Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Water damage, flooding and structural loss are the common scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. Nevertheless, there are a few fundamental precautions you can execute in order to avoid these scenarios and any major storm damage restorations. It's important to do what you can to secure your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Below is a list of approaches to keep in mind when safeguarding your property against Mother Nature.Ways to Plan for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really one of the more susceptible places when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The explanation: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this happens, a positive push generates in the garage, and as the winds are churning above your structure, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually rip it off. To avoid this from happening, the best technique is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if it's too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Damaged windows don't only allow the rain to get into your house, but the wind that comes through can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant damage to your structure. Storm shutters are a great approach to protect your property during a hurricane. When a storm is on its way, ensure the latches are working properly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added measure. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's critical to know that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything to protect your house from a hurricane. After your windows are protected, check your doors next. Make sure they're reliable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any out of place shingles and other susceptible spots. You can use roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your home. Additionally, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires come into your house to prevent any water damage from happening. While you're examining your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are clear of debris. Good irrigation is vital for water run-off during the heavy rains.
- Your Property – Your yard can be a number one hazard when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the high wind and be flung into your house and your neighbor's as well. Walk around your lawn and relocate any BBQs, garden accessories, children's toys and patio furniture to a location out of harm's way. One other thing you'll want to do is cut back any loose or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – When you're concerned about protecting your property from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your automobile. Ensure that your vehicle is filled with gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under trees or in a location that is prone to floods.
