Living in hurricane-prone areas requires proactive measures to safeguard your home and family. Here’s a breakdown of strategies to prevent or minimize damage:

Protecting the roof and exterior 

Secure the Roof:

• Inspect your roof regularly for loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly.
• Consider adding hurricane straps or clips to strengthen the connection between the roof and the walls.
• If replacing your roof, choose wind-resistant materials like metal or consider a hip roof design.

Reinforce Windows and Doors:

• Install impact-resistant windows or storm shutters to protect against shattered glass and flying debris.
• Consider reinforcing exterior doors with heavy-duty deadbolts and longer hinge screws.

 

Strengthen the Garage Door:

• Standard garage doors are often a weak point.
• Reinforce the garage door with bracing and strengthen the wheel tracks.

 

Maintain the Exterior:

• Regularly trim trees and remove dead or weak branches, as they can become projectiles during strong winds.
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow and prevent overflow near the foundation.

 

Remove Loose Items:

• Bring in or anchor outdoor furniture, grills, and other items that could become airborne.

• Address Siding Vulnerabilities:

• Repair or replace loose or damaged siding to prevent wind and water intrusion.
• Consider materials like brick or fiber-cement siding, which are more resilient than wood or vinyl.

 

Water damage prevention

 

Elevate Essential Systems:

• Raise electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and mechanical systems (like AC units and heat pumps) above potential flood levels.

Seal Gaps and Openings:

• Use caulk and weather stripping to seal gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings.

Improve Drainage:

• Maintain proper grading around the home, ensuring the ground slopes away from the foundation.
• Consider installing French drains or catch basins in areas prone to water buildup.
• Inspect and maintain your sump pump regularly, and consider a battery backup for power outages.
• Install backflow valves on sewer lines to prevent sewage backup during heavy rains.
• Consider creating a rain garden to help manage rainwater runoff.

Flood Protection Products:

• Install flood barriers/sandbags around vulnerable entry points if your home is at risk of severe flooding.

 

General preparedness

 

Develop an Emergency Plan:

• Create a detailed evacuation plan including routes and meeting points.
• Include a plan for pets and family members with special medical needs.

 

Assemble an Emergency Kit:

• Stock enough food, water & other essential supplies for at least three days (two weeks if staying home).
• Include items like flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, first-aid supplies, medications, cash.

 

Backup Power:

• Consider investing in a generator to provide power to essential appliances during outages.

 

Document and Insure:

• Have an insurance check-up to ensure adequate coverage, including flood insurance, and create a home inventory of your belongings.
• Store important documents in waterproof containers or digitally.

 

Stay Informed:

• Monitor weather forecasts and follow advice from local authorities.
• Stay informed about evacuation zones and orders.

 

By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive approach to hurricane season, you can significantly enhance your home’s resilience and better protect your family and property.