The Ultimate St. Croix Hurricane Prep Checklist

How Homeowners (and Sellers!) Can Protect Their Property Before the Storm

Life on St. Croix comes with sunshine, sea breezes, and a strong sense of community but it also means being prepared for hurricane season. A solid hurricane prep plan is more than a safety measure, it’s also a way to protect your investment and make your property market-ready.

Here’s your go-to checklist for hurricane season and why it matters, especially if you're thinking about listing your home.

🌀 Before Hurricane Season

✅ Review Your Insurance Coverage

Make sure your policies include hurricane and flood protection and covers the current value of your home.

📌 Sellers: Updated insurance coverage and documentation make the due diligence process easier for potential buyers.

✅ Document Your Home

Take current photos and videos of your home, inside and out.

📌 Sellers: These can also be used in your listing photos or shared with buyers post-storm if needed.

✅ Stock Emergency Supplies

Water, non-perishable food, batteries, first-aid kit, medications, flashlights, radio, and cash.

📌 Sellers: If your home is on the market, keep it “show ready” but be sure emergency supplies are tucked away and easily accessible.

✅ Property Maintenance

Trim trees, clear gutters, secure outdoor furniture, inspect shutters, clean cisterns, and test your generator.

📌 Sellers: These are also strong selling points. A well-maintained property tells buyers the home has been cared for.

🏠 When a Storm Is Approaching

✅ Secure Windows and Doors

Install storm shutters or plywood. Reinforce doors.

📌 Sellers: If your home is vacant or listed, coordinate with your property manager and agent in advance to protect it in your absence.

✅ Protect Important Documents

Keep deed, insurance info, and receipts in a waterproof container or saved in the cloud.

📌 Sellers: Having these on hand can speed up negotiations and inspections.

✅ Charge Everything and Fill Up

Top off your gas tank, fuel your generator, and charge devices.

📌 Sellers: If you’re not on-island, consider hiring a property manager for pre- and post-storm support.

✅ Designate a Safe Room

Store essentials in an interior room with no windows.

📌 Sellers: Even if you're selling, it’s worth knowing where this space is. It’s something buyers may ask about.

📞 Communication and Community Planning

✅ Stay Informed

Follow local sources like VITEMA and set up alerts.

✅ Share Your Plan

Let friends, neighbors, or your real estate agent know your status and check-in schedule.

📌 Sellers: If you're off-island, your agent should be part of your hurricane response plan.

🧳 Evacuation or Shelter Readiness

✅ Know Your Zone and Pack a Go-Bag

Know flood risks and shelter locations. Prepare ID, meds, clothes, chargers, and pet supplies.

📌 Sellers: Properties in low-risk areas with proper drainage and hurricane upgrades can be especially appealing to buyers.

💡 After the Storm

✅ Wait for the All-Clear

Downed power lines and unsafe roads are common post-storm hazards.

✅ Inspect and Document Damage

Check for roof leaks, structural issues, and water intrusion. Take photos for claims—and your listing, if applicable.

✅ Use Generators Safely

Only run outdoors and away from windows.

📌 Sellers: Quick cleanup and timely repairs after a storm keep your listing on track and protect resale value.

🌴 Smart Sellers Are Prepared Sellers

Preparing your home for hurricane season protects more than your safety. It protects your property value. For those thinking about selling, taking proactive steps now can prevent delays, reduce surprises during inspections, and give buyers peace of mind.

Thinking about listing your St. Croix property this year? Let’s talk about how hurricane prep can help position your home for a smoother sale, even during storm season.

📩 I’m here to help you prep, list, and protect your investment every step of the way.