Is your Landfall home ready for hurricane season? Even though Wilson is inland, tropical systems can still bring strong winds, flash flooding and extended power outages. You want one clear plan you can follow without scrambling. In this guide, you’ll get a simple timeline, an HOA-friendly checklist, and trusted links so you can prepare with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Hurricane alerts and timing
Understanding alerts helps you act at the right time.
- Hurricane watch: conditions are possible within 48 hours. Begin preparations. Learn more from the National Hurricane Center.
- Hurricane warning: conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete final actions and be ready to evacuate if ordered.
Use this timing playbook:
- Long lead time (weeks to days): review your plan, update insurance, schedule roof and tree inspections, and order shutters or plywood. Line up contractors early.
- 72+ hours before landfall or when a watch is issued: assemble supplies, test generators, secure outdoor items, and confirm evacuation routes.
- 48 hours before: begin boarding windows or closing shutters, move vehicles to higher ground, charge all devices, and notify HOA and neighbor contacts.
- 24 hours before a warning: finish boarding, disconnect nonpermanent gas or electric appliances if instructed, and leave if an evacuation order includes your area.
For supplies, FEMA and Ready.gov recommend a minimum of 3 days. In areas that may be isolated, many pros suggest planning for 7 to 14 days. Review the Ready.gov hurricane guidance and build what fits your household.
Wilson County risks
Wilson County is inland, but hurricanes and tropical storms can still cause heavy rain, flash flooding, wind damage and outages. Before deciding to shelter in place or evacuate, check county guidance and your property’s flood exposure. Review your route options early so you are not making last-minute decisions during a warning.
Who to follow for updates
Stick with official sources for forecasts, evacuation notices and shelter information.
- National Hurricane Center for advisories, maps and track updates. See the NHC site.
- National Weather Service Raleigh for local forecasts and warnings. Check the NWS Raleigh office.
- North Carolina Emergency Management for statewide resources, declarations and recovery programs. Visit NC Emergency Management.
- FEMA for disaster assistance if a federal declaration is made. Learn about FEMA Individual Assistance.
- American Red Cross for sheltering resources and policies. Search for open shelters with the Red Cross shelter finder.
- Ready.gov for planning and emergency kit checklists. Use the Ready hurricane guide.
Also consider a NOAA Weather Radio for overnight alerts if cell service or internet is disrupted.
Landfall HOA planning checklist
Confirm these items with your HOA manager well before hurricane season. Policies vary, so use this as a guide and keep the official HOA plan on hand.
- Official communications
- Primary channel for updates (email list or HOA website)
- Secondary alerts (text system, phone tree, community app, bulletin boards)
- Evacuation and re-entry
- Gate access rules during evacuation and after the storm
- Re-entry staging and ID requirements for residents and contractors
- Support for residents who need assistance with evacuation
- Shelter in place
- Any designated safer rooms or community buildings
- Expectations for supplies, generator access and sanitation
- Common areas and infrastructure
- Plan to secure trees, signage, pool areas and playgrounds
- Backup power for gates, pumps and critical lifts
- Pre-storm contractor agreements for tree work, debris removal and emergency repairs
- Debris and cleanup
- What the HOA will collect and what is owner responsibility
- Permits for tree removal and hazardous materials
- Insurance and reserves
- What is covered by HOA policies and how special assessments work
- Residents with special needs
- Registry process and welfare checks for mobility or medically fragile residents
Ask your manager for the community hurricane plan PDF, an emergency contact list, the gate and re-entry policy, a community map with safe rooms and key infrastructure and the HOA-approved contractor list.
Home hardening checklist
Strengthen your home early so last-minute steps are simple.
Exterior and structural
- Roof: inspect for missing shingles and loose flashing. Schedule professional repairs well before the season.
- Gutters and downspouts: clear them so water moves away from the roof and foundation.
- Trees and landscaping: trim limbs within 10 to 20 feet of the home and remove dead or leaning trees.
- Windows and doors: install shutters or pre-cut and label 5/8 inch exterior-grade plywood. Order materials before demand spikes.
- Garage doors: reinforce if needed. A failed garage door can compromise the structure.
- Roof attachments: secure antennas, solar panels and exterior equipment.
- Outdoor items: store or tie down furniture, grills, planters, trash bins and secure the HVAC condenser.
Flood and water intrusion
- Pumps: test sump pumps and consider battery backup or generator power.
- Elevate critical utilities: raise water heaters, HVAC and electrical panels above expected flood levels if feasible.
- Drainage: seal foundation cracks and grade soil to move water away from the foundation.
Utilities and fuel
- Generators: choose a professionally installed whole-house unit or safe portable setup. Never run a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Review CDC generator safety and install carbon monoxide detectors on every level.
- Fuel storage: follow local rules and use only approved containers.
- Shutoff know-how: label and practice shutting off gas, water and electricity. Keep the required tools handy.
Insurance and documentation
- Policies: confirm homeowners coverage for wind and structure. Flood insurance is separate and often has a 30-day waiting period.
- Home inventory: photo or video every room, plus exterior and key systems. Store copies of policies, IDs and prescriptions in a waterproof container and in cloud storage.
- Claims: keep receipts for preparedness expenses and temporary repairs in case insurers or FEMA request documentation.
Household supplies list
Build a kit that fits your family and pets. Aim for at least 3 days and consider 7 to 14 days if you could be isolated.
- Water: at least 1 gallon per person per day
- Food: nonperishable, ready-to-eat items plus a manual can opener
- Medications: 7 to 14 day supply and a written list of dosages
- First aid kit, flashlights or headlamps and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA weather radio
- Chargers, portable power banks and car chargers
- Cash in small bills and copies of important documents
- Pet supplies: food, carriers, medications and vaccination records
- Tools: multipurpose tool, duct tape, tarps, rope, work gloves and saws with a safety plan
- Shuttering materials: plywood and fasteners or shutter hardware
- Sanitation: moist towelettes, garbage bags, plastic ties and a portable toilet solution if wastewater systems may be impacted
Neighbor coordination in Landfall
A coordinated neighborhood stays safer and recovers faster.
- Appoint a community emergency coordinator and block captains.
- Build a neighborhood map that notes vulnerable residents, utility shutoffs, pumps and assembly points.
- Pre-arrange tree removal and debris contracts and confirm licensing and insurance.
- Plan shared resources such as chainsaws, generators and fuel handling where allowed.
- Work with local officials on re-entry staging to support safe restoration.
Post-storm safety and recovery
Put safety first, then document everything.
- Avoid downed lines, standing water and unstable structures. Assume every downed line is energized.
- Return only after officials say it is safe. If you smell gas, leave immediately and call your gas utility emergency number. Do not use open flames until gas is declared safe.
- Floodwater can carry debris, chemicals and wildlife. Review CDC floodwater safety before cleanup.
- Document damage with photos and video before moving items. Keep receipts for emergency repairs.
- Contact your insurance agent right away and ask what temporary repairs are allowed.
- If a federal disaster is declared, consider applying for FEMA Individual Assistance.
- Begin drying and cleaning as soon as it is safe. Mold can develop within 24 to 48 hours. Follow EPA mold cleanup guidance or hire professionals.
- Follow HOA and county guidance for debris pickup and permits for hazardous materials or tree removal.
Quick action timeline
Use this at-a-glance checklist as storms approach.
- Weeks to days out: finalize your HOA and family plans, update insurance, order materials and schedule any needed tree or roof work.
- 72+ hours: stock supplies, verify generator and fuel plan, secure outdoor items, confirm evacuation routes and contacts.
- 48 hours: start boarding, move vehicles to higher ground, charge devices, notify HOA contacts and check on neighbors who need help.
- 24 hours: finish boarding, disconnect nonpermanent appliances if instructed and evacuate if ordered.
Save and share your plan
Print this checklist and post it in your kitchen. Create a one-page contact sheet with HOA management, county emergency management, local utilities, your insurance agent and personal emergency contacts. Share the plan with renters or property managers so everyone is on the same page before a watch is issued.
We’re here to help
If you have questions about preparing your property, documenting your home for insurance or timing a sale around the storm season, reach out. As a local North Carolina real estate resource, Stephanie Bolleyer offers warm, practical guidance that helps you make confident decisions. Ready to talk next steps or get market insight on your home? Get your free home valuation with Unknown Company.
FAQs
What does a hurricane watch mean for Landfall?
- A watch means conditions are possible within 48 hours. Begin executing your plan, assemble supplies and follow updates from the National Hurricane Center and NWS Raleigh.
How much water and food should I store?
- FEMA and Ready.gov advise at least 3 days of supplies, with many experts recommending 7 to 14 days in areas that can be isolated. Plan for 1 gallon of water per person per day.
Do I need flood insurance in Wilson County?
- Flood risk is not limited to the coast. Flood insurance is separate from homeowners coverage and often has a 30-day waiting period. Ask your insurance agent about your options.
Who announces evacuations or shelters in Wilson?
What should I do after the storm passes?
