Hurricane season is upon us, and it’s important to protect yourself and your family in case of bad weather. Prepare your home for hurricane season so you can stay safe this summer.
In Hurricane Season, Prepare to Cover the Windows of Your Home
Cover the windows with plywood to help protect your home from hurricane damage. Storm shutters or plywood will reduce the amount of debris that can get into your home and lessen the impact of high winds. Measure the windows before purchasing plywood to know what size boards are needed. Keep the plywood in a dry place until a hurricane approaches.
Trim Trees and Remove Loose Objects
High winds can tear down trees, causing them to crash into your home. To reduce this risk, trim dead branches from nearby trees and remove objects from the yard, like furniture, toys, and decorations, that could become airborne. Tackling this clean-up before hurricane season begins will save time if a storm approaches quickly.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Before the start of hurricane season, review your current insurance policy to verify coverage in case of storm damage. If you’re unsure what kind of protection you have or need additional coverage, contact your insurance provider for more information. Homeowners insurance is one of the best ways to make sure you’re financially prepared for damage to your property.
Secure Your Roof and Gutters to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season
High winds during a hurricane can cause roof shingles and gutters to loosen and blow away. To avoid damage, inspect your roof before hurricane season. Look for cracked or curling shingles, and replace them. Check the gutters to verify they are securely fastened and in good condition.
Keep Emergency Supplies Ready
During a hurricane, power outages are common, so have emergency supplies ready. Stock up on enough water and non-perishable food for at least three days. Keep flashlights for each family member, extra batteries, a battery-operated or hand-crank radio, and a first aid kit handy.
Have an Evacuation Plan
You may be advised to evacuate if a hurricane is approaching your area. Have an emergency plan in place so you know what to do if you need to leave quickly. Inform your family members of the plan and determine a designated meeting place in case you get separated.
These tips help protect your home from hurricane damage this season. Taking the time to prepare now will save you time later if a storm strikes. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and take action as soon as a storm is predicted.
J.E.T. Home Inspections provides inspection services, including wind-mitigation inspections, to homebuyers and sellers in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Florida, and Miami-Dade, Martin, and Broward counties. Contact us to schedule an appointment.