If you live in an area prone to severe storms, such as hurricane-prone Florida, you should protect your home from them. These precautions may save you money on your homeowner’s insurance.
Some ways to do this are:
Make Sure Your Roof Is in Good Shape
Hurricanes can wreak havoc on homes and are terrifying events. However, you may take preventative measures to secure your house against storms and make it as secure as possible for your family and yourself. Protecting your roof is a top priority when protecting your home from hurricanes.
Regular professional maintenance inspections can catch problems early and save you money in the long run. Look for rust in flashing (the metal parts that cover the chimney area, dormers, vent pipes, etc.), cracks, missing or warped shingles, standing water, moss, or mildew.
Keeping gutters clear is essential so water doesn’t pool and cause damage. In general, water causes more harm than wind. You can prevent water intrusion by installing impact-resistant windows and shutters on your doors and garage door. You can also ensure that drains are clear to avoid floods caused by rain and melting snow.
Shutter or Cover Your Windows
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, shuttering or covering your windows can minimize damage. High winds and flying debris can shatter windows, a safety risk for your family. Hurricane window protection products are available in various price ranges, and some can be permanently installed while others are portable and easy to store.
If your home has old windows, consider replacing them with impact-rated glass. This type of glass is made to withstand high winds and debris.
Besides providing extra protection, these products can also help reduce the sun’s damaging rays that can cause furniture to fade or warp over time. It would help to trim trees in your yard, as falling branches or limbs are a common problem during hurricanes.
You should also avoid walking near downed power lines, which can be deadly. Bringing your lawn furniture, outdoor decorations, and pool in before a storm will keep them safe.
Make Sure Your Foundation Is Solid
The most important thing you can do to protect your home from hurricanes is to ensure the foundation is solid. It means regular foundation inspections and ensuring all footings are filled in correctly.
It also helps to ensure at least six inches of clearance between the bottom of the foundation and any ground level. It provides moisture that can escape the foundation instead of seeping into it, which could lead to cracking and other issues during a storm.
Other ways to protect your home during a hurricane include:
- Knowing how to shut off the utilities.
- Identifying a safe room for your family (usually an interior room without windows).
- Having a supply of emergency supplies.
In addition, it’s always a good idea to have a disaster recovery plan in place in case your home does suffer damage during the storm. It can help you get the money that you need to rebuild faster than you would otherwise.
Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clear
Your property may sustain water damage if your gutters overflow due to blockage. Routinely cleaning your gutters is an easy way to prevent this problem.
It would help if you also ensured that any trees or branches hanging over your house are not dead or in danger of falling during a storm. Lastly, clear out your yard of any trash or old landscape tools that could become airborne during a hurricane.
You should also close and lock your doors, especially if you live in an area that requires or suggests evacuations during hurricane season. Doing this can reduce the pressure on your roof and keep out debris that would otherwise be blowing in. If you’re concerned about looting during a hurricane, you can block your exterior doors with heavy furniture or sandbags to prevent people from breaking in.
