How To Prepare Your Home For Hurricanes
Severe weather can be a scary time for everyone. June through November are challenging because that’s when hurricane season is. Hearing the weatherman say words like “hurricane” and “tropical storm” bring anxiety to homeowners, particularly the ones who live in coastal states. Hurricanes can remain potent even when they move inland. Use this guide for preparing your home for hurricane season.
1. Trim Trees
The first step in hurricane preparedness is to trim your trees outside. Any trees or shrubbery on your property can be a liability when hurricanes or lousy weather arrive. Many species are robust and can withstand weather, but others are weaker and more susceptible. Check your trees for weak branches and cut them down. Fallen limbs can knock down power lines and damage your roof significantly.
Though trees are vulnerable during hurricanes, they can help by protecting your home from absorbing the high-speed winds. It’s wise to take action before hurricane season begins, but be mindful of your trees’ health. For example, cut no more than 25% of the canopy. When you work on the tree, focus on the interior branches so the wind can navigate easier through the trees.
2. Safeguard the Roof
When hurricanes arrive, the roof is one of the most sensitive parts of your home. Winds on a Category 1 hurricane start at 74 miles per hour (mph), and a Category 5 hurricane exceeds 156 mph. The heavy winds can damage your roof starting at Category 1, so take steps to protect your roof. These steps may include the following:
General inspection: Whether it’s hurricane season, regular maintenance on your roof is an excellent idea. You can do it yourself or call a professional with experience. They’ll likely inspect your roof’s flashing and membrane to ensure everything is intact and not vulnerable to a torrential storm.
Cleaning gutters: Gutter cleaning is a chore you may associate with prepping for winter storms, but it’s also necessary for hurricane preparedness. Your roof will see a lot of rain during a hurricane, and it needs to go to the ground. Fallen leaves and debris can clog the gutters, so clean them regularly before and during hurricane season.
Checking shingles: When hurricanes come, the roof’s shingles are among the first things to go. Another part of your roof preparation should be checking the shingles to ensure they’re sturdy and ready. Loose or broken shingles can damage other parts of your home when they fall off, making your roof more vulnerable.
3. Upgrade Your Windows
After the roof, another critical part of your home to protect is your windows. Heavy winds can strain your home’s infrastructure. The last thing you want during a hurricane is the storm shattering your windows, leaving your interior vulnerable to rain and debris. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider upgrading your windows to more substantial units. Impact-resistant windows are a must, especially in a hurricane- prone state like Florida, as they are specifically designed to withstand high winds and impact from flying debris that can be whipped up high into the air by storm-force wind gusts.
Nowadays, you can find hurricane windows on the market. These frameworks are much stronger than your average window and protect your home from strong winds and debris. Though, the benefits go beyond hurricane protection. Hurricane windows are often very energy efficient and can save up to $100 monthly on energy because of their low-e coating. Plus, they add value to your home if you want to sell down the line.
4. Protect Your Electric
When prepping for hurricane season, many people think about what they can do to protect their exterior. But it’s also vital to consider what you can do to protect your interior. Take electricity, for example. There’s a decent chance the power will go off during the hurricane, so you must protect your electronics from surges. Those who work remotely or run a small business should take steps to prepare their electricity for storms.
When the storm comes, you should unplug the electronics and ensure they’re as high as possible above the ground. Also, you should turn off the breakers. Before the hurricane, find an emergency generator to charge your electronics and keep up with weather updates. Use a surge protector to protect your most valuable gadgets like personal computers (PCs).
5. Secure Your Mobile Home
When hurricanes come, no type of home is truly safe from the damaging winds, hail and rain. But those who live in a mobile or manufactured home are even more vulnerable because of their structure. Newer mobile homes can be as resistant as a site-built home, but homeowners often worry when hurricanes arrive. The safest thing to do is evacuate to a storm shelter. Still, that option may only be available for some in rural areas.
For those that can’t leave their trailer, there are ways you can protect your property. Among the first things you should do is look at your home’s anchors. Ensure they’re able to withstand the strength of hurricanes that infiltrate your area. Strengthen your storm shutters on the windows and reinforce your wall joints.
When you know a storm is coming, take precautions to weather the storm. Some of the most significant damage comes from debris flying around, so board the windows or tape them down to prevent shattering. Err on the side of caution and shut off your water and fuel lines to lower the risk of fire or damage to plumbing.
Protecting Your Home During Hurricane Season
No matter the season, a storm can enter your area and wreak havoc on you and your neighbors. But the risk of lousy weather escalates between June and November due to hurricane season. Use this list to prepare your home for hurricane season and stay safe.