How To Prepare and Prep Your House for Hurricane Season

Photo of author

(Newswire.net — October 18, 2022) — We’re approaching the height of hurricane season, which can only imply one thing: tremendous winds, torrential rain, and devastating floods. And with this weather comes the likelihood of substantial damage to your house, which is unsurprising given what your home is subjected to. Hurricanes may generate flying debris and disrupt your electrical systems. Hurricanes can do permanent damage to your home’s structure in extreme cases.

Hurricanes, unfortunately, cannot be prevented if you reside in a hurricane-prone location. However, you can follow these tips to reduce the effect of these storms on your property.

Bring Anything Loose Inside

When the wind blows, where will your outdoor furniture end up? Or even your hanging plants? Secure or store patio furnishings, umbrellas, potted plants, children’s toys, and other unsecured things that the wind may blow away. The very last thing you desire is for one of these to smash through your windows during the peak of the storm. You should also disconnect any gas pipes from outside bbq grills and bring in propane tanks.

Trim Trees and Shrubs

Once you’ve removed the visible debris, it’s time to think about any possible debris. A lot of storm damage is caused by loose branches and leaves, so assess your shrubs and trees for weak spots. Trim any tiny, weak branches. Check the sturdiness of tiny trees as well; if they can be swiftly uprooted, they may also become flying debris. Stake them to reinforce them.

Install Storm Shutters

It’s now time to focus on your home’s most susceptible spots – the windows and doors. For an extra layer of safety, FEMA suggests erecting storm shutters over your windows. Furthermore, shutters provide a special touch to your property while saving you money by sealing in conditioned and heated air during the off-season.

Inspect Your Roofing

While most homeowners check the safety of their windows and doors, many overlook the condition of their roofs. If there are missing shingles or cracks, the situation may deteriorate during the intense winds of a storm, resulting in leaks and costly repairs. Therefore, before hurricane season, you should have your roof examined. If repairs are required, take care of them, whether sealing cracks or fixing loose tiles.

Purchase a Generator

If you’ve ever been through a storm, you’re probably aware that you may lose electricity afterward. This may create a slew of issues, including no heating, no cooking, and no lights for days. However, if you purchase a portable generator or a home generator, you will have access to electricity until the situation is settled and your power is restored.

Remember that based on the kind of generator you have, you may require fuel to power it. If you don’t have a natural gas line, you might need to have fuel kept at a comfortable distance near your home.

Preparing for a storm can help you deal with the effects of strong winds and flooding. The tips listed above will assist you in keeping your loved ones safe while safeguarding your house and belongings.