When a southern storm forces you to evacuate, it’s natural to want to rush home. But storm damage, hidden hazards, and unsafe conditions can make that return dangerous if you don’t handle it carefully. The safest way to get home is to wait for official clearance and follow safety steps every single time.
Authorities need time to check roads, restore power, and look for threats like downed wires or flooding. Just because the sky is clear doesn’t mean the ground is safe. Sometimes, being patient now saves you a lot of trouble later.
Once you get the green light, bringing the right supplies and having a plan really helps. Inspect the outside for structural damage before you go in. Document what you see inside—each step keeps you safer and gets recovery going.
Wait for Official Clearance to Return
Heading back too soon after a southern storm puts you at risk from hidden hazards like unstable buildings, dirty water, and downed wires. Local officials control re-entry to keep residents safe and let emergency crews do their work.
Monitor Local Alerts and Announcements
Stick with official sources for updates. These include:
- Local emergency management websites
- Verified county or city social media
- NOAA Weather Radio
- Local TV and radio stations
Storm-damaged areas change fast. Roads that seem fine in the morning might flood again by night.
Officials sometimes allow certain neighborhoods to return in phases. If you ignore their instructions, you could face fines or endanger rescue crews.
Don’t rely on rumors or random online posts. Even neighbors with good intentions can pass along bad info.
Understand Re-Entry Requirements
Counties and cities usually want proof that you live there before letting you back. This limits traffic and keeps things organized.
You might need:
| Requirement | Example Documents |
|---|---|
| Proof of address | Driver’s license, utility bill |
| Vehicle pass (if issued) | Provided at evacuation shelters |
| Curfew compliance | Return only during approved hours |
Some areas still won’t have electricity, water, or medical services. Going back without these basics is risky, especially if you’re vulnerable.
Officials sometimes require safety briefings or hand out printed instructions at checkpoints. These explain hazards like live wires or damaged bridges.
Prepare for Delays in Returning Home
Big storms slow everything down. Crews have to clear debris, fix roads, and make sure buildings are safe.
Be ready for:
- Waiting days or even longer before you get the go-ahead
- Limited access to fuel, food, or medicine nearby
- Needing to stay in temporary housing longer than you thought
Patience matters here. If you rush back, you could get turned away or run into unsafe situations.
Keep a small emergency kit handy—water, snacks, flashlight, first-aid stuff. It makes waiting a bit easier if plans change suddenly.
Traveling Back Safely
Travel after a big southern storm is risky. Damaged roads, unstable bridges, hidden floodwater, and downed wires can all cause trouble. Careful planning and paying attention help you avoid injury or delays.
Check Road and Bridge Conditions
Storms can wreck pavement, weaken bridges, and wash out road sections. Even if a road looks fine, hidden damage can make it dangerous.
Check state or local transportation updates before you go. Agencies post real-time road closures and bridge inspection results online or through alerts.
If no one has inspected a bridge, skip it. Damaged bridges can collapse without warning. Always follow detour signs—don’t ignore barricades, even if other drivers do.
Traveling at night is riskier since you can’t see hazards as well. If you can, return during the day to spot damage and debris.
Avoid Floodwater and Washed-Out Areas
Floodwater hides deep holes, sharp debris, and missing pavement. Even a few inches of moving water can sweep your car away.
If you see water over the road, your safest bet is to turn around and find higher ground. Don’t try to guess the depth—surface ripples can hide strong currents.
Washed-out spots aren’t always obvious until you’re too close. Road shoulders can give way if the soil underneath is gone.
Walking through floodwater is risky, too. It might have sewage, chemicals, or sharp stuff. If you have to go through, waterproof boots and gloves help protect you.
Watch for Downed Power Lines and Debris
Downed power lines can stay live even if they look harmless. Storms can drop them across roads, driveways, or yards.
Stay at least 30 feet away from any downed line and anything touching it, like puddles or metal fences. Call the utility company or emergency services right away.
Debris—tree limbs, roofing, broken glass—can puncture tires or hurt you. Slow down and steer around obstacles. Don’t try to drive over them.
In neighborhoods, expect debris piles near curbs and intersections. They block your view, so be extra careful, especially where cleanup crews are working.
Initial Exterior Inspection
After a southern storm or hurricane, the outside of your place can hide serious dangers. Damaged buildings, broken utility lines, and displaced animals can put you at risk if you aren’t careful.
Assess Structural Damage
Before you get close, scan your home from a safe distance. Look for leaning walls, sagging roofs, or shifted foundations. Cracks in brick or concrete usually mean something’s wrong.
If a porch or stairs look warped or loose, don’t step on them. Storm surge or strong winds can weaken supports even if things look okay.
Grab binoculars to check roofs or chimneys without getting too close. If you see major visible damage, call a licensed inspector before going inside.
Identify Gas Leaks and Hazards
Gas leaks are a big risk after storms. If you smell sulfur or rotten eggs, leave right away and call the gas company.
Don’t flip lights or switches if you think there’s a leak. Even a tiny spark can start a fire.
Check for damaged propane tanks or gas meters. If the meter is tilted, broken, or underwater, only a trained utility worker should shut it off. Wear gloves and avoid open flames while you check.
Look for Downed Power Lines
Downed power lines are deadly even if they’re silent or not sparking. Assume every line is live.
Stay at least 30 feet away and keep others back. Wet ground, puddles, and metal can carry electricity from a downed line.
If a line is touching your house, car, or a tree, don’t get close. Call the utility company or emergency services. Never try to move a power line, not even with a stick or tool.
Be Alert for Displaced Wildlife
Flooding and wind force animals into places they don’t belong. Snakes, rodents, and insects might hide in debris, sheds, or under porches.
Before you move boards, tarps, or storm wreckage, use a stick or tool to check for animals. Gloves and boots add a layer of safety.
If you find a wild animal, don’t try to handle it. Call animal control. Standing water brings mosquitoes, so wear repellent during cleanup.
Entering Your Home Safely
Reentering safely means spotting hazards that aren’t obvious right away. Water damage, weak structures, and utility problems can all be dangerous after the storm. Careful inspection and a few simple steps lower your risk of injury or property loss.
Check for Flood Waters and Standing Water
Flood waters can hide sharp debris, live wires, and nasty stuff like sewage or chemicals. Before you step inside, look for pooled water around the foundation, in crawl spaces, or inside rooms.
If you see standing water, hold off on entry until it’s gone or you know it’s safe. Never walk through floodwater without rubber boots and gloves.
Floodwater inside can weaken floors, damage walls, and start mold growing within 24–48 hours. If there’s more than a few inches, you might need a pro to pump it out.
Check for water in sneaky places—behind walls or under carpets—so hidden damage doesn’t spread.
Turn Off Utilities if Necessary
If you can do it from a dry spot, turn off the main power before going in. Never try this while standing in water—call an electrician if you’re unsure.
Gas leaks are another danger. If you smell gas, hear hissing, or see damaged lines, leave right away and call the gas company or fire department.
Shut off the water if you think pipes are damaged to stop flooding from broken lines.
A checklist helps:
| Utility | Action | Safety Note |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Turn off main breaker | Only from dry ground |
| Gas | Close main valve | Leave immediately if leak suspected |
| Water | Shut off main supply | Prevents burst pipe flooding |
These steps cut the risk of fire, shock, or more water damage.
Ventilate the Home Before Staying Inside
If your home’s been closed up, stale air, mold spores, and gas fumes build up. Open doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before you settle in.
Cross-ventilation works best—open windows on opposite sides to let fresh air flow through.
Fans help, but point them out so you don’t spread mold spores around.
If floodwater got in, ventilation also helps dry damp spots and slow down mold. Keep the HVAC system off until a pro inspects and cleans it to avoid spreading contaminants.
Assessing and Documenting Damage
Good records of storm damage help you during recovery and with insurance. Careful inspection and clear documentation also make it easier to spot safety hazards and avoid more losses.
Take Photos and Videos for Insurance Claims
Photos and videos show insurance adjusters exactly what happened. Take shots from different angles and distances—wide views of rooms and close-ups of specific damage.
Use natural light if you can, or a flashlight if the power’s out. Don’t clean up or move debris before you document things.
Save your files somewhere safe. Make folders by room or area, and add dates and short notes to each image.
If it’s safe, shoot short videos to show the full scope. Slowly pan across damaged spots to give a sense of scale and context. These visuals can speed up your claim.
Identify Water Damage and Mold Growth
Water damage weakens structures and brings health risks. After the storm, check for damp walls, ceilings, and floors. Stains, peeling paint, or warped materials usually mean hidden moisture.
Mold can start in just a day or two if it’s humid. Look for fuzzy or discolored patches on drywall, wood, or fabric. A musty smell is another clue.
If there was flooding, expect mold in those areas. Wear gloves, boots, and an N95 mask when you check things out. Stay out of damp, enclosed spaces until you get ventilation going.
Take photos and notes of all water damage and mold. This evidence helps with insurance and lets contractors plan repairs.
Separate Damaged and Undamaged Belongings
Sort your items quickly to stop cross-contamination and speed up cleanup. Put salvageable belongings in a dry, clean spot away from debris.
Keep them off the floor so they don’t get wet again.
If you can’t clean something—like soaked mattresses, carpeting, or stuffed toys—just toss it. Take photos before throwing anything out for your insurance records.
Make two lists: one for damaged stuff and one for things in good shape. Add descriptions, estimated value, and serial numbers if you have them.
Staying organized here really helps with insurance claims and keeps the recovery process moving.
Health and Safety Precautions
Coming home after a hurricane or big southern storm can put you in the middle of hidden hazards. Floodwater, broken buildings, and bad air quality can cause real health and safety problems if you don’t handle things carefully.
Use Protective Gear When Cleaning
Cleaning up after a storm means you’ll probably deal with floodwater, mud, and debris. This stuff might have sewage, sharp junk, or even dangerous chemicals mixed in.
Wearing the right gear goes a long way to keep you safe.
You’ll want:
- Rubber boots to keep your feet protected from sharp or dirty water
- Heavy work gloves for handling debris
- Goggles to keep dust and splashes out of your eyes
- N95 or similar mask to avoid breathing mold spores and fine dust
Cover your arms and legs with your clothing. If your clothes get soaked with floodwater, change right away and wash your skin with clean water and soap.
Try to avoid touching standing water directly. Use shovels or rakes instead of your hands whenever you can.
Handle Contaminated Items and Food Safely
If food or household items touched floodwater, they’re just not safe anymore. Throw out any perishable food that sat without refrigeration for more than two hours.
If canned goods have a broken seal, are rusty, or dented, toss them too.
For other things around the house:
- Porous stuff like mattresses, upholstered furniture, and paper items should go if they got wet.
- Hard, non-porous surfaces can be cleaned with soap, water, and disinfectant like diluted bleach.
Don’t trust a food item just because it “looks fine.” Germs and chemicals can be there even if you can’t see or smell anything wrong.
When you’re unsure, remember: “If it’s questionable, throw it out.”
Watch for Carbon Monoxide and Air Quality Issues
After a disaster, power outages usually mean people use portable generators. These things give off carbon monoxide (CO), which you can’t smell but can kill you.
Always run generators outside and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.
Never use grills, camp stoves, or gas tools inside. If you can, put in a battery-powered CO detector.
Mold and dust from cleaning can mess with indoor air, too. Wear a respirator mask, and open windows or use fans (if it’s safe) to air things out.
If anyone starts feeling headache, dizzy, or sick to their stomach, get them out to fresh air right away.
Next Steps After Returning Home
When you get back to your property, you face safety checks, financial recovery, and planning for repairs. Quick action can stop more damage and help with insurance and temporary housing if your home isn’t safe.
Contact Insurance and Begin Claims Process
Call your insurance company as soon as you can do so safely. If you wait, your claim might take longer to get approved.
Take clear photos and video of all visible damage before you start repairs. Get shots of structural issues, water damage, and ruined belongings.
If you can, write down an inventory of what’s damaged. List make, model, and estimated value for each thing.
Do temporary repairs like covering broken windows or putting a tarp on the roof to stop more loss. Save receipts for any materials you buy, since insurance might pay you back.
Ask your insurer about coverage for additional living expenses if you can’t stay at home. This could cover hotels, rentals, and even extra food.
Seek Assistance if Displaced or Home Is Uninhabitable
If your home isn’t safe because of structural damage, flooding, or contamination, don’t stay there. Watch for collapsed ceilings, standing water, strong gas smells, or heavy mold—these are big red flags.
If you have to leave, register with local emergency management or FEMA for temporary housing help.
Community shelters, faith groups, and nonprofits might also offer a place to stay and meals.
Keep important documents like IDs, insurance policies, and medical records in a safe, dry spot while you’re away.
If you’re staying with friends or family, it’s smart to set a clear plan for how long you’ll be there and think ahead about a more stable place if repairs drag on.
Plan for Repairs and Rebuilding
Before you start any repairs, get your property inspected. Look for structural integrity, electrical hazards, and water damage.
Check if you need local building permits for your project. If you skip this, you might face fines or annoying delays.
Hire contractors who are both licensed and insured. This move lowers your risk of shoddy work.
Always ask for written estimates. It’s smart to check references before you sign any contract.
If you need to rebuild a lot, make a priority list to keep costs and timelines under control. For example:
- Secure the roof and walls
- Restore utilities
- Repair interior damage
Hang on to all your receipts and records for any work done. These documents make insurance claims and future property assessments way easier.