How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in Delaware: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026
Delaware doesn’t get direct hurricane hits often, but when tropical systems track up the East Coast or stall over the mid-Atlantic, the state’s low-lying coastal areas and flood-prone inland zones take real damage. Hurricane Sandy in 2012 caused over $20 million in damage to Delaware’s coast. Tropical Storm Ida in 2021 dropped 5-8 inches of rain across the state, flooding basements and roads throughout New Castle County. The Delaware Bay funnels storm surge into coastal communities from Lewes to Wilmington in ways that aren’t always obvious from the forecast maps. Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, and every Delaware homeowner — from the Rehoboth boardwalk to a Middletown subdivision — should have a preparation plan in place before the first storm forms. This guide covers what to do, what to buy, and what to know to protect your home and family, with costs and timelines specific to Delaware. If you’re new to the state, our home buying resources cover flood zone considerations that every buyer should understand.
Step 1: Know Your Risk Zone
Delaware’s hurricane risk varies dramatically by location. The state’s 381-mile coastline and extensive tidal waterways create multiple flood exposure areas that extend well inland from the beach.
| Zone | Risk Level | Primary Threats | Key Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal oceanfront | High | Storm surge 6-15 ft, wind 80-120 mph, wave action | Rehoboth, Dewey, Bethany, Fenwick |
| Coastal bayside | High | Storm surge 4-10 ft, wind, flooding | Lewes, Indian River, Rehoboth Bay areas |
| Delaware Bay communities | Moderate-High | Storm surge 3-8 ft, tidal flooding | Bowers, Kitts Hummock, Port Mahon |
| Low-lying inland (flood zones) | Moderate | Freshwater flooding, wind damage | Parts of Wilmington, Newark, Christina River corridor |
| Inland elevated | Low-Moderate | Wind damage, downed trees, power outages | Hockessin, Middletown, Pike Creek, most of Dover |
Check your flood zone at FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (msc.fema.gov). Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) also publishes hurricane evacuation zones. If your property is in Zone A or Zone V on the FEMA map, flooding is not a question of if but when during a major storm. Even Zone X (moderate-to-low risk) properties can flood during extreme events — Tropical Storm Ida proved this when inland neighborhoods in Wilmington and Newark experienced significant flooding.
Step 2: Review Your Insurance Coverage
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover flood damage. This is the single most important thing Delaware homeowners need to understand about hurricane preparation. Wind damage from a hurricane is covered by your standard policy. Water damage from flooding — including storm surge — is covered only by a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.
| Insurance Type | Covers | Doesn’t Cover | Annual Cost (Delaware avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Homeowners | Wind, rain through roof, fallen trees | Flood, storm surge, sewer backup | $1,200–$2,500 |
| NFIP Flood Insurance | Flood damage to structure + contents | Temporary housing, landscaping | $800–$4,500 (zone-dependent) |
| Private Flood Insurance | Same as NFIP, often with higher limits | Varies by policy | $600–$3,500 |
| Sewer Backup Rider | Damage from backed-up sewers/drains | External flooding | $50–$150/yr added to homeowners |
Key point: flood insurance has a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect. You cannot buy a flood policy when a storm is in the forecast and expect coverage for that storm. Buy your flood policy now, before hurricane season begins. If you’re in a FEMA-designated flood zone and have a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is already required. Use our amortization schedule calculator for detailed numbers. If you’re outside a designated zone, flood insurance is optional but still worth considering — about 25% of NFIP claims come from properties outside high-risk zones.
Review your homeowners policy for the wind/hurricane deductible. Many Delaware coastal policies carry a separate hurricane or named-storm deductible of 2-5% of the home’s insured value. On a $500,000 policy, that’s $10,000-$25,000 out of pocket before insurance pays. Understand this number before storm season. Use our mortgage calculator to factor insurance costs into your housing budget.
Step 3: Prepare Your Home’s Exterior
Home preparation should happen before hurricane season begins — ideally in April or May. Waiting until a storm is forecast means competing with every other homeowner for supplies and contractors.
Roof inspection: Have your roof inspected for loose or damaged shingles, deteriorated flashing, and vulnerable ridge caps. A professional inspection costs $150-$300. Repair any issues immediately — a roof that’s 90% solid but has a weak spot near the ridge will fail at exactly that spot under 70+ mph winds. Coastal properties should verify that roofing meets the wind-rated standards required by Sussex County building code (130+ mph for shingles).
Windows and doors: Standard windows can break under wind-driven debris impact at 60+ mph. Options for protection: permanent storm shutters ($200-$500 per window installed), removable panel shutters ($50-$150 per window, DIY), or impact-resistant windows ($400-$800 per window, installed). At minimum, have pre-cut plywood panels ready for every window — 5/8″ CDX plywood with pre-drilled mounting points. Label each panel with the window it fits and store them accessible.
Yard and exterior: Secure or store anything that can become a projectile — patio furniture, grills, potted plants, decorations, children’s play equipment. A patio chair in 90 mph wind becomes a missile that can penetrate siding or windows. Trim dead branches from trees near the house. Clear gutters and downspouts so water flows freely during heavy rain. Ensure the sump pump (if you have one) is functioning and has battery backup.
Garage doors: Standard residential garage doors are one of the weakest structural points in a home. If the garage door fails in high wind, pressure changes inside the house can blow off the roof. Garage door bracing kits cost $100-$300 and install in under an hour. For coastal properties, impact-rated garage doors ($1,500-$3,500) are a worthwhile upgrade. Check our home services directory for contractors who handle storm preparation work.
Step 4: Create an Emergency Supply Kit
Delaware’s power grid is vulnerable to extended outages during tropical systems. Trees meeting power lines across the state’s wooded suburban areas can leave neighborhoods dark for 3-7 days. Your supply kit should sustain your household for at least 72 hours without power, water, or access to stores.
| Category | Items | Quantity (Family of 4) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Bottled water (1 gal/person/day) | 12+ gallons | $15–$25 |
| Food | Non-perishable items, manual can opener | 3+ days supply | $50–$100 |
| Lighting | Flashlights, batteries, lanterns | 2+ per person | $30–$60 |
| First Aid | Complete first aid kit, medications | 1 kit + 7 days meds | $25–$50 |
| Communication | Battery/crank radio, charged phone + battery pack | 1 radio, 1 battery per person | $40–$80 |
| Documents | Insurance policies, IDs, deeds (in waterproof bag) | 1 complete set | $10 (waterproof container) |
| Cash | Small bills and coins (ATMs/cards may not work) | $200–$500 | Varies |
| Generator | Portable generator (3,000-7,500 watt) | 1 unit + fuel | $400–$1,500 |
Total cost for a basic emergency kit: $200-$400 without a generator, $600-$1,900 with one. These supplies have a shelf life of 1-2 years for food and batteries, so check and refresh annually at the start of hurricane season.
Step 5: Know Your Evacuation Plan
Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) designates evacuation zones for coastal communities. If you live in a designated evacuation zone and an evacuation order is issued, leave. Storm surge kills more people in hurricanes than any other factor, and structures in surge zones can be destroyed regardless of how well they’re built.
Evacuation routes from coastal Delaware: Route 1 north from Rehoboth/Lewes to Dover and Wilmington. Route 113 north from the southern beaches. Route 13 as an alternative to Route 1 from Dover north. These routes WILL be congested during an evacuation, so leave early — 12-24 hours before the storm’s projected arrival. Identify a destination — a friend or family member’s inland home, or a hotel in the Middletown/Newark area — before you need it. Delaware opens emergency shelters at schools and community centers during major events; DEMA announces locations as the storm approaches.
For pets: most public shelters do not accept animals. Identify pet-friendly hotels along your evacuation route, or arrange to stay with someone who can accommodate your pets. Never leave pets behind in an evacuation zone.
Step 6: Protect Your Home During a Storm Watch/Warning
When the National Hurricane Center issues a watch (conditions possible within 48 hours) or warning (conditions expected within 36 hours) affecting Delaware, take these immediate actions:
Install window protection (shutters or plywood panels). Move vehicles into the garage or away from trees. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings to preserve food longer during potential power outages. Fill bathtubs with water for flushing toilets and non-drinking use if water service is interrupted. Charge all electronic devices. Secure outdoor items you haven’t already stored. Close and lock all windows and doors. If you have a pool, do not drain it — the weight of the water keeps it from popping out of the ground in saturated soil. Turn off propane tanks. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect from power surge when electricity is restored.
Step 7: Post-Storm Recovery
After the storm passes, resist the urge to immediately begin cleanup. Downed power lines, unstable trees, flooded roads, and contaminated standing water pose serious risks. Wait for official all-clear communications from DEMA and local emergency management.
Document everything: Before moving or cleaning anything, photograph all damage thoroughly. Take wide shots of each room and close-ups of specific damage. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim. Your insurer requires proof of damage, and photos taken before cleanup are far more persuasive than descriptions after the fact.
Contact your insurance company: File claims promptly. Delaware law requires insurers to acknowledge claims within 15 days and pay or deny within 30 days of receiving proof of loss. For flood claims through the NFIP, the process can take longer. Keep all receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, and damaged contents. If you need emergency tarping for roof damage, contractors charge $500-$2,000 depending on the area to be covered — this cost is typically reimbursable by your insurance.
Beware of storm-chaser contractors: After major storms, unlicensed contractors flood into affected areas offering quick repairs at inflated prices. Verify any contractor’s Delaware business license, insurance, and references before signing anything. Never pay more than 30% upfront for any repair work. Check our home services directory for pre-vetted contractors.
Hurricane Preparation Cost Summary
| Preparation Item | Cost Range | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Flood insurance (annual) | $800–$4,500 | Essential for flood zones |
| Roof inspection + repairs | $150–$1,500 | High |
| Window protection (plywood panels) | $150–$400 total | High for coastal |
| Window protection (storm shutters) | $2,000–$6,000 total | High for coastal (permanent) |
| Emergency supply kit | $200–$400 | Essential |
| Portable generator | $400–$1,500 | Recommended |
| Garage door bracing | $100–$300 | Moderate |
| Sump pump + battery backup | $300–$800 | High for basement homes |
| Tree trimming (near house) | $200–$800 | Moderate |
Compare With Other States
Considering other markets? Here’s how other states compare:
- How to Prepare Your Louisiana Home for Hurricane Season
- How to Prepare Your South Carolina Home for Hurricane Season
- How to Prepare Your Alabama Home for Hurricane Season
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do hurricanes hit Delaware?
Direct hurricane landfalls in Delaware are rare — the last major hurricane to directly strike was the 1954 hurricane season. However, tropical storms and the remnants of hurricanes affect the state every few years. Sandy (2012), Irene (2011), and Ida (2021) all caused significant damage without making direct landfall in Delaware. The combination of storm surge, heavy rain, and wind from systems passing within 200 miles can cause major damage, especially to coastal and low-lying areas.
Do I need flood insurance if I’m not in a flood zone?
It’s strongly recommended. About 25% of NFIP flood claims nationally come from properties outside designated high-risk zones. Tropical Storm Ida flooded homes in Wilmington and Newark that had never flooded before. Flood policies for properties outside high-risk zones (Zone X) cost as little as $400-$700 per year through the NFIP’s Preferred Risk Policy. That’s cheap insurance against a devastating loss. Standard homeowners insurance will not cover any flood damage regardless of your zone designation.
What should I do if I lose power for an extended period?
Delaware’s power restoration priorities are: hospitals and emergency services first, then main transmission lines, then residential feeders. Suburban neighborhoods with overhead lines and tree canopy can wait 3-7 days for restoration after a major storm. A portable generator (3,000-7,500 watts, $400-$1,500) can run your refrigerator, some lights, and phone chargers. Never run a generator indoors or in an attached garage — carbon monoxide kills. Use extension cords rated for the generator’s output, and keep the generator at least 20 feet from any window or door.
How do I protect my coastal vacation property remotely?
If you own a Rehoboth or Lewes area property that you’re not at during storm season, preparation requires advance planning. Install permanent storm shutters that can be closed quickly. Arrange with a local property manager or neighbor to secure the property when a storm threatens. Store all outdoor furniture and items in a garage or storage unit year-round during hurricane season. Ensure your flood insurance is current and your policy limits cover the property’s replacement cost. A trusted local contact who can document damage and begin emergency repairs on your behalf is invaluable. The property tax calculator helps estimate total annual ownership costs including insurance for coastal properties.
Where do I go if I need to evacuate from coastal Delaware?
Head north and inland. Route 1 to Dover or Middletown, then Route 1 or Route 13 north toward Newark and Wilmington. Delaware opens emergency shelters at schools and community centers — DEMA announces locations via the Delaware Emergency Notification System (DENS). Register for DENS alerts at dema.delaware.gov. If possible, arrange to stay with friends or family inland rather than relying on shelters. Hotels in the Dover, Middletown, and Newark areas fill up quickly once an evacuation is announced, so book early when a storm enters the forecast.