Hurricane Security – Prepping Your Home from Possible Disaster

Structural destruction, water damage and flooding are the usual scenarios for a post-hurricane environment. However, there are a few essential precautions you can execute in order to avoid these scenarios and any excessive storm damage restorations. It’s imperative to do anything you can to protect your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors safe. Listed below are practices to keep in mind when protecting your house against the elements.

Things to Keep in Mind When a Hurricane Is Scheduled

  • Garage Door – In fact, your garage is actually one of the most susceptible spots when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: most garage doors are not supported and heavy winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, you get a positive push in the garage, and as the winds are churning above your structure, this creates a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of pressure on your roof and eventually tear it off. To combat this from happening, the best resolution is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. Although, if time isn’t on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can utilize your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Busted windows don’t only allow the rain to get into your home, but the wind that comes in can increase the pressure under your roof, which can lead to excessive damage to your structure. Storm shutters are a great method to secure your house during a storm. When a hurricane is on its way, ensure the latches are working correctly and you may want to think about installing additional locks for added defense. You can also cover your windows with OSB if you don’t have shutters, but it’s important to know that putting masking tape on your windows won’t do anything in a heavy storm. When your windows are protected, move to your doors next. Verify that they’re stable and that the deadbolts are functioning right.
  • Roof – A roof examination is important, and you should scan for any loose shingles and other susceptible spots. Get some roof cement to mend any loose shingles, and you should consider hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened to your house. Additionally, you’ll want to seal any areas where wires come into your home to prevent any water damage from occurring. While you’re inspecting your roof, this is a good time to see if your gutters are cleaned out. You want to verify you have suitable irrigation for the heavy rains that occur during a hurricane.
  • Your Property – Your yard can be a primary threat when a hurricane comes through. Any loose items could be lifted from the extreme wind and be launched into your home and your neighbor’s too. Make sure to move any garden accessories, children’s toys, patio furniture and BBQs to a place out of harm’s way. One other thing you’ll want to do is trim back any dangling or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re securing your home for a hurricane. But it’s a great idea to get your vehicle ready too, so check that you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed. Furthermore, be aware of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your car isn’t beneath any trees or in an area that’s vulnerable to flooding.

Who We Are

Paul Davis provides storm damage repair services, so if your home has been damaged by a hurricane, contact our professional team. Unfortunately, you can only do so much prep work to combat the elements. We can restore your home back to normal, and we work with a range of home insurers. The experienced team at Paul Davis can help you calculate what’s covered with your insurance. To locate a Paul Davis franchise near your location, give us a call at 989-894-4450.