There are several components when preparing your home for a hurricane. You can reduce your chance of being damaged by a hurricane by knowing what you should do before it hits. These steps will help you prepare if a hurricane comes your way.
Take a look at your insurance policy
To ensure you’re properly covered for hurricanes, take the time to review your homeowners insurance policy. Exclusions are common in insurance policies. You may need to buy endorsements or separate policies to get certain coverages.
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not offer coverage if your home is flooded during a hurricane. Flood insurance is a smart option if you live in a flood zone. Flood insurance costs can vary across states. You may be charged more if you live in an area with high flood risk. You may also pay less if your home has flood mitigation measures or is higher than the average.
There may also be a hurricane deductible. This is usually in addition to your standard deductible. It is a good idea to call your agent or insurer to review your policy before hurricane season. To obtain additional coverage, you can request quotes.
Check your roof
Hurricanes can cause roof damage because roofs are often exposed to the fierce wind and rain. You may notice that your roof has lost shingles or damaged decking after a hurricane. Your roof may be sagging or you might discover leaks in your home. Water can cause roof damage, increasing the likelihood of a roof bursting or leaking. This can result in water damage to major appliances, or electronics such as in a home office.
Have your roof checked before hurricane season begins. To protect your roof from high winds, you may need to install hurricane straps or truss tie downs. You might also consider:
- Replace any missing or loose braces by checking the gable bracing.
- Seal cracks and any other areas at risk of leaks.
- To reduce the chance of shingles blowing away in gale-force winds and exposing your roof for water damage, replace, nail, or caulk them.
It is worth taking the time to prepare your roof in advance of hurricane season.
Protect your windows and doors
High winds can cause more damage to doors and windows than to other parts of the home. Flying projectiles such as patio furniture and broken tree branches are a common cause of damage.
Storm shutters can be installed before hurricane season starts to reduce storm damage to windows and doors. Storm shutters may not be within your budget. Instead, you can attach plywood sheets to your windows and doors to protect them from storm damage.
Secure outdoor furniture
High winds can cause them to be lost. Make sure that structures like carports or tool sheds are well-anchored. Potted plants, patio furniture, and barbecue grills should all be brought in or secured elsewhere. They could be projectiles in a storm and cause damage to your home or others’ homes.
Make sure you have an emergency kit
There are different considerations after a hurricane than when it happened. Water and electricity might not be available for several days.
An emergency kit is a useful tool to help you prepare for the aftermath of a storm, as well as for prolonged periods without power or running water. You should have:
- Radio
- Flashlight(s)
- Spare batteries
- A fully charged phone and a backup battery
- Use pliers or a wrench to turn utilities off, such as the gas line
- A fire extinguisher
- Matches and lighters in waterproof bags
- Protective bag for important documents
- Cash (in the event that ATM machines fail or banks are closed)
- First aid supplies, such as bandages, aspirin and antibiotic ointment, are essential
- Prescription medication
- Mosquito repellent
- Water and non-perishable food
- Pet food and medication
- If you own a gas-powered generator, add gasoline
- Keep full tank of gas in the car in case there is no electricity at your local station
It is also worth considering how you will cook in the event of power outages or planning meals that don’t require cooking. It’s better to not rely on takeout because many restaurants could be without power after a storm. Make sure you have your hurricane preparedness kit and stored in a dry, safe place.
Conclusion
It is important to give yourself enough time to prepare for hurricane season. It is important to take steps to protect your home and create a plan for your family in case of an emergency. You can make it through hurricane season by knowing the steps to protect your home and having the right items to help you navigate the storms safely.