Hurricane season is just around the corner and now is the time to make sure that your home is prepared to weather a storm. As much havoc as these massive storm systems can wreak at sea, they are even more destructive when they make landfall. Hundreds, or even thousands of square miles of land can be affected when hurricanes come ashore causing flooding, high winds, and even tornadic activity. General contractors see damages that amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars from hurricanes each season. So exactly how do you make sure that your home is prepared for hurricane season.
Don’t Wait until the Last Minute
Preparing ahead of time is one of the most important things that you can do. Among the things that you can do ahead of time, a wind inspection on your home is an important one. If you aren’t sure what to look for, hiring a general contractor to help you might be wise. Look for anything that might need repaired or replaced in order to get your home ready for a storm. This may be things like fixing loose shutters, cleaning and securing gutters or downspouts, and replacing shingles.
You should also make sure that any trees or shrubs on the property are kept trimmed and well-maintained. Dead or dying limbs can be easily torn off and become missiles during high winds.
This is also a great time to make sure that you have an adequate emergency kit as well. Store extra batteries, flashlights, first-aid kits, and radios in a sturdy, waterproof container to have on hand if a storm hits. Make sure that you are stocked up on non-perishable foods and bottled water as well. It is a good rule of thumb to make sure that you keep enough food and water for three days.
When a Storm is Imminent:
Secure Outdoor Items
High winds are one of the main threats during hurricanes and they can quickly turn outdoor items into projectiles that can cause damage or injury. Grills, tables, lawn furniture, trash cans, and even lawn ornaments should either be tied down or stored inside before the storm hits.
Protect Entryways and Windows
If there is any glass involved, the opening should be boarded over. Plywood is inexpensive and readily available at home improvement stores. Secure plywood to the exterior of the home over any windows and doors that contain glass. This will protect you from flying debris that could come through during the storm. Garage doors should also be reinforced even if they don’t have windows. Garage doors can easily be dislodged by high winds and cause not only damage to the door itself, but to whatever is stored in the garage. If you aren’t able to do these things yourself, many general contractors or a local handyman will be able to take care of the preparations for you.
Hurricanes are a serious matter, but with just a few simple steps and some foresight you can safely weather even the most severe hurricane season. Being prepared is the key and knowing when to prepare is almost as important as knowing how.
