Hurricane Isaias: Hurricane Preparedness Checklist for Mississippi Homeowners

Updated October 10, 2026. Hurricane Isaias made landfall near Destin, Florida, on October 9 as a Category 2 hurricane, bringing a reminder that damaging wind, rain, flooding and power interruptions can reach well beyond the beach. Even if your Central or South Mississippi home was spared, the time to plan for the next hurricane is before a warning is issued. This guide is a practical preparation checklist, not a substitute for National Hurricane Center forecasts or local emergency orders.

1. Make your family safety plan first

Know whether your address is in an evacuation zone or flood-prone area, and follow local evacuation orders promptly. Identify two destinations and a route that avoids low-lying roads. Decide how family members, children, older relatives and pets will communicate if cellular service fails.

Assemble water, shelf-stable food, prescriptions, first-aid supplies, flashlights, battery-powered weather alerts, chargers, cash, important phone numbers and pet supplies. Ready.gov recommends planning for several days of disruption. Never delay evacuation to protect building materials.

2. Schedule a ground-level roof and exterior assessment

From the ground, look for lifted or missing shingles, loose ridge caps, damaged flashing, deteriorated roof penetrations, unsecured soffit or fascia, and branches overhanging the roof. Commercial property managers should have qualified roofers assess TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, metal roof edges and rooftop equipment attachments.

Do not climb a roof, use a ladder in high winds, or attempt last-minute roof repairs as a storm approaches. Qualified contractors can advise whether an inspection or repair is appropriate while conditions are safe.

3. Check gutters, downspouts and drainage paths

Blocked gutters can overflow at fascia, windows and foundations. Before storm season, arrange safe cleaning and verify that downspouts discharge away from the structure without sending runoff toward neighbors. Majestic provides Seamless Residential Gutters and Commercial Gutter Installation and Repair.

Where runoff pools near a home, review grading, downspout extensions, catch basins and drainage outlets. French drains are intended for certain subsurface-water problems; they are not a universal fix for surface flooding or storm surge. Soil conditions, discharge locations, underground utilities, codes and permits determine appropriate drainage design. Never excavate without calling 811 and engaging qualified professionals when needed.

4. Secure loose objects and protect openings

Move or anchor outdoor furniture, bins, grills, play equipment and loose building supplies before winds arrive. Keep garage doors in working condition, check manufacturer-approved window protection, and bring in lightweight objects that could become airborne.

Do not board windows from ladders or attempt elevated work when dangerous weather is imminent. Avoid using tape on windows as a substitute for rated storm protection.

5. Plan for power loss without creating a second emergency

Charge devices, locate flashlights and store necessary medical supplies appropriately. Have a licensed electrician install an approved transfer switch or interlock for any generator intended to supply household circuits. Never backfeed through a receptacle or use improvised breaker connections.

Operate portable generators outdoors only, at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents when practical, with exhaust directed away from occupied buildings. Never use generators in garages, porches or enclosed spaces. Maintain functioning carbon monoxide alarms and follow the manufacturer instructions.

6. Create an insurance and property record

Photograph each exterior elevation, roof from the ground, gutters, doors, windows, outbuildings and valuable interior finishes before the storm. Save receipts, policy details, deductibles, emergency contacts and an inventory to cloud storage or a waterproof folder.

Review your policy with your insurer, including wind/hurricane deductibles and whether flood coverage is separate. Coverage varies, and a standard homeowners policy may not cover flood damage.

7. Know when to stop work and shelter

Monitor the National Hurricane Center at hurricanes.gov, your local National Weather Service office and county emergency management. As watches and warnings intensify, prioritize evacuation or shelter over property improvements. Never drive through floodwater or approach downed power lines.

How Majestic can help before the next storm

Majestic Construction Group LLC assists homeowners and commercial property owners across Magee, Mendenhall, Brandon, Pearl, Jackson, Laurel, Hattiesburg and surrounding Central and South Mississippi communities with roofing assessments, repairs, gutters, siding, water-intrusion repairs and drainage planning. Call or text 601-808-2284 to discuss a property assessment.

Image note: The featured graphic is an illustrative design, not a photograph of a specific Hurricane Isaias damage location.