Stay Safe and Strong | Preparing for a Tropical Storm or Hurricane in New Jersey

By Jim Fagan, Owner, Property Restoration Experts™ – Paul Davis Restoration of Morris and Passaic Counties NJ

When a tropical storm or hurricane is on the horizon, preparation becomes more than precaution—it becomes protection. In New Jersey, we’re no strangers to volatile weather patterns, especially during hurricane season, which spans June through November. While we may not experience the direct brunt of Category 5 hurricanes often seen in the south, we are highly vulnerable to intense tropical systems that can cause flooding, power outages, property damage, and dangerous conditions.

As restoration experts serving Morris and Passaic Counties, we’ve witnessed firsthand the chaos these storms can bring. Our mission is not just to restore what’s broken—but to empower our community with proactive strategies, so residents and business owners can weather the storm and bounce back stronger.

Understanding the Risk in NJ

New Jersey’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it especially susceptible to tropical storm impacts. Historically, storms like Irene (2011), Sandy (2012), and Ida (2021) have caused billions in damage—primarily due to flooding, high winds, and power disruption. Even a Category 1 hurricane or a slow-moving tropical storm can overwhelm infrastructure and cause widespread disruption.

Morris and Passaic Counties contain diverse terrain—from low-lying flood zones to densely populated urban areas. Knowing your environment is the first step toward building a storm-ready strategy.

Storm Preparation Checklist

Here’s a structured guide to help residents and business owners get ready before the storm hits.

Emergency Plan and Communication

• Identify emergency contacts and share your plan with family and employees.
• Map out evacuation routes and designate meeting points.
• Register for NJ Alert and local emergency notification systems.

Secure Critical Supplies

• Stock up on bottled water (1 gallon per person per day, 3–5 day supply).
• Non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first-aid kits.
• Backup chargers for devices and battery-powered radios.

Safeguard Your Property

• Install storm shutters or plywood on windows and glass doors.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, trash cans, and garden tools.
• Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup.
• Identify and reinforce vulnerable areas like garage doors and skylights.

Protect Important Documents

• Place insurance papers, identification, medical records, and property deeds in waterproof containers.
• Digitally scan documents for cloud backup if possible.

Prepare for Power Outages

• Invest in generators for essential systems (refrigeration, medical equipment, and communications).
• Ensure fuel is safely stored and systems are maintained regularly.

Tips for Businesses

Local businesses must take added precautions to minimize downtime and protect employees:

• Review your business continuity plan.
• Back up operational data to cloud-based systems.
• Inform staff of safety procedures and remote work options.
• Coordinate with vendors and clients about possible service disruptions.

What to Do After the Storm

Once the winds subside and the skies clear, the next phase begins—damage assessment and recovery. This is where Property Restoration Experts™ can be your immediate lifeline.

Our Storm Recovery Services

At Paul Davis Restoration of Morris and Passaic Counties NJ, we respond rapidly with trusted, professional services to help our neighbors rebuild:

 Emergency Board-Up & Tarping

• If windows are shattered or roofs compromised, our team secures the structure to prevent further damage.

Water Damage Restoration

• We extract flood water, dry affected areas, and sanitize to prevent mold growth.
• We assess moisture intrusion using infrared and moisture mapping tools.

Mold Remediation

• High humidity and standing water post-storm can lead to hazardous mold.
• We contain, clean, and restore with certified remediation protocols.

Fire & Smoke Damage

• Electrical systems compromised during a storm can spark fires.
• We handle fire cleanup, structural restoration, and odor removal.

Structural Repair & Reconstruction

• Our licensed contractors rebuild damaged walls, roofing, flooring, and more.
• Whether it’s residential or commercial, we restore with precision and care.

Insurance Coordination

• Navigating claims can be overwhelming. We provide full documentation and interface directly with your insurance carrier to streamline approval and reimbursement.

Why Choose Us?

• 24/7 Emergency Response: Disasters don’t wait—and neither do we.
• Local Expertise: We understand the unique challenges of North Jersey terrain, weather, and infrastructure.
• Certified Professionals: IICRC-certified firm using advanced restoration technology.
• Compassionate Service: We treat your property like it’s our own—with empathy, urgency, and excellence.

Real Stories, Real Results

After Hurricane Ida, we helped dozens of families in Pequannock, Wayne, and Parsippany restore their homes and peace of mind. From basement flooding to major reconstruction, our team worked around the clock to bring structure and normalcy back to our clients’ lives. It’s more than a job—it’s a promise.

Final Thoughts

You can’t control the storm, but you can control your readiness. Preparation today means less stress, faster recovery, and minimized damage when the unexpected strikes. And when disaster does hit, you’re not alone—Property Restoration Experts™ are here to guide you through it, every step of the way.

If you’d like a free emergency readiness consultation or want to discuss post-storm restoration services, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact Us Today Paul Davis Restoration of Morris and Passaic Counties NJ

Be proactive! Call Paul Davis today for a complimentary pre-disaster review of your facility!  Contact us now at 973-832-4540.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS of WORKING WITH PAUL DAVIS?

INSURANCE AGENT BENEFITS | Assign a Claim 

All Paul Davis offices are certified in Applied Structural Drying (ASD). ASD maximizes the removal of water from building materials using scientific methods and specialized equipment. This approach uses the proper combination of air movement, temperature control, humidity control and dehumidification to quickly remove moisture with little disturbance to the structure or contents. ASD allows us to save building materials (including drywall, carpets and padding) and, in most cases, dry affected areas in as few as 3 days.