Hurricane season is here and homeowners need to prepare ahead of time for potential impacts and damages from storms. Here are some tips to help you get your home and property ready to withstand an attack from mother nature so you can focus on keeping yourself and your family safe.
Review Insurance Policies
If you are in a high-risk area for hurricanes, make sure you have the right insurance coverage. Review your homeowners policy and consider taking out a flood policy if you live in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Also, be sure your policies are protected by waterproof packaging and easily accessible should you need them.
Seal and Secure the Roof
The roof can be your biggest liability during a hurricane since it is exposed to the driving wind and rain. A damaged roof can lead to water leaks and roof collapse, so inspect your roof closely. If there are missing or damaged shingles, have them replaced.
Protect Windows and Doors
Doors and windows have the potential to blow out during a hurricane. Consider installing storm shutters on your windows so all you have to do is close and lock them before the storm. You will also want to plan to brace your doors by either covering them with plywood or installing storm doors to keep them from breaking and water from seeping through.
Clean Gutters
If you have gutters, be sure to clean them out so water can flow freely through them. This will help protect your roof so water doesn’t back up and splash up under the roof covering.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Structures
Anything that can blow away in the wind needs to be relocated prior to a storm. If you have patio furniture, potted plants, free-standing structures, or anything else that isn’t securely tied down, make sure you have a place that you can move them to quickly when a hurricane is threatening your area.
Prepare Generators
If you have generators to run your home after the storm, be sure they are fueled up and you have fuel on reserve. Do this now so you don’t have to fight long lines and fuel shortages at the pump when a storm is approaching. Also, test run them now to be sure they are in working order.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Every home needs to have a basic emergency survival kit that is easily accessible and fully stocked. If you don’t intend to evacuate ahead of the storm, plan for water and electricity to be out for at least a few days, knowing it could be longer depending on the severity of the storm. Every storm kit should include:
● A battery-operated radio
● Flashlights
● Batteries
● Matches and candles
● Cash
● A first aid kit
● Food
● Water
● Prescription medications
● Pet food and medications
● Important papers
Protecting your home and property during and after a hurricane is all about preparedness. By doing these things before the threat of a storm becomes real, you free yourself up to focus on keeping everyone safe when a storm does hit.
