According to recent Bankrate data, the US recorded 310 billion-dollar weather disasters between 1980 and 2021. Meanwhile, another research suggests annual category 4 and 5 hurricanes have doubled since 2000. The figures can leave you concerned about household safety, especially when unsure about your preparedness for the hurricane season. However, you can take some basic steps to make your home hurricane-proof, including the tips below.
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Remove debris and trim your trees
When a hurricane hits your home, the high winds could easily turn debris and tree branches into lethal missiles. The best way to protect your home against these elements is to clear your yard of any loose objects that could harm your property. Prune all trees near your house and check for dead or loose limbs. You may also bring your garbage cans, patio furniture, and other outdoor objects inside. Remember to fasten your TV antenna and satellite dish.
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Fortify your roof
Your roofing is one of the first places to consider if you want to secure your property against a hurricane. You may use hurricane straps to reinforce your roof and ensure it is ready for the challenge. These mechanisms attach your roof to your home’s walls to ensure they are not blown away by the heavy winds. But before installing the hurricane straps, inspect your roof for any vulnerabilities, such as missing shingles and other issues that might allow water to seep into your home. Fortunately, some roofing specialists perform roofing inspection with a drone to quickly scan every inch of your home roofing and make the needed recommendations so you can put the right measures in place.
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Check your windows
Hurricane-force winds might shatter your unsecured windows, shooting glass fragments into your home. For this reason, experts advise investing in impact-resistant windows. These windows are built to resist harsh weather and protect your property from flying debris. If you don’t want impact-resistant glass, consider other alternatives, like storm shutters. Storm shutters are solid and can survive most hurricane-force winds. The good news is that they are simple to install outside your home, so you can quickly deploy them when a storm looms.
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Keep water away from your home
Allowing water to enter your home during a storm could lead to many problems, including water damage, mold, and so on. During a storm, heavy rainfall can cause damage to your windows, roof, and home, and storm surge can bring flooding. Fortunately, you can do a few things to keep water from entering your home. For instance, you may clean your gutters, direct downspouts away from your property, and use sump pumps in areas where water flows and collects.
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Have an emergency kit on standby
Even with all the preparation, nature, especially hurricanes, can be unpredictable. So it is essential to always prepare for the worst-case scenario. You may lose power and access to other essentials when a hurricane strikes. So you should have your emergency kit fully stocked and within reach. Also, stock up on other supplies like food, water, flashlights, and extra batteries since you may not know how long the chaos may last.
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