How to Protect Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage

Natural disasters can materialize at any time, but hurricanes can at least be identified before they hit your location. Hurricane season is a time for preparation. Since your house is one of your biggest expenses, it's a smart idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage restoration. There are a lot of things to keep in mind when prepping your house for a hurricane. To safeguard your house from a hurricane, use the steps below.

Ways to Plan for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – If your house has a garage, this should be one of the first things to take care of. Most garage doors don't have the support to combat strong winds. What can take place is the wind will bring about a positive push in your garage, and the wind outside of it creates a negative pull. When this occurs, your garage and roof will endure a lot of stress because of this tug-of-war situation. To prevent an excessive storm damage restoration, you can purchase a kit that will help your garage door hold off hurricane conditions. This is the most efficient method, but if time isn't on your side, then you can use your car to help brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – The other vulnerable areas in your house are your entrances like your windows and doors. Broken windows will allow wind and rain to move through your property, and this can cause water damage issues. When a hurricane is on the way, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep potential damage out of your house. Additionally, keep in mind that sticking masking tape on your windows doesn't secure them at all. As for your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locks to confirm they don't pop open during heavy winds.
  • Roof – Make sure to inspect your roof for any out of place shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your house. Additionally, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your house to avoid any water damage from happening. During your roof examination, check to see if your gutters are congested. You want to make sure you have proper irrigation for the pouring rain that happen during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – Your yard can be a primary threat when a hurricane approaches. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be lifted from the extreme wind and be hurled into your house and your neighbor's as well. Make sure to move any children's toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a location safe from the storm. Another thing you need to do is trim back any loose or dead limbs from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – When you're caught up in safeguarding your residence from a hurricane, it's easy to forget about your automobile. Make sure that your car is filled with gas, that your tires are in good condition, the windows are sealed and that your windshield wipers are good. If you have to park on the street, you'll want to check that you're not parked under any trees or in a location that is vulnerable to flooding.

Contact a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today

Paul Davis offers storm damage restoration services, so if your residence has been damaged by a hurricane, call our professional team. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to defend against Mother Nature. We can fix and restore your property back to normal, and we work with different home insurers. We can help you figure out what's covered under your policy. For a Paul Davis franchise in your area, give us a call at +1-403-696-8886.