What to Know About Typhoon-Proofing a House

The lights flicker, the wind starts rattling the windows, and you suddenly remember the loose gutter you meant to fix months ago. Typhoon season has a way of exposing exactly which parts of a home were never properly looked after. The good news is that most of the damage homes suffer during a storm is preventable with some unglamorous, routine maintenance done well in advance.

Think of typhoon-proofing less as a one-time project and more as a rhythm: things you do months ahead, things you do in the final hours before a storm arrives, and things you do once it has passed.

Before the Season Starts

Check the Roof and Gutters

Most storm damage starts at the roof. Loose or rusted sheets, missing nails, and cracked ridge caps are the usual culprits. A roof inspection once or twice a year, ideally before the wet season ramps up, lets you catch small problems before wind gets underneath a panel and peels it back. Clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris so rainwater has somewhere to go instead of pooling against the roofline or walls.

Inspect Doors, Windows, and Seals

Check that window and door frames are not warped, that locks and latches hold firm, and that weatherstripping or sealant around frames is intact. Rattling or loose-fitting windows are a sign that wind-driven rain could get in. If your home has awning or jalousie windows, make sure the cranks and hinges still close tightly.

Trim Trees and Secure Loose Items

Overhanging branches near the roof or power lines are one of the most common causes of storm damage and outages. Prune back anything that could snap and fall. Walk around the property and take stock of anything that could become a projectile in high wind: plant pots, patio furniture, tarpaulins, satellite dishes, loose signage.

Review Drainage Around the Property

Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation and that any drains, canals, or catch basins near the house are clear of silt and debris. Good drainage around a home matters as much as a sound roof.

Check Your Insurance and Documents

Review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy so you know what is covered and what the claims process looks like. Keep copies of your land title, insurance policy, and other key documents in a waterproof folder or scanned digitally, so they are accessible even if the originals are damaged.

In the Final Hours Before a Storm

Secure the Outside

Bring in or tie down anything loose — furniture, grills, potted plants, laundry lines. Close and latch all windows and doors. If you have storm shutters or plywood boards prepared, this is the time to put them up.

Charge Everything and Stock Up

Charge phones, power banks, and any backup batteries. Fill containers with drinking water in case supply is interrupted. A basic emergency kit — flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, a battery or hand-crank radio, non-perishable food, and a manual can opener — should already be assembled well before storm season, not scrambled together at the last minute.

Protect Electronics and Important Items

Unplug major appliances and electronics to protect them from power surges. Move valuables, documents, and electronics to higher shelves or an upper floor if your home has one.

Know Your Shelter Plan

If local authorities issue evacuation advisories for your area, have a plan for where to go and how to get there before conditions worsen. Keep the number of your barangay or local disaster office on hand.

During the Storm

Stay Inside, Away From Windows

Once the storm is underway, stay indoors in an interior room away from windows and glass doors. If winds are strong enough to rattle the house, a small interior room like a bathroom or hallway is often the safest spot.

Keep Communication Lines Open

Use your phone sparingly to conserve battery, but check in periodically with family and monitor official updates from local government or weather authorities.

Avoid Using Candles

Candles are a fire risk, especially in a home that may already be under stress. A flashlight or battery-powered lantern is a safer choice during a blackout.

After the Storm

Inspect Before You Relax

Once it is safe to go outside, walk the property carefully. Look for downed power lines, damaged gas connections, or structural damage before assuming everything is fine. If you smell gas or see exposed wiring, stay clear and contact the relevant utility provider.

Document the Damage

Take photos of any damage to the roof, walls, fences, or belongings before you start cleaning up or making repairs. This record will make any insurance claim much smoother.

Check the Roof and Drainage Again

Even a storm that seems to have passed without major incident can loosen roofing or clog drains with debris. A follow-up inspection a few days later, once things have settled, often reveals issues that were not obvious right away.

Dry Out and Disinfect

If water got into the home, dry affected areas as quickly as possible to prevent mold. Clean and disinfect anything that came into contact with floodwater or storm debris.

Make Repairs Promptly

Address roof, gutter, or structural damage sooner rather than later. A small unresolved issue after one storm has a way of becoming a much bigger one by the time the next storm rolls around.

The Bigger Picture

Typhoon-proofing isn’t really about any single fix — it’s a habit of regular upkeep that pays off most in the moments you’re least prepared for. A home that is well-maintained year-round is already most of the way toward being storm-ready. The rest is just making sure you, and your emergency kit, are ready too.