Storm-Proofing Your Home in Central American and the Caribbean
- Simo D
- Jun 5
- 7 min read
A Guide for Property Owners Abroad
Storm season in the Caribbean just kicked off. While it may cause apprehension, it isn't something to fear; however, a healthy respect for it is beneficial. The rhythm of life in the Caribbean is laid-back, but when it comes to hurricanes and tropical storms, preparation and earnest action are essential. While Belize's geography better protects it than many of its island neighbors, the risk is by no means zero. As someone who has made this place home, I've learned firsthand that a little effort ahead of time can save you from severe damage and stress down the road.
I previously published—and recently updated—an article on hurricane preparedness. While that post is very informative, discussing what you need to do to prepare an action plan and a storm-ready kit, it doesn't explore all aspects of preparing for a hurricane or tropical storm. So, I am providing a companion post that focuses explicitly on the necessary steps to prepare your home and property, to protect it, and hopefully save you time and money.
Now, storm-proofing your home isn't just about avoiding costly repairs, although that is a significant part of it; it's also about protecting your family, your investment, and your peace of mind. Whether you're new to the region or have lived through a few seasons already, I've put this guide together, drawing from my two decades in the construction, renovation, and home maintenance industry, so you can know what to do to prepare your home and property before a big storm hits.
10 Steps to Storm-Proofing Your Central American Home
Below is a list of routine maintenance tasks that you can complete to help make your home and property storm-ready and save time in the event of a quickly developing weather system.
Check Your Roof (Yes, Even the Brand-New One)
No matter what material you've used—zinc, clay tile, or even poured concrete—your roof is your first line of defense. Inspect it regularly for signs of rust, damage, cracks, cracking sealant, or loose fasteners. In high winds, even small vulnerabilities can become big problems. If you see something's off, address it early.
Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Tropical downpours can overwhelm even well-designed drainage systems. If your gutters are clogged with leaves, twigs, or debris, water will overflow, potentially leading to roof leaks and flooding issues on your property. Clean them out at least twice a year, or more if palms or broad-leafed trees surround you. Doing so ahead of storm season and again during will ensure your gutters can handle the deluge the storms dish out.
Trim Those Trees
We all love our mango, moringa, coconut, and flamboyant trees, but in a storm, they can quickly turn dangerous. Trim dead limbs and overhanging branches, especially anything near your roof or windows. And if you've got coconut palms near your house, harvest those green orbs early. Trust me, you don't want a flying coconut coming at your house like a cannonball.
Reseal Around Windows and Doors
In high winds and sideways rain, even a hairline crack in the sealant can allow water to enter. Check your doors and windows for cracked or peeling caulk. Scrape out the old material and apply a fresh bead, especially around older wooden frames that expand and contract with changes in humidity and sun exposure. Additionally, adding L-flashing above large windows and doors can help prevent driving rain from penetrating your home.
Check the Siding
Similar to the roof, siding can sustain damage from prolonged exposure to direct sun, salt air, and heavy rain. If your home has wood siding, look for splits, peeling paint, or loose boards and address them accordingly. For metal siding, inspect for loose fasteners and trims, ensuring everything is snug and sealed. For block and concrete wall assemblies, inspect for large stress cracks at joints and seal them to prevent water penetration.
Secure or Store Loose Outdoor Items
Outdoor living is one of our favorite things to do in Central America and the Caribbean. But hammocks, potted plants, patio furniture, BBQs, and even garbage bins can become projectiles in strong winds. Put away what you can and firmly tie down the rest. Don't overlook solar panels, satellite dishes, LP gas cylinders, and small water tanks; they may also require extra bracing for significant weather events.
Protect Your Wheels
During a big storm, park your vehicle(s) in a garage (if you have one) or under a deck or covered structure. Even after trimming trees and removing potential hazards, limbs or entire trees can still come down. Getting your vehicles out of open, unsheltered areas will ensure they remain protected and provide peace of mind.
As a side note, if you can elevate your vehicle in some way, especially if you are seaside and have a high groundwater level, you can keep it protected from overland flooding or a storm surge.
Install or Test Fire Extinguishers
Oddly, house fires can happen during hurricanes due to gas leaks, generator mishaps, or candle accidents. Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and near electrical panels is a smart part of emergency readiness.
Back Up Important Documents
In Belize, land titles are physical documents. Protect them and create redundancies, such as colour copies and digital backups. Store the originals in a waterproof case and put them in your go bag.
10. Create a Post-Storm Recovery Kit
People often prepare for the before, but not the after. Hopefully, all will be well after a significant storm, but the reality is unknown. Having a kit with some essential tools and equipment will help if you find yourself having to clean up on and around your home and property. What you will need in a post-storm recovery kit will vary based on your preferences, abilities, needs, and the size and location of your property, but it could include the following items:
Heavy-duty work gloves for protecting your hands during cleanup or repairs.
Rubber boots.
Heavy-duty tarp for collecting debris
Ratchet straps or rope for securing items or providing support to a damaged tree or structure
Bungee cords for similar reasons to the above
Chainsaw, fuel, and bar oil
Bug repellent
Disinfectant wipes for cleaning hands if you don't have running water
Simple hand tools (hammer, crowbar, saw)
Local contractor phone numbers (in case repairs are needed and you can't or don't want to do them yourself)
3 Upgrades That Make a Difference
Install Storm Shutters
Window protection is huge. Storm shutters protect against flying debris and reduce the likelihood of wind and water entering your home. Hurricane-force winds are capable of pushing through glass, but shuttering adds a layer of protection, significantly reducing the risk of damage. A study by the Florida Building Commission found that homes equipped with storm shutters experienced 30.8% to 54.8% less damage compared to similar homes without shutters during hurricane events.
Some homeowners install permanent steel roll-down shutters, while others, like us, keep a stash of pre-cut plywood on hand. Either option works; what's best for you will depend on what fits your budget and situation. For those who opt for the latter option, be sure to allow sufficient time to install the shutters ahead of a storm and make sure you treat the wood for termites when storing it in the off-season.
Install Dry Wells and Swales
If your property is prone to flooding, install a dry well (or several) to contain large volumes of water. A dry well is simply a gravel-filled pit you can divert water into. They act like a floor drain for your property, drawing in overland water and helping to prevent flooding and potential damage. You can also divert downspouts and other drainage pipes directly into them.
Additionally, adding swales on your property will help to control water runoff. Similar to a dry well, a swale is a shallow ditch that uses natural grading to collect rainwater runoff. They are usually placed parallel to the property line and can be used in conjunction with a French drain to whisk water away from the property.
Consider Hurricane Ties
These are small metal fasteners that can make a big difference. They connect rafters to the top plates of structures, reinforcing the whole roof. If you're building a new home or retrofitting an older one, installing hurricane ties is one of the smartest moves you can make in a hurricane region. Similarly, installing 1/2" steel threaded rod in wall assemblies will further strengthen the integrity of the building.
A Mindset of Preparedness
In Canada, we stocked up for ice storms. In the central US, folks board up for tornadoes. Here in the Caribbean, we prep for hurricanes. It's just part of seasonal living but being proactive matters.
Storms Don't Wait, So Don't Wait for Storms
There is no need to panic. But be smart and diligent when storm-proofing your home in Central America. Start with the maintenance items and add the upgrades if it's possible. Keep your go-bag handy and your evacuation plan simple. That way, whether it's cocktails at a friend's during a power outage or a real storm coming in hot, you'll be ready.
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Thanks for reading! If you are interested in other works of mine, check out Simo's Substack, the Lili Art Blog, or my award winning self-published book. If you want to support this blog so I can continue providing valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad. And a special thanks to those readers who have shown their support; it is greatly appreciated!
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