How to Protect Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage
Natural disasters can materialize at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered prior to hitting your area. Planning and preparing are very effective things you can do when a hurricane approaches. Since your home is one of your biggest investments, it's a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the perils that hurricanes can bring to your home and to prevent any storm damage restoration. There are lots of things to keep in mind when safeguarding your property for a hurricane. To safeguard your property from a hurricane, follow the approaches listed below.Fundamental Methods in Hurricane Preparation
- Garage Door – To prevent any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren't installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it's essential to buy a brace kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll prevent the winds that create a positive push in your garage. This is integral because the winds that develop outside will cause a negative pull over your garage. When this happens, you'll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Getting a support kit for your garage door is an effective way to prevent excessive damage. But, if it's too late to install braces, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – Water damage is one of the more frequent perils tied to hurricanes, and when your doors and windows aren't protected this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. When a hurricane is imminent, confirm that your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches should be secure and you'll also want to put additional locks on them. If you don't have storm shutters for your windows, then you can cover them up. One wrong impression that's passed around for window preparation is that you can tape up the window; but this won't protect it at all. Additionally, ensure your doors are in good condition and that the deadbolts are working right. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
- Roof – Make sure to check out your roof for any loose shingles and other susceptible spots. You can use roof cement to repair any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your home. Also, it's a good idea to seal any spots where wires enter into your home to prevent any water damage from happening. During your roof analysis, check to see if your gutters are clogged. Good irrigation is vital for directing water away from your property during the hurricane.
- Your Property – The land outside of your property can be a number one risk when a hurricane comes through. Items that aren't weighed down or fastened to the ground could be picked from the high wind and be flung into your residence and your neighbor's too. Walk around your yard and move any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children's toys to an area safe from the storm. Another thing you need to do is cut back any dangling or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're protecting your home for a hurricane. But it's a good idea to get your vehicle ready too, so make sure you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed. Additionally, be conscious of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your car isn't beneath any trees or in a location that's prone to floods.