Wilmington, NC sits in the heart of hurricane country. From Hurricane Florence in 2018 to the regular tropical systems that brush our coast every year, water damage from storms is not a matter of "if" but "when" for many coastal homeowners.
At Sano Steam Cleaning & Restoration, we've responded to hurricane aftermath cleanup since 1989. Here's how to prepare your home before the next big storm — and what to do after.
Before Hurricane Season: Home Hardening
Roof and Exterior
- Inspect your roof: Look for missing, cracked, or curling shingles. Replace damaged materials before storm season (June 1 - November 30).
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Clogged drainage sends water where it shouldn't go — against foundation walls, behind fascia boards, and into soffits.
- Seal windows and doors: Check caulking and weatherstripping around all openings. Replace anything cracked or deteriorated.
- Trim trees: Dead branches and trees too close to the house are a major risk during high winds. Remove dead trees entirely.
- Pressure wash exterior surfaces: Clean siding and decks are easier to inspect for damage and are in better condition to withstand storm exposure.
Interior Preparation
- Know your shutoff valves: Mark the locations of water main, gas, and electrical panel shutoffs
- Install check valves on drains: Prevent sewage backflow during flooding
- Elevate critical systems: Water heaters, HVAC units, and electrical panels should be elevated if in a flood-prone area
- Create a home inventory: Document all possessions with photos and serial numbers for insurance claims
Storm Approach (48-72 Hours Out)
When the National Hurricane Center issues a watch or warning for the Wilmington area:
- Move furniture and valuables away from windows and off the ground floor
- Fill bathtubs with clean water (for flushing toilets if water is cut off)
- Charge all devices and portable batteries
- Document your home's current condition with video (time-stamped)
- Move outdoor furniture and decor inside or secure it
- Stock emergency supplies per FEMA's emergency preparedness guidelines
After the Storm: Assessment and Recovery
Safety First
- Don't enter your home until authorities say it's safe
- Watch for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage
- If you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911
- Wear protective equipment (boots, gloves, N95 mask) when entering a flooded home
- Floodwater is contaminated — treat everything it touched as potentially hazardous
Document and Report
- Photograph all damage thoroughly before cleanup
- Contact your insurance company immediately
- Register with FEMA for disaster assistance if a federal disaster is declared
- Keep all receipts for emergency expenses
Professional Restoration
Storm damage restoration requires professional equipment and expertise. Our water damage restoration team provides:
- Emergency water extraction
- Industrial dehumidification and structural drying
- Content cleaning and restoration
- Mold prevention and remediation
- Smoke and fire damage restoration (if applicable)
- Complete rebuild coordination
Read our detailed guide on what to do in the first 24 hours after water damage for step-by-step instructions.
Flood Insurance: Don't Wait
Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover flooding. If you're in a flood zone (and much of Wilmington qualifies), you need a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private carrier. Critically, there's a 30-day waiting period before new flood policies take effect — so don't wait until a storm is approaching.
Learn more about insurance coverage in our guide to whether insurance covers mold remediation.
The Hidden Danger: Post-Storm Mold
The biggest threat after hurricane damage isn't always the initial water — it's the mold that follows. Wilmington's heat and humidity accelerate mold growth, and water trapped in walls, under floors, and in insulation can spawn mold colonies within 24-48 hours.
Our moisture investigation service uses thermal imaging and moisture meters to detect hidden water that visual inspection misses. This is critical after any water intrusion event. Read about signs of hidden moisture in coastal homes.
Your 24/7 Storm Response Team
Sano Steam has been Wilmington's trusted restoration company through every major storm since 1989. As a veteran-owned company (founded by two Marines), we understand what it means to serve. Call (910) 350-0000 — we respond 24/7 when storms strike.