra layer of protection for entryways and help prevent water intrusion.
St. Pierre Construction often incorporates impact-rated windows and doors into new builds along Charleston’s coast to meet or exceed hurricane safety codes.
Install a Water Barrier System
While wind grabs most of the headlines, flooding is often the most destructive force in a hurricane. Even a few inches of water can cause thousands of dollars in damage, ruin flooring, and create long-term mold issues.
Modern water barrier systems can be designed into your home to help keep floodwaters out. These include:
- Perimeter Sealing Systems: Waterproof membranes applied to exterior walls and foundations.
- Flood Vents: Equalize pressure on your home’s foundation during storm surges, reducing structural damage.
- Elevated Entryways: For new construction, we recommend designs that meet or exceed FEMA’s elevation standards for coastal areas.
Pro Tip: Combine physical barriers with proper grading and landscaping to divert water away from your home.
Integrate Built-In Water Pumps
For homes in flood-prone areas, a built-in sump pump or water evacuation system can be the difference between a quick cleanup and catastrophic damage.
Types of Pumps for Coastal Homes:
- Sump Pumps: Installed in basements or crawl spaces to remove water that seeps in.
- Sewage Ejector Pumps: Protect plumbing systems during heavy flooding.
- High-Capacity Transfer Pumps: Move water away from your home faster than gravity alone.
These pumps can be connected to your generator system to ensure they remain operational during power outages—a critical feature when water levels are rising.
Secure Outdoor Areas and Structures
Before a storm, unsecured outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles. Take time to:
- Bring in patio furniture, grills, bird feeds, and other outdoor décor items.
- Secure or remove satellite dishes, hanging plants, and umbrellas.
- Check that sheds, fences, and decks are anchored.
When St. Pierre Construction designs outdoor living spaces, we factor in hurricane readiness by recommending wind-resistant materials and attachment methods.
Maintain Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense. A weak spot can quickly become a major problem during high winds.
- Have your roof inspected annually for loose shingles, flashing issues, or soft spots.
- Install hurricane clips or straps to reinforce the connection between the roof and walls.
- Clean gutters and downspouts before hurricane season to prevent water backup and roof leaks.
For new builds, we recommend impact-resistant roofing materials rated for coastal wind speeds.
Create a Secure Emergency Supply Area
Every home should have a designated, secure area stocked with emergency essentials. This should be a location that is easy to access, protected from floodwaters, and away from windows.
Recommended Hurricane Preparedness Items:
- Water: At least 1 gallon per person per day for 3–7 days.
- Non-Perishable Food: Enough for at least 3–5 days.
- First Aid Kit: Include prescription medications.
- Battery or Hand-Crank Radio: To receive weather updates.
- Flashlights & Extra Batteries.
- Portable Phone Charger or Power Bank.
- Multi-Tool or Swiss Army Knife.
- Important Documents: In waterproof containers (IDs, insurance policies, medical records).
- Cash: ATMs may be down after storms.
- Blankets & Extra Clothing.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, feminine products.
Pro Tip: Rotate your emergency supplies every 6 months to ensure food, batteries, and medications stay fresh.
Create a Family Hurricane Plan
All the equipment in the world won’t help if your family doesn’t know what to do. Make sure everyone in your household understands:
- Evacuation Routes: Know at least two routes out of your neighborhood.
- Local Shelters: Keep a list of locations and whether they allow pets.
- Communication Plan: Choose a contact outside of the storm area to serve as a central check-in point.
- Special Needs Preparation: Make arrangements for elderly family members, children, or pets.
Practice your plan at least once before hurricane season so it becomes second nature.
Work with a Builder Who Understands Coastal Resilience
Protecting your home during hurricane season starts with how it’s built. At St. Pierre Construction, we design and construct coastal homes with:
- Elevated foundations to meet FEMA flood zone requirements.
- Wind-rated materials for roofing, siding, and windows.
- Drainage solutions that minimize water intrusion.
- Backup power integration for pumps, HVAC, and lighting.
Our experience building in the Charleston coastal region means we understand the unique challenges—and we design homes to withstand them.
Hurricane season doesn’t have to be a time of fear—it can be a time of readiness. With the right equipment, preparation, and planning, you can protect both your home and your loved ones from the worst a storm can bring.
By investing in systems like dedicated generators, storm windows, water barriers, and built-in pumps, and by keeping an emergency supply area well-stocked, you give yourself peace of mind.
At St. Pierre Construction, we’re proud to be more than just homebuilders—we’re your partners in coastal resilience. Whether you’re looking to build a new home designed for hurricane protection or retrofit your existing property with storm-resistant upgrades, our team is here to help.
Contact our team at St Pierre Construction today to learn more about our hurricane-ready building techniques and how we can help you prepare for the season ahead.