Hurricane season is a fact of life in Louisiana, and waterfront homeowners know the importance of storm readiness. Your dock, in particular, can be one of the most vulnerable parts of your property when a hurricane strikes. Strong winds and storm surge can wreak havoc – the combination of surging water and rough waves can even dislodge docks from their foundations, causing them to break apart​. Debris from a damaged dock can become hazardous to your home and boats nearby. The good news is that early preparation can strengthen your dock against these forces. With the right precautions, you can keep your property safer, protect your investment, and avoid costly repairs during hurricane season.
As local experts who have weathered many Gulf Coast storms, we know that proactive preparation makes all the difference. Below, we’ve put together an expert checklist for Louisiana dock owners to get ready for hurricane season. Each step explains what to do and why it matters for protecting your waterfront property.
Hurricane Dock Preparation Checklist
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Inspect Structural Integrity: Thoroughly examine your dock’s overall structure for any existing damage or wear. Check the decking, support beams, and connections for signs of rot, rust, cracks, or loose boards. Even minor weaknesses can become major failures in a storm, so identify and address them now. Experts recommend having your dock and pilings inspected to ensure everything is in good condition and won’t break apart under stress​. If you find anything suspect – such as a cracked beam or a wobbly section – repair or reinforce it before hurricane winds and surge exploit it.
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Check Pilings and Hardware: Pay special attention to the dock’s pilings (the vertical posts) and all hardware. These are the backbone of your dock, and their integrity is critical. Inspect wooden pilings for rot or splitting and look for any cracks in concrete pilings. Ensure bolts, screws, brackets, and cleats are secure and not corroded. Tighten any loose hardware and replace rusted fittings with marine-grade (preferably stainless steel) hardware now, before they fail. Adding extra bracing or reinforcement to older pilings or connections can also help your dock withstand high waves and wind​. By shoring up these foundation elements, you reduce the chance of your dock coming apart during a hurricane.
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Secure or Remove Loose Items: Remove anything on or around your dock that isn’t permanently attached. This includes deck furniture, grills, storage boxes, fishing gear, small boats like kayaks or canoes, and decor. High winds can easily turn loose gear into dangerous projectiles​ Store these items well above flood level in a safe place until the storm passes. Clearing the deck ensures there’s nothing to be picked up by the wind or washed away by surge. Even built-in features like detachable dock boxes should be emptied and secured or taken indoors to prevent them from being ripped off and swept away​ By securing loose items, you not only protect the items themselves but also prevent severe damage to your dock or home from flying debris.
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Reinforce Mooring and Boat Ties: If you keep a boat at your dock, take extra steps to secure it – both to protect the boat and your dock. Use strong, doubled-up dock lines and tie your boat off to multiple cleats or pilings. If possible, move small vessels (like jet skis or dinghies) off the water and to safe storage​. For larger boats that must ride out the storm at the dock, cross-tie the lines so the boat is held centered and can rise with surge without slamming against the dock. Leave some slack in the lines for the expected storm surge, but not so much that the boat can crash around. Use chafe protectors on all ropes to prevent line breakage from friction​. A well-secured boat will be less likely to break free or batter your dock during extreme winds and waves. In turn, this helps keep both your vessel and your dock intact.
Shut Off Power and Secure Utilities: Docks often have electrical and water hookups – make sure these are safe before the storm hits. Disconnect the power to your dock at the breaker or shore power connection to eliminate the risk of electrical shock or fire if wiring gets wet​. Similarly, turn off any water supply lines to prevent flooding or pipe damage. If you have fuel lines (for boat refueling stations or generators), shut them off and stow portable fuel tanks in a secure location. Securing your utilities protects both your property and the safety of anyone nearby, and it makes for a quicker recovery after the storm since you’re less likely to face electrical damage or leaks.
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Document Your Dock’s Condition: Before the storm, take clear photos or video of your dock and any boats or equipment secured there. A thorough visual record of your dock’s pre-storm condition and the steps you took to secure it will be invaluable for insurance purposes​. It provides proof that you prepared responsibly and shows any damage that occurred was truly storm-related. Make an inventory of items you removed and note any improvements or repairs you’ve recently made to the dock. This documentation gives you peace of mind that, should the worst happen, you have evidence to support an insurance claim. It’s an often overlooked part of storm prep that can save you a lot of headaches later.
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Have a Post-Storm Inspection Plan: Once the hurricane has passed and authorities say it’s safe to return, approach your dock with caution. Do not restore power until you’ve inspected all electrical systems for damage or flooding. After the storm, you’ll likely find debris on or around your dock – clear away any driftwood, trash, or loose objects that washed up​. Carefully examine the dock for new damage: look for shifted pilings, loose bolts, cracked planks, or any section that looks unsafe. If any part of the structure appears compromised, avoid using the dock until it can be repaired. In fact, it’s wise to have a professional marine contractor assess your dock after a severe storm. Docks can sustain hidden damage, and what looks minor to the untrained eye could be significant. A pro will ensure your dock is still structurally sound and safe to use. Having a post-storm inspection plan helps you catch problems early and fix them before they lead to further damage or accidents.
Stay Safe – and Let Lamulle Help Protect Your Dock
Hurricane season can be unpredictable, but a proactive approach will significantly improve your dock’s chances of weathering the storm. By following this checklist, you’re taking smart steps to safeguard your waterfront property. Remember, no dock is worth risking your personal safety – always heed evacuation orders and put safety first, even as you prepare your property.
If you’re a homeowner in the New Orleans area and want extra peace of mind, consider calling in the local experts. Lamulle Construction has been building and repairing docks in south Louisiana for over 70 years, and we’re here to help you storm-proof your dock. We offer professional dock inspections, reinforcement, and hurricane prep services to ensure your dock is as ready as possible for the season. Get in touch with us today to schedule a dock inspection or to discuss how we can help protect your waterfront investment. With a little preparation and the right team by your side, you can face hurricane season with greater confidence and peace of mind.
Disclaimer: The advice provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not guarantee protection from damage during hurricanes or severe storms. Dock owners should always prioritize personal safety and follow local authority guidance during storm events. Information referenced within this article was sourced from reputable guidelines, including FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), BoatU.S. hurricane preparation guides, and marine construction best practices established by Lamulle Construction’s decades of local expertise. For personalized dock assessments and recommendations, please contact a qualified marine construction professional directly.
