Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane - Prevent Storm Damages
Flooding, ruined structures and water damage are the common cases after a hurricane hits. Yet, there are some fundamental precautions you can execute in order to avoid these incidents and any major storm damage restorations. It's important to do whatever you can to secure your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Below is a list of methods to keep in mind while protecting your home against Mother Nature.How to Brace for a Hurricane
- Garage Door – Believe it or not, your garage is actually one of the more vulnerable spots when it comes to heavy weather conditions like hurricanes. The reason why: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates inside the garage, and as the winds are swirling above it, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combo, this can put a lot of stress on your roof and eventually rip it off. To combat this from taking place, the best resolution is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if time isn't on your side to install a kit, then you can use your automobile to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Busted windows don't only allow the rain to get into your residence, but the wind that blows in can put a lot of pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive structural damage. Storm shutters are an efficient method to protect your home during a hurricane. When a storm is at hand, ensure the latches are functioning properly and you may want to consider installing additional locks for added security. You can also board up your windows if you don't have shutters, but it's crucial to know that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are protected, move to your doors next. Make sure they're stable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – A roof inspection is crucial, and you should look out for any out of place shingles and other vulnerable areas. Get some roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is secure to your home. Also, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your house to avoid any water damage from occurring. In the course of your roof examination, check to see if your gutters are clogged. You want to ensure you have proper irrigation for the heavy rains that happen during a hurricane.
- Your Property – It's important to clear your lawn of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children's toys. If it can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn't cause damage to your property and others' around you. Additionally, inspect your trees and shrubbery for any dead or loose branches and trim them if necessary.
- Car – When you're caught up in protecting your property from a hurricane, it's easy to forget about your car. Ensure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you park your automobile on the street, you'll want to make sure that you're not parked under trees or in an area that is vulnerable to floods.
