You hear a lot about hurricanes, especially in Florida, and today we’re going to be looking at hurricane preparedness and ways you can be prepared.
Hurricane season lasts from June 1st through November 30th – that’s half the year! Many of us are fortunate to have not experienced the damage that a Cat-5 hurricane can cause. But a hurricane is more than the circle or line on a map; the path can change at any time, and it’s best to be prepared.
Here are a few ways to prepare yourself and your home for hurricane season:
It All Starts with The Roof
Your roof has the potential to be the largest opening on your home should wind or water get inside. Once inside, the damage can be insurmountable. That’s why it’s a good idea to inspect your roof and make sure there are no issues. Pay special attention to your shingles: are they secure? Are some cracked or missing? Make sure that anything a storm could take advantage of is remedied as soon as possible, ideally before hurrican season begins.
Is Everything Sealed?
While a faulty roof can cause the most damage, doors, windows, and holes should never be overlooked. The heat and humidity of costal regions can damage seals over time, allowing sideways-blowing wind and rain to get in during a storm. Because the wind can swirl during a hurricane, this advice doesn’t exclusively pertain to doors and windows facing the water, but each opening around the perimeter of your home. If you have the time and resources, consider installing storm shutters. Otherwise, boarding windows can also help prevent breakage.
Remember to seal any holes in your home, such as those caused by cable or electrical wires coming in through the sides. Most home improvement stores offer caulk you can use to seal everything and usually it’s only a few dollars!
Consider A Generator
These days, so much of our daily lives rely on electricity, and when a hurricane cuts off power, it can create difficult and potential dangerous situations. You can alleviate some of this stress by purchasing a small generator. It doesn’t have to break the bank either. Something big enough to power a refrigerator and plug in a few essentials, like your phone or computer. Sometimes having a small generator can help bring some peace of mind during hurricane season.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Finally, talk with one of our licensed professionals about your current policies and make sure your most valuable items are covered for damage or loss. We can also review if your home has flood protection and add it if necessary. While homes are often protected against storm damage, many policies do not immediately protect homes from flood damage, which can end up causing more devastation than the hurricane.
