How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Flooding, structural loss and water damage are the usual cases for a post-hurricane environment. Nevertheless, there are a few essential methods you can execute in order to avoid these scenarios and any major storm damage restorations. It's imperative to do anything you can to protect your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Listed below are practices to keep in mind while protecting your residence against Mother Nature.Things to Plan When a Hurricane Is En Route
- Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really 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 strong winds can get into the area. When this occurs, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above it, this creates a negative pull. A push-pull combination is created, and this can place a lot of stress on your roof and eventually rip it off. To combat this from happening, the best approach is to buy a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if time isn't on your side to install a kit, then you can utilize your automobile to brace 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 increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to significant damage to your structure. Storm shutters are a great way to defend your residence during a storm. When a storm is looming, make sure the latches are functioning correctly and you may want to consider adding additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don't have shutters, but it's critical to know that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything in a heavy storm. After your windows are secure, move to your doors next. Verify that they're stable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
- Roof – Make sure to scan your roof for any out of place shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to secure any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure to your house. Also, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires come into your home to prevent any water damage from occurring. While you're inspecting your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. You want to ensure you have suitable irrigation for the heavy rains that occur during a hurricane.
- Your Property – The exterior of your property can be a primary risk when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the extreme wind and be thrown into your residence and your neighbor's too. Make sure to move any BBQs, garden accessories, children's toys and patio furniture to a location safe from the storm. One other thing you'll want to do is remove any dangling or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Along with your property, you should also take precautions with your automobile. Don't park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you park on the street, you should really be watchful of where you park during a hurricane. Furthermore, do some prep work too, like: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.
