How to Protect Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Natural disasters can occur without a moment's notice, but hurricanes can at least be observed before they hit your area. Hurricane season is a time for preparation. Since your home is one of your biggest expenses, it's a good idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when preparing your house for a hurricane. To secure your house from a hurricane, use the steps below.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Approaches
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is actually one of the more susceptible places when it comes to heavy storms like hurricanes. The reason why: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are churning above it, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually it could rip it off your garage. To avoid this from happening, the best technique is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if time isn't on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can utilize your automobile to brace your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more frequent hardships associated with hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't secure this will allow the storm to get into your home. When a storm is imminent, verify that your shutters are durable and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters should be stable and you'll also want to put additional locks on them. If your house doesn't have shutters for your windows, then you can board them up. A common misconception with window prep is that you can use masking tape on the window; but this won't help at all. Additionally, ensure your doors are durable and that the deadbolts are functioning right. You can also use braces on your doors for extra support.
- Roof – Inspecting your roof is crucial before a hurricane passes through your area, and it can defend against property damage and provide you a sense of well-being. The primary thing you'll want to check for is damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to fix them. Afterward, check to see if there are unprotected gaps where any wiring is entering in your home and seal them off. This can block water from entering your house. You might want to consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened as well. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there's suitable irrigation for the heavy rains.
- Your Property – It's important to clear your yard of any loose items such as patio furniture, children's toys and other miscellaneous garden items. If the item can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn't cause damage to your property and others' around you. Additionally, examine your trees for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if they need it.
- Car – When you're caught up in safeguarding your residence from a hurricane, it's understandable that you forget about your car. Ensure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires aren't worn down, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to verify that you're not parked under any trees or in an area that is susceptible to flooding.
