Given the awful events in Texas this past week we are thinking about if something like that happened here. Unfortunately, hurricane preparedness is normally something that we put off until there is a hurricane to be worried about. Typically, hurricane season runs from June to November but it really picks up in August & September. So there is no time like now for homeowners to living in hurricane-prone areas to get prepared. Here are some areas to check in your home, whether you plan on staying to face the storm or evacuate.
Windows
A common belief is that a simple and cost effective way to protect your windows is to duct tape them with an “X.” However, this does very little, if anything to protect your windows from 100+ MPH winds. Experts say the best thing to do is replace all your windows with high-impact glass. However, this can get quite expensive so if you are looking for a more cost effective way to protect your windows, consider boarding them up with plywood.
Doors
If your door is missing a few screws or bolts are not going to be able to withstand the great force of a hurricane. So ensure that your doors are properly installed and secured. Experts recommend installing at least a 1-inch deadbolt to better secure the door. If your door is made of glass, protect the glass section the same way you would for a window.
Roof
If you live in a home that has been newly constructed you are in luck! These homes that are built with hurricane straps or clips, which prevent the roof from being ripped off in strong winds. Even if you live in an older home you can still have these straps retrofitted to your roof.
Yard
Regardless of the wind speed, the National Weather Service warns that trees and limbs can become airborne in a hurricane. The stronger the winds the more likely trees and larger branches will fall on your home. To reduce this risk, homeowners should trim back trees that overhang their house and remove any trees that are leaning or appear unsteady.
Basement/Ground Floor
In Florida, we don’t really have to worry about a basement, but we do have to worry about our ground floor. So as we all know, Hurricanes can unload several inches of rain. In Texas, they were getting upwards of 50+ inches of rain, which is over 4 ft of water. So you need to be sure you have good homeowners insurance and flood insurance to cover any pending disaster. Also make sure to have all your important documents, pictures, and anything you want to keep in a safe place and ready to take with you if the storm requires an evacuation.