Storms form fast on the Georgia coast, and you do not want to scramble at the last minute. If you own a home in Savannah or greater Chatham County, you already know wind, surge, and power loss are real risks each season. The good news is you can make smart, code‑aware upgrades that reduce damage and stress. This guide walks you through the most effective improvements for windows and doors, roofs, surge protection, and backup power, plus checklists and staged plans you can actually use. Let’s dive in.
Why hurricane‑ready matters in Savannah
Savannah faces two big hazards during tropical systems: high winds and storm surge, with heavy rain that can cause flooding. Surge effects can push inland along the Savannah River and low‑lying areas, especially during high tides. Preparation helps you protect your property and recover faster after a storm.
Know local codes and zones
Before you start, confirm requirements with the City of Savannah or Chatham County building department. Codes reference national standards and local wind maps, and they change over time. If you are in a historic district, you may need design review for visible shutters or window replacements. Use FEMA flood maps and local evacuation guidance to inform siting and elevation of equipment.
Protect windows and doors
Keeping wind and debris out is essential. Openings protection also helps your roof and walls hold together under pressure.
Tested shutter options
- Accordion shutters: Good manual deployment and moderate cost. They fold beside the opening and are practical for repeated use.
- Roll‑down shutters: Manual or motorized units that deploy quickly and look clean. These are higher cost and usually need professional installation and power for motors.
- Bahama or colonial styles: Choose only products tested and rated for windborne debris. Do not assume decorative shutters provide protection.
- Removable metal panels: Durable and relatively affordable, but installation takes labor and planning.
- Plywood: Pre‑cut panels can work in a pinch. They are not tested to the same standards as rated products, so treat this as a short‑term solution.
Look for products tested to ASTM E1996 and E1886 and rated for local wind speeds and impact levels. Your building official or contractor can confirm what your parcel requires.
Impact‑rated windows and doors
Impact‑rated glazing uses laminated glass in assemblies tested to the same standards. You do not have to deploy anything before a storm, which helps if you travel or have mobility limits. These upgrades can improve security and noise control, but they are a higher upfront investment and need professional installation.
Deployment, anchorage, and maintenance
Protection only works if it is attached correctly. Shutters must anchor into structural framing, not just siding. Keep tracks, motors, and fasteners clean and inspected each year. If you have rated products, document the make, model, and installation for your insurer. Some carriers offer premium credits for certified openings protection.
Strengthen your roof system
Your roof is a system. The goal is a continuous load path that transfers wind forces from roof to walls to foundation.
Create a continuous load path
Metal connectors like hurricane straps, ties, and clips secure rafters or trusses to wall plates, and walls to the foundation. A licensed contractor or structural engineer can evaluate existing connections and specify the right hardware. This work is often done during a reroof or major retrofit.
Roof deck, edges, and water barrier
Upgraded roof deck fastening reduces the chance of panels peeling off under uplift. Use the right nails and patterns as required by current codes and manufacturer instructions. Reinforce edges and rakes, and consider a secondary water barrier beneath shingles to limit interior water damage if the roof covering is breached.
Vents, soffits, and garage doors
Vents and soffits can be weak points. Make sure they are well fastened and rated for wind. Garage doors are large openings and can fail in high winds. Reinforcing or replacing a garage door with a rated model is a high‑value upgrade.
Guard your power and electronics
Power quality and outages are common during storms. A layered plan protects your home’s systems and keeps essentials running.
Layered surge protection
A whole‑house surge protective device at the main panel helps stop big surges from utility lines and lightning‑related events. Pair it with point‑of‑use surge protectors for sensitive electronics. Choose UL‑listed devices and have a licensed electrician install panel‑level equipment. Also protect cable, internet, and phone lines where they enter the home.
Backup power choices
- Portable generators: Lower cost and movable. Always run outdoors, away from doors and windows. Use a properly installed transfer switch to avoid backfeed.
- Standby generators: Permanently installed units on natural gas or propane that start automatically and power key circuits or the whole home. They use an automatic transfer switch and require permits.
- Battery backup or solar plus storage: Quiet, instant switchover for selected circuits with fewer onsite emissions. Runtime depends on capacity and can extend with solar.
Size your system to the loads you care about, like refrigeration, HVAC, sump pumps, and medical devices. A licensed electrician can right‑size and design a critical‑loads subpanel.
Flood‑safe placement and CO safety
If you are in a flood‑prone area, elevate generators and fuel tanks where possible, and secure equipment to resist movement. Follow local fire code for fuel storage. Install CO alarms and never use a portable generator indoors or in attached garages.
Pre‑season checklist for Savannah
- Review evacuation zones and shelter options for your address. Make a family plan, including pets.
- Confirm wind coverage and, if needed, secure a separate NFIP flood policy. Keep documents in a waterproof container and in the cloud.
- Inspect the roof for loose shingles or flashing. Clear gutters and downspouts. Schedule a roofer if you see issues.
- Trim dead or diseased branches well before the season. Secure or store outdoor furniture, grills, and planters.
- Test backup power. Run your portable generator safely and check fuel. Test standby or battery systems.
- Install or inspect shutters. Reinforce or upgrade the garage door if needed.
- Label main water and gas shut‑offs, and review safe shutdown steps.
- Photograph valuables and update a home inventory.
- Stock an emergency kit with water, nonperishables, first aid, flashlights, batteries, chargers, maps, and cash.
Staged upgrade plans by budget
Every home and budget is different. Use these stages to plan smart improvements over time.
Stage A: Immediate and low cost
- Pre‑cut and label plywood window covers and store fasteners.
- Add a whole‑house surge protector if budget allows, and use quality point‑of‑use protectors.
- Secure outdoor items and trim small branches.
- Add basic garage door bracing if your model allows.
Why it helps: Quick actions reduce wind and water entry and protect electronics with minimal cost.
Stage B: Moderate investment
- Install accordion shutters or removable metal panels on key openings.
- Upgrade entry doors to wind‑rated models and reinforce or replace the garage door.
- Purchase a portable generator with a properly installed transfer switch.
- Improve roof deck fastening in targeted areas during maintenance work.
Why it helps: You get certified protection and practical backup power without a full rebuild.
Stage C: Major retrofit and long term
- Replace windows and doors with impact‑rated assemblies.
- Install a standby generator or a battery plus solar system with a critical‑loads panel.
- Complete a reroof with wind‑rated materials, improved edge securement, a secondary water barrier, and engineered roof‑to‑wall ties.
- Elevate or relocate utilities and mechanicals if you are in a flood zone.
Why it helps: These projects deliver the strongest resilience, can improve comfort year‑round, and may qualify for insurance credits.
When to involve pros and permits
Plan to pull permits for structural work, permanent generators, and many electrical upgrades. For tie‑downs and significant roof work, consult a licensed structural engineer and a roofer experienced with wind‑resistant construction. A licensed electrician should handle surge devices at the panel, transfer switches, and backup power systems. Keep receipts and permit records for your insurer.
Buying or selling with resilience in mind
If you are buying, ask for documentation of shutter ratings, window and door specs, roof permits, and any tie‑down improvements. Plan for elevation of critical equipment and impact glazing in flood‑prone or high‑exposure areas. If you are selling, consider targeted upgrades that add confidence for buyers and may improve insurance options. Well‑documented mitigation can help your home stand out in the Savannah market.
Ready to make a plan tailored to your home and timeline? Reach out to the local team that understands Savannah’s housing stock and storm risks. Connect with Homes by TLC to prioritize smart upgrades before you list or settle in, and to get guidance on which improvements matter most for buyers here.
FAQs
What hurricane shutters are best for Savannah homes?
- Choose shutters or impact glazing tested to ASTM E1996 and E1886, sized for your openings, with anchorage into structural framing and a deployment method your household can manage.
Do I need impact‑rated windows in Chatham County?
- Impact glazing is not mandatory everywhere, but it provides continuous protection without deployment and can offer insurance benefits; confirm local code requirements for your address.
How big of a generator do I need for hurricane outages?
- Size it to your critical loads like refrigeration, HVAC, and pumps; a licensed electrician can calculate starting and running watts and design a safe transfer switch setup.
What roof upgrades deliver the most storm protection?
- Focus on a continuous load path with hurricane ties, improved roof deck fastening, reinforced edges, and a secondary water barrier during a reroof.
How do historic district rules affect shutters and windows?
- In Savannah’s historic districts, visible exterior changes often require design review, so check with the Historic Preservation Office before installing shutters or replacing windows.
Can hurricane‑ready upgrades lower my insurance costs?
- Many insurers offer credits for impact‑rated openings and wind‑resistant roofing when documented with permits and product specs, so keep detailed records and ask your carrier.
