Between June and November, many Florida residents experience hurricane season. It is challenging for meteorologists to foresee when and where a hurricane will have the most damage because their paths can be unpredictable. To secure your home from a significant loss, it is important to know how to prepare for a hurricane before the season begins. If a storm is coming your way, having a strategy to protect yourself, your family, and your house can save you a lot of time. Here are a few ways you can protect your home from hurricane season-
Seal and Protect Your Roof
Roof damage can be common during hurricane season due to violent wind and pounding rain that your roof can endure. You might find that after the disaster, your roof is missing shingles or decking. Your roof’s structure can be damaged due to the massive amount of rain the hurricane brings, which raises the risk of a leak or roof collapse. Before hurricane season begins, it is crucial to have your roof inspected by a professional. They may suggest using truss tie-downs to protect your roof against strong winds. Be sure that they look for any cracks or loose shingles that could cause leaks in your home.
Secure Your Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are more vulnerable to damage compared to other parts of your home due to flying debris from the storm. It is smart to install storm shutters to prevent damage to your doors and windows. If you are not able to obtain storm shutters before hurricane season begins, sheets of plywood could work just as well.
Evaluate Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
It is important to know what your homeowners insurance policy covers before a hurricane hits and you need to file a claim. Call your insurance company so that they can review your current policy with you and let you know what is covered. You may need to obtain separate policies or endorsements that are not currently in your plan.
Put Together An Emergency Kit
There is a possibility when a hurricane hits that you could lose electricity and water. Making sure you are prepared and have the essential items you may need is important. A few items that your emergency kit should include are-
- Water (enough for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (non-perishable)
- Weather radio
- First aid kit
- Batteries
- Flashlight
- Cell phone and a backup battery
- Fire extinguisher
- Medicine supply
- Candles
- Pet food
It is important to give yourself enough time to prepare for hurricane season. Making preparations to secure your home and create a plan for you and your family can significantly reduce the amount of stress you experience during and after a storm. You can successfully navigate the hurricane season every year by being aware of the precautions you need to take to protect your house and ensure you have the tools you need to do so. Need help preparing your home for hurricane season? Give us a call (813) 643-8333 or click the link below to request a free quote.
