Getting Your House Ready for a Hurricane - Storm Damage Prevention
Natural disasters can take place at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered before they hit your location. Preparation and planning are the most important things you can do when a hurricane approaches. Since your home is one of your most valuable assets, it's a good idea to do what you can to avoid the damages that hurricanes can bring to your property and to prevent any storm damage restoration. There are lots of things to keep in mind when preparing your residence for a hurricane. To safeguard your residence from a hurricane, follow the steps below.Hurricane Prevention Checklist
- Garage Door – To prevent any major storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the first things to check for. Most of the garage doors on the market aren't designed to fight hurricane conditions, so it's essential to buy a support kit. Through supporting your garage door, you'll prevent the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is crucial since the winds that develop outside will create a negative pull over your garage. When this occurs, you'll get a push-pull scenario which puts a lot of stress on your garage and roof. Supporting your garage door with braces is the most effective method to avoid major damage. However, if don't have the time to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other vulnerable areas in your residence are your access points such as your doors and windows. Damaged windows will allow rain and wind to enter into your property, and this can cause water damage issues. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, make sure they are closed and locked, but if you don't have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable destruction out of your home. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows won't do anything to protect them. Regarding your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locks to verify they don't pop open during heavy winds.
- Roof – Your roof is a number one defense against Mother Nature, and that's why it's vital to make sure it's prepared for a hurricane. Search for any loose shingles and fix them with reliable roofing material like roofing cement. You'll also want appropriate irrigation for the heavy rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn't accumulate on your roof. You can then find any wires that are entering into your property and seal off any susceptible gaps to stop water damage from happening. Finally, check whether it's required to fasten your roof with hurricane straps.
- Your Property – Strolling through your yard is another critical measure you should take. Your shrubs and trees need attention and might require some trimming. Any dangling or dead branches can be dangerous in high winds and could cause excessive damage to your property. This pertains to items in your yard such as patio furniture too. Transport any items that aren't secured to the ground or weighed down to a secure area before the wind can take them.
- Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you're prepping your residence for a storm. But it's just as crucial to get your vehicle ready too, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. Furthermore, be cognizant of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn't under any trees or in a location that's prone to flooding.