Living in Myrtle Beach means accepting hurricane season as a fact of life from June 1 through November 30. The good news: a well-maintained property handles storms significantly better than a neglected one, and most of the most damaging effects of hurricanes on residential properties are preventable with the right preparation.
Here's a complete pre-storm and post-storm property checklist built specifically for Horry County homeowners.
Before Storm Season Begins (May – June 1)
These are tasks to complete before you're ever watching a track forecast.
- Schedule a professional gutter cleaning — clogged gutters overflow violently in heavy rain and cause foundation and fascia damage
- Have all large trees on your property inspected for dead limbs — dead wood is the primary source of storm projectiles
- Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles, cracked flashing, or exposed areas that could fail under high winds
- Check that all downspout extensions are directing water at least 4–6 feet from your foundation
- Pressure wash exterior surfaces — clean surfaces are easier to inspect for damage after a storm
- Know where your water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff are located
- Photograph your property thoroughly — exterior and interior — for insurance documentation
48–72 Hours Before a Named Storm
- Trim or remove any tree branches overhanging the roof, driveway, or vehicles
- Secure or store all outdoor furniture, decor, potted plants, grills, and lawn equipment
- Clear gutters of any accumulated debris — even partially clogged gutters fail in heavy rainfall
- Close and lock all windows and doors; add hurricane shutters or plywood to large windows if warranted
- Move vehicles into the garage or away from trees
- Fill vehicles with fuel — gas stations run out quickly once a storm is confirmed
- Secure any loose fencing, gates, or lightweight structures
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to maximum cold setting
If you have guests checked in, coordinate with them about storm prep and evacuation. Many guests from out of state don't understand coastal evacuation procedures. Make sure your rental listing or house manual includes storm protocols.
Immediately After the Storm
Before doing anything else, prioritize safety:
- Do not walk outside until winds have fully subsided and local officials have confirmed it is safe
- Check for downed power lines before approaching your property exterior
- Inspect your roof from the ground before climbing on it — wet roofs after storms are extremely dangerous
- Look for gas leaks before entering a property that has sustained structural damage
Post-Storm Property Inspection Checklist
- Roof: Missing shingles, exposed decking, damaged flashing, debris punctures
- Gutters: Pulled away from fascia, packed with debris, dented or crushed sections
- Siding: Cracks, holes, panels blown off, moisture intrusion behind siding
- Windows and doors: Broken seals, cracked frames, failed weatherstripping
- Deck: Loose boards, damaged railings, shifted posts, fastener corrosion from saltwater exposure
- Landscaping: Uprooted trees or shrubs, mulch washout, erosion at foundation
- Drainage: Standing water around foundation 24+ hours after storm ends
Post-Storm Maintenance Priorities
- Gutter cleaning — storm debris should be cleared within 1–2 weeks to prevent the next rain from causing overflow damage
- Pressure washing — remove algae, storm staining, and deposited salt from all exterior surfaces
- Debris removal from lawn and landscaping
- Deck inspection and any needed board or railing replacement
- Document all damage with photos before any repairs for insurance purposes
The Most Overlooked Post-Storm Task
Most homeowners focus on obvious storm damage — broken windows, fallen trees, missing shingles. The most commonly missed issue is gutter damage. Gutters packed with storm debris look fine from the ground but will overflow during the next normal rainstorm, causing foundation, fascia, and landscaping damage weeks after the original storm has been forgotten. Schedule a gutter cleaning after every significant storm event — not just the ones that cause visible damage.
Bakerss handles post-storm cleanup, gutter cleaning, pressure washing, and deck repairs across all of Horry County. Contact us after any storm to get your property back in shape quickly.
