How to Secure Your Home from a Hurricane – Avoid Storm Damage
Water damage, flooding and ruined structures are the typical scenarios after a hurricane hits. However, there are a few important steps you can execute in order to prevent these scenarios and any excessive storm damage repairs. It's imperative to do what you can to defend your home from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Listed below are things to keep in mind when protecting your house against the elements.Ways to Brace for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – To prevent any extreme storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to check for. Most of the garage doors on the market aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's important to buy a support kit. By supporting your garage door, you'll have defense against the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is important since the winds outside will create a negative pull above your garage. When this happens, you'll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your garage and roof. Getting a support kit for your garage door is an effective approach to prevent major damage. However, if don't have the time to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entry-point for a storm to cause a catastrophe. Shattered windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your house, and this can cause water damage problems. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are functioning and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your residence. Also, remember that sticking masking tape on your windows won't defend them at all. As for your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locks to confirm they don't pop open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Your roof is a primary defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's crucial to ensure it's prepared for hurricane season. Locate any loose shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You'll also want good irrigation for the strong rains, so clean out your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your house and seal off any unprotected gaps to prevent water damage from happening. Finally, check whether it's necessary to protect your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Walking around your outdoor property is another necessary step you should take. Your shrubs and trees need consideration and might necessitate some trimming. Any dead or loose limbs can be hazardous in windy conditions and could cause excessive damage to your house. This goes for items on your lawn such as patio furniture too. Transport any loose items to a secure place before the wind can take them.
- Car – Your car can easily be forgotten when you're prepping your property for a storm. But it's important to get your car ready too, so make sure you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Additionally, be attentive of where you park your car, especially if you park on the street. Check that your vehicle isn't beneath any trees or in an area that's susceptible to flooding.
