For military families, home can feel like a moving target. New duty stations bring fresh schools, new neighbors, and critically for some, new weather risks.

Whether you’re stationed near Fort Bragg or Joint Base San Antonio, a few hours of preparation can protect your home, your finances, and your peace of mind. Here’s a practical guide from AAFMAA Mortgage Services LLC (AMS) that breaks down the significant hazards by the largest base regions and the supplies to have ready.

Related: Climate Risk Is Top-of-Mind for Buyers, Homeowners and Insurers
 

Southeast Atlantic (Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Hampton Roads/Norfolk)

What to expect: Hurricanes, tropical storms, tornado spin-ups, intense rainfall and storm surge along the coast. Inland bases face wind damage, downed trees and prolonged power outages.

Supplies:

• Three to five days of drinking water (1 gallon per person per day) and shelf-stable food.
• Battery or crank weather radio, headlamps, spare batteries, and power banks.
• Heavy-duty tarps, plastic sheeting, duct tape, work gloves, and a small chainsaw or pruning saw.
• Waterproof document bag with mortgage, insurance, photos of your home, and serial numbers for major appliances.
• Gas for vehicles and generators; extension cords rated for outdoor use.
   

Gulf Coast (Eglin, Hurlburt, Tyndall, NAS Pensacola, Keesler, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Hood)

What to expect: Hurricanes, storm surge, flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, large hail and frequent lightning. Inland Texas bases also face extreme heat and periodic ice storms.

Supplies:

• Cooler with ice packs, manual can opener, and nonperishable staples your family will actually eat.
• Sun/heat kit: electrolyte packets, wide-brim hats, sunscreen (SPF 30+), cooling towels.
  Battery-powered fans for prolonged outages and reflective window film for west-facing rooms.
• Sandbags or water-inflated tubes if you’re in a low spot or near a bayou/creek.
   

Southern California (Naval Base San Diego, Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar)

What to expect: Wildfire, smoke, Santa Ana wind events, occasional flooding/mudflow after heavy rain, and earthquakes.

Supplies:

• Go-kits for each family member (3 days): water, snacks, meds, copies of orders/IDs, pet needs.
• Garden hoses at multiple spigots, metal sprinkler heads, and a 100-foot hose for spot-wetting.
• Sturdy shoes at each bed, heavy gloves, and a pry bar for post-quake hazards.
   

Desert Southwest (Nellis AFB, Davis-Monthan, Fort Bliss, Luke AFB)

What to expect: Extreme heat, dust storms (haboobs), monsoon lightning and flash flooding in dry washes.

Supplies:

• Heat kit: 2–3 gallons of water per person per day during heat waves, electrolyte tablets, cooling gel packs.
• Dust kit: goggles, N95 masks, microfiber cloths, canned air for electronics, and a small shop vac.
• Vehicle kit: reflective windshield shade, extra coolant, and a roadside water stash.

Related: Why Home Insurance Has Become Essential
 

Pacific Northwest (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Naval Base Kitsap)

What to expect: Windstorms, prolonged rain, river/urban flooding, landslides, and growing late-summer wildfire smoke.

Supplies:

• Waterproof boots, rain gear, and dense plastic totes for storage in garages/crawl spaces.
• Portable power station or inverter for phones, modems, and CPAPs.
• Absorbent socks and sand tubes to help divert minor water intrusions.
   

Mid-South and Plains (Offutt AFB, Tinker AFB, Whiteman AFB, Fort Leonard Wood)

What to expect: Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, large hail, and spring flooding; icy winters.

Supplies:

• NOAA weather radio with SAME programming for your county.
• Heavy moving blankets to protect car windshields and a vehicle glass hammer.
• First-aid kit with tourniquet, sterile dressings, and a laminated emergency plan.
   

Northeast and Upper Midwest (Fort Drum, Wright-Patterson, Minot AFB)

What to expect: Extreme cold, blizzards, lake-effect snow, ice storms, and spring thaws.

Supplies:

• Two weeks’ worth of winter-grade windshield fluid, rock salt/ice melt, and sand.
• Space heater with tip-over/overheat protection; extra blankets and thermal layers.
• Car winter kits: shovel, traction boards, kitty litter, jumper cables, emergency candles.
   

Hawaii (JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Marine Corps Base Hawaii)

What to expect: Hurricanes, tropical rain events, landslides, high surf, tsunamis, and occasional volcanic smog (VOG).

Supplies:

• Water purification tablets or filters; cistern users should have shock treatment supplies.
• Dry bags for electronics and documents; extra chargers and power banks.
• Car kit for sudden advisories: water, snacks, light rain gear, and a small first-aid kit.

Related: Frequently Asked Questions on Insurance
 

What to Keep in Mind Regardless of Your Location

Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so anyone living near rivers, bays, or areas that experience heavy rain should speak with an insurance agent about purchasing a separate flood policy. Flood insurance is required for properties located in a Special Flood Hazard Area, which includes zones with mudflow or flood-related erosion risks. Flood policies must generally cover either the full replacement cost of the dwelling or the National Flood Insurance Program maximum of $250,000, whichever is lower.
 

Preserving Your Investment

Homeowners should take digital photos or videos of every room, including the roof and major systems, and save receipts for any upgrades to the roof, HVAC system, or windows. Copies of the insurance policy, mortgage statement, and contact information for AMS or your mortgage servicer should be stored securely in both a cloud folder and a waterproof pouch for easy access after a storm.

Even with strong insurance coverage, deductibles and temporary repairs come out of pocket, so building an emergency fund is critical. Setting aside an amount equal to at least one homeowners deductible plus a week of lodging can help cover expenses if a hurricane, wildfire or ice storm makes a home temporarily unlivable.

Military families should also look out for one another. If a spouse is deployed or a family is new to the neighborhood, it helps to share phone numbers with a couple of nearby households. When the power is out, a quick call tree often works better than any app.

Weather looks different at every duty station, but preparation follows the same playbook: understand your regional risks, harden your home and stage the right supplies. As your mortgage partner, AMS encourages you to review your coverage, safeguard your documents, and create a plan tailored to your base’s most likely hazards. A few smart steps now can protect your family, your home, and your financial future–no matter where orders send you next.
 

We’re Here to Help

Thinking about buying, ready to start home-shopping in earnest, or considering a refinance? An AMS Military Mortgage Advisor, a licensed mortgage loan originator, will be happy to provide you with an honest and fair comparison of your mortgage options, including a wide range of affordable mortgages designed to meet your needs.

Ensuring Armed Forces Mutual Members obtain the best mortgage possible is our mission. Get your free mortgage assessment today or give us a call at 844-422-3622!