We’re approaching the height of hurricane season, and that can only mean one thing – high winds, torrential rain and severe flooding. And with these conditions, serious damage is likely to occur to your home, which is not surprising when you consider what your property is exposed to. Tornadoes can produce flying debris and disturb your electrical systems. In extreme cases, hurricanes can damage the structure of your home, which can be irreparable.
Unfortunately, tornadoes are unavoidable if you live in an area where they are frequent. However, the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of these tropical storms on your home. And when you consider the cost of potential repairs, these methods can save you some serious money. Here are 8 ways you can prepare your home for hurricane season.
1. Bring anything loose inside
First of all, take a look outside your home to see what high winds can pick up. Move anything loose indoors, such as plant pots, patio furniture, and even a kennel. The last thing you want is for one of these windows to hit during the worst of it.
For anything that can’t be moved indoors, be sure to install it effectively so it doesn’t become a problem. Use steel or some other heavy cable and tie the loose items together and then secure them to the ground with a tie down. Keep in mind that no anchor is ever 100% hurricane-resistant, so always bring items indoors if possible.
2. Cutting trees and shrubs
Now that you’ve removed the obvious debris, it’s time to consider any potential debris. Much of the damage caused by hurricanes comes from loose twigs and foliage, so take a look at your trees and shrubs to check for weak spots.
Clip any weak small branches using a pair of Best pruning shears. Remember to check the strength of young trees as well – if they are easy to uproot, these too have the potential to become flying debris. Strengthen it by placing it on the ground.
3. Invest in storm shutters
Now is the time to turn your attention to your home. His most vulnerable points will be any openings – that is, windows and doors. FEMA (Opens in a new tab) It recommends installing storm shutters over any windows for an extra layer of protection. If storm shutters are out of your budget, you can instead install plywood over your windows for a cost-effective solution.
FEMA goes on to say that any exterior doors must also have hurricane-resistant properties, such as a dead bolt lock and at least three hinges. These changes won’t be completely cheap, but consider them an investment to prevent further damage.
It is also important to take a look at the condition of your garage door. If your garage door has seen better days and you feel comfortable, replace it, otherwise it could be a serious hazard to your home.
4. Check your ceiling
While most of us will check the security of doors and windows, many of us forget to think about the condition of the roof. If there are missing shingles, or cracks are present, there is a chance that things can go wrong during a hurricane’s high winds, leading to leaks and expensive repairs.
Bank (Opens in a new tab) It says you should check your roof before hurricane season. If repairs are needed, pre-treat them, whether it’s to seal any cracks or secure any loose tiles. You can also install hurricane ties for extra protection for your roof. These basically fix the truss or roof rafters to the walls to improve their strength.
5. Securing your shed
Back outside, don’t forget that any outbuildings, such as huts, will need to be properly secured. Otherwise, everyone who is and everything inside can become dangerous. Seal any openings where possible and make sure they are firmly attached to the floor and closed tightly. Some recommend installing sheds by fixing the structure to the concrete underground. You can also use tornado links as above.
If you have a pool, be sure to remove the pool cover before the hurricane hits. It would seem reasonable to leave the lid open, but this can easily be torn and even blown away in such circumstances. Safety covers are better weighted and more likely to withstand hurricanes, but even these can be damaged very easily, so just leave them out.
6. Invest in a generator
If you’ve ever been in a tornado, you probably realize that you may lose your strength afterward. This can cause all kinds of problems – no lighting, no cooking, no heating, sometimes for days. But, if you invest in a home generator or portable generator, you will have access to power until things are resolved and your power is up and running again.
Keep in mind that depending on the type of generator you are installing, you may need access to fuel to power it. This means that you may need to keep fuel stored at a safe distance from your home if you are not using a natural gas line. If you ask yourself If you get a home electric generator, here are the pros and cons.
7. Gather supplies
You need to be prepared just like your home, so it is important that you gather supplies in advance to wait out the storm. That means plenty of non-perishable food and medical supplies as well as bottled water.
You should fill your bathtub and sinks with water so that you are prepared in case the power goes out as well. This way you can still have access to it if you need to wash the dishes or flush the toilet.
8. Get insurance
Unfortunately, even if you take every precaution, there is still a chance that your home will be damaged by a hurricane. For this reason, it is reasonable to obtain the necessary insurance, just in case. If you already have a valid policy, review it to make sure it gives you the coverage you need, such as flood insurance.
If you’re looking to reduce your bills, check out these 15 tips to save water, too. And we have 7 things to know before buying solar panels if you are considering this change in your home. Plus, did you know that this is the cheapest time to do laundry?
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