Between June and November, many Florida residents experience the anxiety of hurricane season. It is challenging for meteorologists to foresee exactly when and where a hurricane will cause the most damage because their paths can be incredibly unpredictable.
To secure your home from a significant loss, it is important to know how to properly prepare for a hurricane before the season begins. If a storm is coming your way, having a concrete strategy to protect yourself, your family, and your house can save you a lot of time and panic. Here are a few essential ways you can protect your home during hurricane season.
Seal and Protect Your Roof
Roof damage is incredibly common during hurricane season due to the violent wind and pounding rain your roof must endure. You might find that after a disaster, your roof is missing shingles or even sections of decking. Your roof’s structural integrity can also be compromised due to the massive amount of rain the hurricane brings, which severely raises the risk of an interior leak or a partial roof collapse.
Before hurricane season begins, it is crucial to have your roof inspected by a professional. They may suggest using truss tie-downs (hurricane clips) to protect your roof against strong updraft winds. Be sure that they look for any minor cracks or loose shingles that could easily cause leaks in your home once the heavy rains start.
Secure Your Doors and Windows
Doors and windows are much more vulnerable to catastrophic damage compared to other parts of your home due to flying debris from the storm. It is highly recommended to install impact-resistant storm shutters to prevent glass breakage and dangerous pressure changes inside your home. If you are not able to obtain storm shutters before a hurricane hits, cutting and securing thick sheets of plywood over the glass works just as well.
Evaluate Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
It is important to know exactly 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 clearly explain your deductibles and coverages. You may need to obtain separate policies or endorsements—such as dedicated flood insurance—that are not currently included in your standard plan.
Put Together an Emergency Kit
There is a very high possibility that when a hurricane hits, you could lose electricity and running water for days or even weeks. Making sure you are prepared and have the essential items you may need to survive comfortably is important. A few items that your emergency kit should absolutely include are:
- Water (enough for drinking and sanitation, usually one gallon per person per day)
- Food (non-perishable, canned, or dried goods)
- Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
- A fully stocked first aid kit
- Extra batteries of various sizes
- Bright flashlights
- Cell phone with a fully charged backup battery or power bank
- Fire extinguisher
- A sufficient supply of required prescription medicines
- Candles and matches (stored in a waterproof container)
- Pet food and extra water for your animals
Do Not Wait Until the Storm Approaches
It is important to give yourself enough time to prepare for hurricane season. Making preparations to secure your home and create an actionable plan for you and your family can significantly reduce the amount of stress you experience during and after a storm. You can successfully navigate hurricane season every year by being aware of the precautions you need to take to protect your house and ensuring you have the tools you need to do so.
Need help preparing your roof for hurricane season? Give us a call at (813) 643-8333 or contact us today to request a free quote.
