How to prepare your home for a hurricane: Take these steps to help prevent damage
Preparing your house and property for a hurricane can be expensive, but it will pay off with less damage and a quicker recovery after the storm.
Protective measures range from cutting down at-risk tree branches to replacing flimsy outside doors with stronger ones. You can do some of these yourself. For others, you may have to hire a professional.
It’s best to start getting ready for a hurricane or other weather-related disaster before they occur. Assess your property for potential vulnerable areas and consult a professional if you are not sure what should be done.
Doing the work in stages can reduce the stress on your pocketbook. Here are a few tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help you get started:
Clear your yard
Prepare the house
Power: Be ready and know how to turn off your electricity in case of flooding or downed power lines, or if you have to evacuate.
Doors: All exterior doors should be hurricane-proof, with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock at least 1 inch long.
Wall openings: Prevent water intrusion by sealing vents, electrical outlets and cables with a high-quality urethane-based caulk.
Don't forget the garage
Garage doors: Because of their size and structure, garage doors are vulnerable to high winds, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says. It's best to replace old door systems with wind-resistant doors and tracks.
Do you rent your home?
Work with your landlord to prepare for storms.
What if you have a mobile home?
Though mobile homes are generally considered unsafe in hurricanes, the level of safety a mobile home provides depends on when it was built. It also depends on how the mobile home was constructed and whether it has adequate anchors. Check with a professional to determine the safety of a mobile home.
What can you do within days of a storm's landfall?
There are last-minute things you can do if you're unexpectedly facing a hurricane – or if you haven't prepared further ahead.
SOURCE Paste BN Network reporting and research; Federal Emergency Management Agency; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration