It’s that time of the year again. Hurricane season is upon us, and hurricanes are expected to strengthen and threaten coastal states across the USA.
While there’s some exhilaration from knowing these beautiful forces of nature are headed your way, there’s also a deep concern for your family and home. There’s nothing scarier than protecting your family from a hurricane and not having the best protection for your home.
You don’t have to let this happen! We’ll share with you the best ways to protect your home from hurricane season.
Keep reading to learn how to fight back against the salt air and violent storms and keep your home safe.
Identify and Prepare Vulnerable Areas
Start by identifying vulnerable areas in your home, such as windows, doors, and the roof. Strengthen these areas. If that means replacing glass windows with durable hurricane windows, then so be it. Reinforce the weather stripping around your doors. Make sure that the material you use for the weather stripping can withstand strong winds and the force of flying debris.
Additionally, check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. When shingles are missing or damaged, the roof potentially becomes vulnerable to further detriment from flying debris and strong winds.
This can also create openings and gaps in the roof and allow rainwater to penetrate into the interior of the house, thereby leading to ceiling damage and potential flooding.
An effective approach to combat this issue is to schedule an appointment with a skilled roofer from a roofing company near you. They can thoroughly inspect the roof and suggest repairs or replacements based on their assessment. Know that this step is crucial to improve safety within your home before the hurricane approaches.
If you’re unsure how to find them, you have a couple of options. Seek suggestions from friends and family, or search for phrases akin to “St. Louis’ Frederic Roofing: Your Trusted Residential Roofing Expert” on the Internet.
Besides this, ensure that your gutters are in proper working order. Clogged gutters may be unable to channel water effectively and lead to flooding.
When the gutters are filled with debris, rainwater may overflow on the roof or seep under the shingles, potentially damaging the roof. Hence, it is crucial for you to keep tabs on your gutter.
What’s more? Trim back tree branches close to your home, as they can become projectiles in high winds.
Put together an emergency supply kit and ensure all family members know what to do in an emergency.
Secure Important Documents and Objects
Along with boarding up windows and stocking up on emergency supplies, it’s crucial to secure important documents and objects. This means gathering essential papers such as birth certificates, insurance papers, and bank records and placing them in a waterproof and fireproof safe.
It would help if you also considered storage solutions for irreplaceable and valuable items, such as photos, jewelry, and artwork. These items should be wrapped in plastic and stored in waterproof containers. You should also have a list of items and their locations to quickly find and pack them if you need to leave in a hurry.
Utilizing Strong Building Materials
Impact-resistant windows and doors are solid and durable enough to resist wind and flying debris. You should install hurricane shutters or panels to reduce the risk of damage. Reinforced roof shingles, also called a “continuous airspace cavity,” improve water resistance and provide protection against high winds.
Install a wind-resistant garage door helps to protect the structural integrity of the home. Also, for those living on top floors and in coastal areas, consider building a safe room to provide shelter from storms.
Investing in Waterproofing Solutions
Finding products created to keep water from entering your home’s interior is often the best way to mitigate flooding. Covering windows with impact-resistant glass can help prevent damage during storms.
Moreover, installing a submersible sump pump or a backup generator can come in handy. It will keep water surveys at bay and provide electricity if the power goes out.
Investing in roof-strengthening materials and hurricane straps can also help protect.
Implementing a Robust Emergency Plan
Start by trimming or removing trees and branches within proximity to your home. This helps reduce possible wind damage. Reinforce your roof structure with the help of a roofer Charlotte North Carolina (or one nearby), and seal windows and doors tightly to ensure no water gets in. If possible, bring any outdoor furniture or decorations indoors.
Create an emergency kit to include important documents, water, flashlights, and other critical items. Keep a stock of sandbags and plastic sheeting to help block entrances against floodwater. Remember to have an alternate power source, such as a generator, ready.
Finally, make sure your insurance provider is up to date so you have coverage if property damage should occur.
Securing Insurance Coverage
Investing in a policy that guards against potential damage to your home is essential. Depending on your coverage, you may be protected from various damages, including flooding, wind damage, fire, and theft.
Make sure to speak with your insurance provider to ask the appropriate questions. You need to understand the policy’s terms before purchasing.
If you know your home is at risk for hurricane season, it is best to ensure your policy encompasses those perils. Having the proper coverage in case of damage can help save your home, belongings, and your wallet.
Take Proactive Measures to Protect Your Home From Hurricane
Taking proactive measures to protect your home from hurricane season can save you time and money. Install impact windows and shutters, board up open windows, cover vents, and secure outdoor furniture. Make sure your home has hurricane insurance and that all documentation is up-to-date.
Protect yourself and your home today for peace of mind this hurricane season!
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