Hurricane Preparation Checklist for Historic Buildings in New Orleans

Historic buildings need hurricane preparation that does two jobs at once: reduce preventable storm risks without causing unnecessary damage to the materials, proportions, and features that give the building its historic character. The most useful work usually happens before a storm is on the map—routine maintenance, documentation, jurisdiction checks, and pre-planned removable protection.

Confirm which historic-preservation authority and permit rules apply to the address.
Create a documented pre-season baseline of the building’s condition.
Pre-fit or pre-plan temporary protection so you are not drilling, measuring, or shopping at the last minute.
During an active storm or evacuation, rely on official emergency instructions, not this article.

First, Find Out Which Historic-Preservation Rules Apply

New Orleans does not have one preservation-review rule for every historic property. The first step is to confirm the property’s designation and jurisdiction before you buy or install a permanent storm-protection system. This matters most for visible exterior changes, where a well-intended hurricane upgrade can create a preservation problem if it is incompatible with the building or installed without the required review.

Jurisdiction	What the current City guidance says	Storm-prep takeaway
HDLC local historic districts / landmarks	HDLC reviews permanent, publicly visible storm-preparedness modifications. Its Storm Preparedness guidelines state that temporary measures implemented immediately before a storm do not require HDLC review.	Temporary pre-storm measures and permanent alterations are treated differently. Confirm review requirements before permanent work.
Vieux Carré / French Quarter	The VCC application page says exterior work on buildings in the Vieux Carré requires a VCC permit, including exterior work that may not otherwise require a Safety & Permits permit.	Do not assume HDLC’s temporary-measure exception automatically applies in the Vieux Carré. Check current VCC guidance for the specific work.
Outside a local historic-review jurisdiction	Other City permits, building-code requirements, flood rules, private covenants, or historic-program requirements may still apply.	Historic status and permit obligations are property- and project-specific. Verify before permanent work.

Official local sources: HDLC Storm Preparedness & Resilience and Vieux Carré Commission application process.

HDLC properties: temporary storm measures vs. permanent changes

If you want permanent fasteners, shutters, panels, structural changes, elevated equipment, or another visible modification, plan the project well before hurricane season so preservation review and any other required permits can happen without time pressure.

French Quarter / Vieux Carré properties

The Vieux Carré Commission’s current application page takes a broad approach to exterior work: it says all proposed exterior work on buildings in the Vieux Carré requires a Commission permit, including work that may not otherwise require a Department of Safety & Permits permit. The VCC guidance reviewed for this guide does not include the same hurricane-specific temporary-measure exception found in the HDLC Storm Preparedness chapter. For a French Quarter property, check the current VCC requirements before assuming a temporary or permanent installation is exempt.

Build Your Pre-Season Baseline

A useful hurricane checklist starts with knowing what “normal” looks like for the building. Good records help owners, property managers, contractors, preservation reviewers, and insurers tell pre-existing conditions apart from storm damage and make better-informed repair decisions.

Photograph the roofline, exterior walls, shutters, windows, doors, porches, galleries, balconies, visible mechanical equipment, and any areas with known deterioration.
Keep property, insurance, contractor, tenant, and emergency contact information somewhere you can access away from the building.
Know where temporary window or door protection is stored, which opening each piece fits, and what hardware is required.
Identify loose or deteriorated exterior materials early enough to repair them before hurricane season.
Review drainage around the building and keep accessible gutters, downspouts, and catch basins clear of debris.
For multi-unit or commercial properties, define who is responsible for deploying protection, securing exterior items, communicating with occupants, and documenting the building.

NOLA Ready specifically recommends photographing property for insurance purposes, clearing gutters and downspouts, clearing catch basins, pruning vegetation, bringing in or securing outdoor objects, checking the roof and siding, and covering windows with plywood or storm shutters. Review the current City hurricane guidance before each season.

Inspect the Roof, Drainage, and Building Envelope

For an older building, ordinary maintenance is part of storm preparation. The HDLC guidance emphasizes maintaining roofing, flashing, gutters, downspouts, masonry, siding, window glass, shutters, and other exterior components. The goal is not to make an old building “hurricane-proof.” It is to reduce obvious weak points and water-entry paths before wind and rain test them.

Roof and attic

From safe, accessible areas, look for loose or missing roof materials, damaged flashing, unsecured gutters or downspouts, and visible deterioration around roof penetrations.
From an accessible attic area, look for signs of moisture or daylight that may indicate an opening or failed area in the roof system.
Have damaged roof framing, questionable connections, deteriorated chimneys, or other structural concerns evaluated by a qualified architect, engineer, or appropriate roofing professional.
If the roof is being replaced, use that opportunity to evaluate concealed connections and water-shedding improvements before the roof assembly is closed back up.

Masonry, siding, drainage, and exterior items

Repair loose or dislodged siding and address deteriorated exterior materials before wind-driven rain can get in through them.
Have cracked or deteriorated masonry and mortar evaluated and repaired with methods appropriate to the historic material.
Keep drainage paths open so stormwater can move away from the building rather than collect at walls, piers, or foundations.
Secure or bring in outdoor furnishings, decorations, garbage bins, and other objects that could move in wind or floodwater.
Have hazardous vegetation trimmed by qualified tree-care professionals instead of waiting until a storm is approaching.

For owners who need ongoing coordination rather than a one-time checklist, LaNasa describes its historic property management in New Orleans as including maintenance coordination focused on roofing, moisture control, and structural integrity.

Protect Historic Windows and Doors Without Creating a Preservation Problem

Historic windows and doors are easy to damage in the name of protection. The better approach is to keep original openings in good repair and pre-plan a reversible storm-protection method that fits the building and its preservation jurisdiction. HDLC’s guidance specifically recognizes traditional shutters, pre-fitted plywood used with closed shutters, and fabric storm panels as possible approaches, while cautioning against solutions that damage historic fabric or create an inappropriate permanent appearance.

Option	What it can do	Preservation issue	Best next step
Existing traditional shutters	Can provide a historic form of opening protection when they are operational and properly secured.	Decorative or deteriorated shutters should not be assumed to provide storm protection.	Inspect hinges, locks, fasteners, tiebacks, and condition well before storm season.
Pre-fitted plywood / removable panels	Provides temporary protection and can be prepared in advance for faster deployment.	Poorly planned attachment can damage trim, masonry, or historic fabric.	Use the City’s official HDLC boarding detail and property-specific professional advice rather than improvising a universal fastening pattern.
Fabric storm panels	HDLC identifies fabric panels as an option that can be installed only when a storm threatens.	Permanent attachment points should be visually unobtrusive and compatible with the historic surface.	Plan attachment locations early and confirm review requirements before installation.
Permanent storm systems	May offer convenient deployment depending on the product and building.	Some storm-protection designs and installation methods may be inappropriate for a historic district; HDLC says permanently attached plastic storm panels are not appropriate for historic buildings.	Get preservation review before purchase or installation. Do not assume a marketed “hurricane” product is automatically appropriate.
Replacement “hurricane-rated” windows/doors	May provide additional protection depending on the assembly.	HDLC cautions that some products have wide frames, muntins, or shallow profiles that do not match historic proportions.	Evaluate retention of historic openings and other compatible protection approaches before replacement.

Useful City reference: HDLC Window Boarding Detail.

Check Porches, Galleries, Balconies, and Large Openings

Porches, galleries, balconies, overhangs, carriageway doors, and other large openings deserve their own review because if an attached element fails, it can damage the main building and create debris. HDLC advises regular maintenance of these structural elements and recommends consulting an architect or engineer when there are safety or structural concerns.

Repair loose or missing floorboards, trim, rail components, or other elements that could detach in high winds.
Check posts, columns, connections, roof edges, soffits, and large doors for visible deterioration or movement.
Have large door systems and unusual openings assessed before adding interior bracing, tracks, or structural reinforcement.
Treat any connector or bracing project as a designed structural intervention, not a last-minute DIY task.

Plan Structural Strengthening Well Before a Storm

Structural strengthening belongs in long-range planning. HDLC notes that ties, straps, bolts, and other connectors can help transfer wind loads through a building, but the correct connector type, material, size, and installation depend on the specific structure. Improper installation can be ineffective or hazardous, which is why the guidance recommends consulting an architect or structural engineer.

Owner / manager tasks	Qualified professional tasks
Photograph and monitor visible conditions; keep gutters and accessible drainage clear; secure ordinary exterior items; maintain operable shutters and hardware; organize records and contacts.	Design or install structural connectors and bracing; evaluate roof framing or foundations; alter large doors structurally; elevate a building; relocate electrical/mechanical systems; design floodproofing or code-dependent work.
Ask contractors to document proposed scope, materials, attachment locations, and preservation impacts before work begins.	Determine engineering requirements, code compliance, preservation-review needs, and installation details for technical modifications.

FORTIFIED can be a long-term roof path—but historic review is separate

A historic Louisiana home is not automatically excluded from stronger roof standards, but roof resilience and historic compatibility are separate questions. The Louisiana Department of Insurance currently runs the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program, which ties grant-funded work to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof Standard. As of September 29, 2026, the program page says lottery registration is closed, future rounds will be announced, and grants are up to $10,000 for qualifying work. Any historic-property review or permit requirements still need to be handled separately.

Check current status before relying on program details: Louisiana Fortify Homes Program and IBHS FORTIFIED technical documents.

Reduce Flood Vulnerability Without Sacrificing Historic Character

Flood adaptation is not a one-size-fits-all checklist item. The National Park Service recommends identifying a historic building’s actual hazards and vulnerabilities, documenting character-defining features, reviewing applicable rules, and comparing feasible treatments by how much they reduce risk and how they affect historic character. A treatment that works well for one property can be inappropriate for another.

NPS guidance emphasizes proactive planning and choosing treatments that reduce hazard risk while minimizing unnecessary change to historic materials and appearance. Read the NPS resilience guidance.

Understand the property’s flood risk and how vulnerable spaces and equipment sit relative to potential flood levels.
Move valuable contents higher when a storm threatens, following NOLA Ready guidance.
Evaluate whether vulnerable mechanical, electrical, generator, water-heating, or other equipment can be protected in place or relocated to a less flood-prone location.
Have equipment relocation designed to meet manufacturer requirements, City codes, required clearances, access, and ventilation.
Treat building elevation as a major, property-specific intervention that can change the building’s proportions, foundation, stairs, accessibility, and relationship to the streetscape.

24–72 Hours Before a Storm: Building Checklist

The exact timing of storm preparations can change with forecast conditions and City instructions. Use this as an owner/manager checklist, then adjust it based on current NOLA Ready guidance and any evacuation order.

Check NOLA Ready and official weather/emergency updates; do not let property tasks delay an evacuation.
Deploy pre-planned temporary window and door protection only when it is safe to do so.
Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage bins, and other movable objects.
Clear accessible gutters, downspouts, and nearby catch basins of loose debris.
Check for obvious loose roof or siding pieces from safe areas and call a professional if urgent repair is needed.
Photograph the property’s condition and key building systems.
Move vulnerable possessions to a higher level where practical.
Confirm that shutters, doors, gates, and ordinary hardware can be secured without forcing deteriorated components.
Coordinate tenants, vendors, and property contacts using the building’s existing emergency plan; follow utility/provider instructions rather than improvising shutoff procedures.
Take essential records, contact information, and insurance documents with you if evacuating.

After the Storm: Safety, Documentation, and Stabilization

Recovery is where historic materials are often lost unnecessarily. The National Park Service maintains disaster resources specifically for historic-property owners, including guidance on emergency stabilization and salvage. Move deliberately: life safety comes first, then documentation, temporary stabilization, and informed repair planning.

Follow official re-entry instructions. Do not enter a building that appears unsafe or has unresolved electrical, gas, structural, floodwater, or other hazards.
Document visible damage before cleanup or temporary work when it is safe to do so.
Use qualified professionals for emergency stabilization, structural evaluation, electrical/mechanical damage, roof hazards, and other technical conditions.
Do not discard historic doors, windows, trim, hardware, masonry units, or other salvageable material simply because it is wet or damaged; ask a preservation professional what can be retained or repaired.
Use temporary measures to stop active water entry or prevent further loss only when the work can be done safely.
Before permanent exterior repair or replacement, confirm the current HDLC or VCC review path and any other required permits.

Historic-property recovery resources: National Park Service Disaster Resources.

New Orleans Historic-Building Hurricane Prep Quick Reference

Task	When	Who	Authority / decision point
Confirm HDLC / VCC / other jurisdiction	Before hurricane season or before permanent work	Owner / manager / preservation professional	City preservation maps, application pages, property records
Photograph baseline condition	Pre-season and before a storm when safe	Owner / manager	NOLA Ready + property records
Maintain roof, flashing, gutters, exterior materials	Routine / pre-season	Qualified trades; owner for safe visual monitoring	HDLC maintenance guidance
Maintain shutters and pre-plan removable protection	Pre-season	Owner / manager + qualified installer as needed	HDLC storm guidance; VCC check if applicable
Structural connectors / bracing	Long-term capital project	Architect / structural engineer + qualified contractor	HDLC guidance; code / permit review
Elevate / relocate systems or equipment	Long-term flood adaptation	Qualified design + electrical/mechanical professionals	HDLC / NPS / code / manufacturer requirements
Deploy temporary protection and secure exterior items	As storm threatens, if safe	Owner / manager / vendor	NOLA Ready + applicable preservation rule
Evacuate	When ordered	Everyone	City of New Orleans / NOLA Ready
Post-storm stabilization and salvage	After official re-entry and safety assessment	Qualified professionals as conditions require	NPS disaster resources + City preservation review

Printable Historic-Building Hurricane Checklist

Use this condensed list as the building’s annual storm-prep sheet. Keep the full guide available for the jurisdiction and preservation details behind each item.

Before hurricane season

Confirm the property’s HDLC, VCC, or other preservation jurisdiction.
Photograph the building and major exterior features.
Inspect roof, flashing, gutters, downspouts, siding, masonry, shutters, doors, porches, galleries, balconies, and visible equipment.
Repair loose or deteriorated materials through appropriate trades.
Confirm shutters and opening hardware work.
Prepare, label, and store removable storm panels or other approved temporary protection.
Identify work that needs an architect, engineer, preservation professional, electrician, mechanical contractor, or other qualified specialist.
Keep emergency, insurance, tenant, contractor, and property records accessible off-site.

As a storm approaches

Follow NOLA Ready and official emergency updates.
Deploy temporary opening protection only when safe.
Secure or bring in outdoor objects.
Clear accessible drainage paths and loose debris.
Photograph current condition.
Move vulnerable contents higher where practical.
Coordinate tenants and vendors under the existing emergency plan.
Take essential documents and evacuate if ordered.

After the storm

Wait for official re-entry instructions.
Do not enter an unsafe building.
Document damage before cleanup when safe.
Use qualified professionals for stabilization and technical hazards.
Preserve salvageable historic materials where possible.
Confirm HDLC/VCC and permit requirements before permanent exterior repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need HDLC approval to board windows before a hurricane?

HDLC’s Storm Preparedness guidelines state that HDLC review is not required for temporary measures implemented immediately prior to a storm. That does not eliminate other safety or permit obligations, and the rule should not be assumed to apply to Vieux Carré Commission properties.

What if my building is in the French Quarter?

Use VCC guidance, not HDLC guidance, as the starting point. The VCC application page says exterior work in the Vieux Carré requires Commission permitting, including work that may not otherwise need a Safety & Permits permit. The VCC source reviewed for this guide does not state the same storm-specific temporary exception found in the HDLC chapter.

How should I protect historic windows?

Maintain original windows, shutters, and hardware; pre-plan removable protection; and avoid damaging historic trim or masonry during installation. HDLC recognizes traditional shutters, pre-fitted plywood used with closed shutters, and fabric storm panels as possible approaches. Permanent changes should be reviewed before purchase or installation.

Are permanent roll-down or accordion shutters automatically acceptable on a historic building?

No. A product being marketed for hurricane protection does not make it preservation-appropriate. HDLC says some storm shutters may be inappropriate because of design or installation, and it reviews permanent publicly visible storm-preparedness features. VCC requirements are separate for the French Quarter.

What is a continuous load path?

It is a connected structural path that transfers forces from the roof through the walls and floors to the foundation. Strengthening this path can involve connectors, ties, straps, or bolts, but the design is building-specific. HDLC recommends architect or structural-engineer input and warns that improper installation can be hazardous.

Can a historic Louisiana home pursue a FORTIFIED roof?

Potentially, but the roof standard and historic-preservation review are separate. Louisiana’s Fortify Homes Program currently ties grant-funded roof work to the IBHS FORTIFIED Roof Standard. Historic owners should confirm program eligibility, current grant-round status, and any local preservation approvals before committing to a roof scope.

Should mechanical and electrical equipment be elevated?

It can be a useful flood-risk strategy for some buildings, but it is not a universal instruction. HDLC identifies protection in place and relocation as broad options and notes that relocated equipment must meet manufacturer and City requirements. The right elevation, location, screening, and installation depend on the property.

Need Ongoing Historic Property Management in Greater New Orleans?

Sources

Primary and authoritative sources used for the safety, preservation, program, and emergency statements in this guide:

Source status checked September 29, 2026. Recheck emergency guidance, preservation processes, and grant/program status before publication and before each hurricane season.