Getting Your Home Ready for a Hurricane – Storm Damage Prevention
Natural disasters can strike without a moment’s notice, but hurricanes can at least be revealed before they hit your location. When it’s hurricane season, it’s necessary to do some planning. Because your house is one of your biggest assets, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your house and to prevent any storm damage repair. There are many things to check up on when prepping your home for the big storm. To protect your home from a hurricane, use the steps below.
Hurricane Planning Checklist
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is really one of the more susceptible spots when it comes to extreme weather conditions such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: most garage doors are not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, you get a positive push inside the garage, and as the winds are whirling above your structure, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually tear it off. To combat this from taking place, the best method is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if it’s too late to install a kit, then you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – A typical occurrence that’s associated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your windows and doors aren’t secure this will allow the wind and rain to get into your house. Before the storm reaches your location, verify that your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches on your shutters need to be strong and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also a great idea if you don’t have storm shutters. A typical fallacy with window preparation is that you can tape up the window; however, this won’t help at all. Also, ensure your doors are in good condition and that the deadbolts are working right. You can also brace your doors for extra security.
- Roof – Administering a quick checkup on your roof before a hurricane hits your location can save you from a lot of property damage. A great beginning point is to locate damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Next, check to see if there are unprotected gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them. This can bar any water from coming into your home. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to make sure your roof is secure too. Also, you’ll want to unclog your gutters so there’s good irrigation for the heavy rains.
- Your Property – It’s essential to clear your lawn of any loose items like garden accessories, patio furniture and children’s toys. If the item can be picked up from a heavy gust of wind, then relocate it to a secure location so it doesn’t cause damage to your house and others’ around you. Additionally, examine your trees for any dead or loose limbs and trim them if necessary.
- Car – Aside from your property, it’s necessary to take preventative measures with your vehicle. Don’t park your vehicle under any trees or in an area that is prone to flooding. If you keep your vehicle on the street, you should really be tentative of where you park. Additionally, do some prep work as well, such as: making sure your gas tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires aren’t worn out and that your windows are sealed properly.
Reach Out to Paul Davis for Hurricane Damage Restoration
Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your house has been harmed by a hurricane, reach out to our expert team. After all, you can only do so much prep work to combat the elements. We can fix and restore your house back to normal, and we work with a range of home insurers. The expert team at Paul Davis can help you figure out what’s covered under your insurance. To find a Paul Davis franchise near your location, contact us at (760) 360-1855.
