As hurricane season heats up, households must prepare in advance to minimize damage and ensure safety. Among the many supplies experts recommend—food, water, flashlights, batteries—tarps have become one of the most effective and versatile tools in storm preparedness. This guide covers practical tips for using tarps wisely, backed by real expert advice, and showcases the best tarp products to have on hand.
Real-World Example: Bay News 9 Storm Prep Expo
In July 2025, the Pinellas County Storm Mitigation Expo in Tarpon Springs, Florida, offered residents actionable insights into hurricane readiness. Among the many tips given, one stood out:
“Make sure you have a tarp behind the sandbags, then lay out some sort of flex seal or any other seal product and lay your sandbags on top of the tarp in a stagger formation.”
baynews9.com
Experts emphasized that using a tarp behind sandbags helps seal gaps and reduce water penetration—something that sandbags alone don’t always achieve. Residents were also advised to install hooks ahead of time so tarps could be deployed quickly over doors or windows when needed.
Best Tarps from Tarp Supply Inc.® for Hurricane Prep
When preparing for storms, not all tarps perform equally. Here are the top recommendations from Tarp Supply Inc.® selected for durability, ease of use, and suitability for hurricane scenarios:
|
Use Case |
Recommended Tarp |
|
Emergency Roof Patch |
Heavy-Duty Silver Poly Tarp — highly waterproof, UV-resistant, and strong enough to cover large roof sections temporarily. |
|
Window & Door Coverings |
Clear Poly Tarp, lighter gauge — lets in some light, keeps out water, ideal for draft protection. |
|
Sandbag Barrier Augmentation |
Heavy Duty Blue / Vinyl Coated Tarp — placed behind sandbags to improve sealing, as advised in the Bay News 9 example. |
|
Outdoor Equipment & Supplies Protection |
Heavy Duty Green/Silver Poly Tarp — tough, reflective, and ideal to cover generators, tools, and fuel cans. |
|
Shade & Temporary Shelter |
Mesh Tarp or White Poly Tarp — helps reduce heat gain, useful when power is out and shade is scarce. |
Hurricane Prep Tips: How to Use Tarps Effectively
-
Pre-install anchoring points such as hooks on siding or frame structures so you can hang a tarp quickly when warning signs appear.
-
Combine tarps + sandbags + sealants to block water intrusion—following the “tarp behind sandbags” method from the Bay News 9 expo.
-
Ensure tarps are tightly secured, with edges and grommets reinforced, to prevent wind from catching loose material and causing damage.
-
Store tarps in an accessible spot, along with bungee cords, ropes, or ratchet straps so you’re not scrambling when time is short.
-
Inspect your tarp collection annually for tears, weak grommets, or UV damage, replacing pieces before hurricane season starts.
Conclusion
When storms strike, preparation makes all the difference—and tarps often make the difference between minor damage and major loss. From reinforcing barriers to covering damaged roofs or sealing out floodwaters, having quality tarps in your hurricane safety plan is essential.
Tarp Supply Inc.® offers a wide selection of hurricane-ready tarps—poly, vinyl, heavy-duty, mesh, or custom sizes—crafted to help you protect what matters most. Don’t wait until the next storm alert: browse our hurricane protection tarp collection now and secure your home’s defense before it’s too late.
