A storm management strategy is essential if you live in an area prone to hurricanes for your family’s safety and your property’s protection. Here are a few ways to prepare your home for hurricane season.
Prepare a Home for Hurricane Season by Securing Outdoor Furniture
Lawn equipment and furniture can become hazardous projectiles during a hurricane, so securing or removing outdoor furniture is essential before a storm. Strong winds can lift play equipment and furniture and injure someone or cause damage to your property. Bring lawn ornaments, the grill, children’s toys, and patio furniture indoors. Items too heavy to move should be bolted to an anchor outside.
Prepare the House for Flooding
A hurricane often brings flooding. Surround the perimeter of your home with sandbags to reduce or prevent water damage when flooding occurs. The sandbags will help to keep water from seeping indoors and rising. Any electrical appliances that might become submerged during floods should be unplugged.
When a hurricane strikes, rainwater can penetrate your home through your windows and doors. Seal these entrances to prevent flooding and water damage. If the water finds its way into your home, it could lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Remove carpeting or rugs on your house’s lower level to counter this.
Get a First Aid Kit in Case of Emergency
A first aid kit can come in handy during any severe weather event. In a disaster, you may need medical supplies to treat sick or wounded family members.
Be prepared by storing enough food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Flashlights, non-perishable food, and bottled water will be helpful if you need to leave quickly or become trapped in the house for days.
Prepare the Perimeter of Your Property
Replace rock or gravel landscaping materials with a lighter material that won’t cause much harm during a hurricane. Cut diseased or dying trees and branches that may fall on your house, and trim shrubbery around the home’s perimeter.
Install storm shutters or fit your windows with plywood panels to keep the windows from breaking. Nail these coverings to your window frames before the storm arrives. If your budget allows, install impact-resistant windows or window film.
The exterior doors should be hurricane-proof and secured with a deadbolt and at least three hinges. If you have sliding glass doors, make sure they are tempered glass. Cover them with plywood or shutters during a storm, given the vulnerability of glass to wind damage.
Secure the Roof to Prepare a Home for Hurricane Season
Hurricanes are notorious for causing roof damage, especially during heavy rains and strong winds that can damage the decking and shingles. Floodwater can compromise the structural integrity of your roof, causing it to leak or collapse.
Hire an expert to inspect your roof before the start of the hurricane season. Installing truss tie-downs (hurricane straps) can help fortify your roof against strong winds.
These measures will go a long way as you prepare your home for hurricane season. If you must evacuate your home in an emergency, pay attention to evacuation recommendations in your local area.
Gulf Sand Home Inspection offers home inspections in Sarasota, Bradenton, and North Port, Florida. Contact us to request an appointment.