Key Takeaways
- Start hurricane prep by Memorial Day. The Atlantic season runs June 1 through November 30. Peak risk is around September 10.
- Storm surge causes more hurricane deaths than wind. Know your evacuation zone before a watch is issued.
- Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows 1/2 inch thick or greater. Tape does not stop flying debris.
- Run your generator outside only, at least 20 feet from windows and doors. Carbon monoxide kills more people than the storm itself.
- Seal attic vents and gable ends with code-rated covers. This stops wind-driven rain from soaking insulation and drywall.
- Document your home with photos before June 1. Update your insurance policy and store digital copies off-site.
Hurricane season starts June 1. Monmouth County sits on the Atlantic coast, so wind, surge, and flooding are real threats. Start your prep now so you’re not scrambling when a watch is issued.
Why Does Monmouth County Face Real Hurricane Risk?
Monmouth County borders the Atlantic Ocean and Raritan Bay. Storm surge can push water miles inland through rivers and estuaries. The National Hurricane Center notes that storm surge is historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States.
Any Time Any Job Handyman provides year-round home maintenance services across Monmouth County. Our crew checks roofs, seals windows, and clears gutters before storm season hits.
A Category 1 hurricane packs sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. Category 3 storms hit 111 mph. At those speeds, unsecured windows break. Roof shingles peel off. Tree limbs turn into projectiles.
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. On average, the basin sees 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes each year. The peak of the season falls on September 10, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. For Monmouth County homeowners, that means you have a six-month window of risk. Preparation is not optional. It is a requirement for protecting your property and your family.
How Do You Secure Windows and Doors for a Hurricane?
Flying debris breaks windows. Once a window fails, wind pressure builds inside your home. That pressure can lift your roof off or push out walls. Window protection is your first line of defense.
Storm shutters are the best long-term solution. Accordion shutters, roll-down models, and colonial-style shutters all meet building code standards if installed correctly. Expect to pay $30 to $55 per square foot installed. For a typical 3-foot by 4-foot window, that’s $360 to $660 per opening.
Pre-cut plywood is your budget backup. Use 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood, not OSB. Cut pieces to fit each window with a 4-inch overlap on all sides. Label each piece so you know which window it matches. Store the plywood inside your garage or shed, not outside where it can get waterlogged.
Never tape windows. Masking tape or duct tape does not stop flying debris. It creates larger shards of glass that cause worse injuries. Skip the tape entirely.
Your garage door is another weak point. A failed garage door lets wind into your home. Install a garage door brace kit rated for hurricane winds. Most kits cost $150 to $400 and bolt to the concrete slab.
Is Your Generator Ready for Hurricane Season?
Power outages last for days after a hurricane. Downed trees and flooded substations take time to repair. A portable generator keeps your refrigerator running, your phones charged, and your sump pump working.
Size your generator before you buy. Match the wattage to what you need to keep running.
| Generator Size | Watts | What It Powers | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable small | 3,000–4,000 | Refrigerator, lights, phone chargers | $400–$700 |
| Portable medium | 5,000–6,500 | Above + window AC, fan | $700–$1,200 |
| Portable large | 7,500–10,000 | Above + well pump, sump pump | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Standby whole-house | 10,000–22,000 | Entire home, auto-transfer switch | $3,500–$8,000+ |
A 5,000-watt unit handles a refrigerator, a few lights, and a window AC unit. A 7,500-watt unit adds a well pump or sump pump. A whole-house standby generator starts at 10,000 watts and runs on natural gas or propane.
Run your generator outdoors only. Ready.gov states that generators must sit at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless. It kills hundreds of people every year who run generators in garages, carports, or near open windows.
Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Test them monthly. Keep heavy-duty extension cords on hand. Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet without a transfer switch. Backfeeding power into the grid electrocutes utility workers.
Store fuel safely. Gasoline stays fresh for about three months with stabilizer. Rotate your stock every season. Keep fuel in approved containers away from living spaces. Propane tanks should sit outside, upright, and on stable ground.
How Do You Seal Your Home Against Wind and Water?
Wind-driven rain finds every gap. Once water gets inside, it destroys drywall, insulation, and flooring. Sealing your home before a storm is cheaper than rebuilding after one.
Check your roof first. Replace missing or damaged shingles. Seal around vents, chimneys, and skylights with roofing cement. A roof leak during a storm is nearly impossible to stop until the rain passes. We covered the warning signs of siding damage in a previous article.
Seal gable end vents and soffit vents with code-rated vent covers. These covers block wind-driven rain while still allowing some airflow. Remove them after the storm passes. For attic insulation, the Department of Energy recommends R-49 to R-60 for attics in Climate Zone 4. Monmouth County falls in this zone. Wet insulation loses its R-value and grows mold within 48 hours. The EPA warns that mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after water damage.
Caulk around windows, doors, and utility penetrations. Use exterior-grade silicone caulk. Check weatherstripping on doors. If you can see daylight around a closed door, wind and water can get through.
Clear your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters overflow and dump water against your foundation. Make sure downspouts extend at least 6 feet from your house. During heavy rain, a 1,000-square-foot roof sheds 623 gallons per inch of rainfall. Gutter cleaning is part of our complete spring home maintenance checklist.
Trim trees and shrubs before June. Remove dead branches. Cut back limbs that overhang your roof or touch your siding. A healthy tree is less likely to fail than a neglected one.
What Goes in a Hurricane Emergency Kit?
Your emergency kit should cover 72 hours without power or running water. Store it in a waterproof container. Check expiration dates twice a year.
Pack one gallon of water per person per day. Add non-perishable food, a manual can opener, flashlights, and extra batteries. Include a first-aid kit, prescription medications, and copies of important documents.
Know your evacuation zone. Monmouth County uses zone-based evacuation orders. Find your zone at the county emergency management website. Plan your route and your destination now. Hotels fill up fast when a hurricane approaches.
Review your insurance policy. Standard homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage. You need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. There’s a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in. Do not wait until a storm is in the forecast. Our guide on NJ home insurance claims for storm and water damage explains what to document. Review it before and after a storm.
Document your home with photos or video. Walk through every room. Open closets and cabinets. Store the files in the cloud. If you need to file a claim, proof of what you owned speeds up the process.
What to Do When a Watch or Warning Is Issued
A hurricane watch means sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within 48 hours. A warning means those winds are expected within 36 hours. Do not wait for a warning to act.
When a watch is issued, install your window protection. Bring in patio furniture, grills, and potted plants. Fill your bathtub with water for flushing toilets. Charge all devices and portable battery packs.
When a warning is issued, stay inside. Stay away from windows. Take refuge in an interior room on the lowest floor. Do not go outside during the eye of the storm. The back side of the eyewall hits with equal or greater force.
After the storm passes, check for damage. Look for roof leaks, downed power lines, and gas leaks. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are standing in water. Report downed lines to your utility company. For emergency electrical repairs, call our team right away.
If you find damage, call a licensed professional for repairs. Read our guide on how to choose a licensed handyman in Monmouth County before you hire. Any Time Any Job Handyman offers emergency home repair in Long Branch and across Monmouth County. We handle roof tarping, window board-up, water damage repairs, and debris removal. Call or text (732) 924-8444 for a free estimate — we’re available 24/7, including holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When should Monmouth County homeowners start hurricane prep?
Start by Memorial Day weekend. The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, with peak activity from mid-August through mid-October. Starting early gives you time to order shutters, service your generator, and trim trees before demand spikes.
2. Do I really need storm shutters, or is plywood enough?
Plywood works for short-term protection if it is 5/8-inch exterior-grade and pre-cut with a 4-inch overlap. Storm shutters are faster to deploy, reusable, and meet stricter building codes. For a permanent solution, shutters are worth the investment.
3. How far should my generator sit from my house?
At least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and attached garages. Carbon monoxide from generators kills more people after hurricanes than the storms themselves. Always run generators outdoors with working CO detectors inside.
4. Does homeowner’s insurance cover hurricane flooding in NJ?
No. Standard homeowner’s insurance excludes flood damage. You need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program. There is a 30-day waiting period, so buy it before June 1.
