The destructive winds and flooding of hurricane season can create a lot of fear and anxiety. But, with proper preparation indoors and outdoors, you can protect your property and personal belongings from being lost to hurricane damages.
Outdoor Hurricane Preparation
The first step to preparing your home for hurricane season is tackling outdoor preparations. If you have trees on your property, make sure to trim any low-hanging branches or wild shrubs that could be easily knocked down or displaced by high winds.
Additionally, secure any objects that could become flying projectiles in a storm, such as lawn furniture, grills, or playsets. These objects can easily cause damage to windows or other parts of your (or your neighbors’) home.
If you have a pool or spa, it’s important to take steps to secure it from high winds and flooding. For example, you can install hurricane straps or clips to keep the pool decking in place and use flood straps to keep the pool cover from being blown away. It’s also a good idea to raise the water level in the pool to the maximum level to avoid lifting – a common occurrence that can warp the structure and foundation of a swimming pool.
Indoor Hurricane Preparation
Once you’ve taken steps to secure your home from the outside, it’s important to focus on preparations indoors. To avoid hurricane storm damage from water, wind, and electrical surges it is highly recommended to:
- Install Impact Resistant Glass Windows
Broken windows can cause flooding and other types of internal property damage. Consider replacing any standard glass windows with impact-resistant glass windows. These windows are designed to withstand high winds and flying debris, making them an excellent option for hurricane-prone areas.
- Adjust Voltage Settings or Install Surge Protectors
Many electronics are damaged during a hurricane due to power surges. To protect your appliances, televisions, computers, and other electronics, adjust the voltage settings on your breaker panel or install surge protectors. In some cases, you may need to adjust electricity settings directly on large appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.
Structural Preparations
In addition to securing outdoor objects and securing the interior of your home, you should also take steps to secure the structure of your home. For example, make sure roof tiles and shingles are tightly secured and check eaves, gables, and roof valleys for any potential weak spots that could allow water infiltration during a storm.
If you have a garage, make sure to secure the door with hurricane straps and install braces to keep the garage door from being blown open. It’s also a good idea to check the basement for any potential weak spots that could cause water damage or flooding due to a hurricane.
Protect Your Home From Hurricane Damage
By securing your property both inside and outside, you can minimize the potential for damage and keep your family safe during a storm. If you don’t have the tools or equipment to perform all of the hurricane preparedness tasks listed in this guide, consider hiring a professional contractor to help you get your home ready for hurricane season.
