Hurricane Security – Prepping Your House from Possible Disaster

Natural disasters can occur at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered before they hit your area. Hurricane season is a time for preparation. Because your house is one of your biggest investments, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the damages that hurricanes can bring to your house and to avoid any storm damage repair. There are lots of things to keep in mind when preparing your home for the ensuing storm. To secure your home from a hurricane, use the approaches listed below.

Hurricane Planning Checklist

  • Garage Door – To avoid any extreme storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the first things to take care. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren’t designed to combat hurricane conditions, so it’s essential to purchase a brace kit. By supporting your garage door, you’ll have defense against the winds that cause a positive push in your garage. This is important since the winds outside will cause a negative pull over your garage. When this happens, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of stress on your roof and garage. Supporting your garage door with braces is an effective method to prevent major damage. However, if it’s too late to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another entrance for a storm to create havoc. Defective windows will allow rain and wind to move through your house, and this can cause water damage issues. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are functioning and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep possible destruction out of your home. Also, keep in mind that sticking masking tape on your windows doesn’t defend them at all. As for your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don’t pop open during strong winds.
  • Roof – Administering a quick checkup on your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from a lot of property damage. The main thing you’ll want to check for is damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, look for any exposed gaps where any wiring is entering in your house and seal them. Small gaps may not seem like a problem, but sealing them off can block water from coming into your home. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to confirm your roof is secure as well. Another thing to do is unclog your gutters so there’s proper irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Strolling through your lawn is another critical step you should take. Your trees and shrubs need some consideration and might necessitate some pruning. Any dead or dangling limbs can be dangerous in high winds and could cause excessive damage to your house. This includes items in your yard such as patio furniture as well. Move any items that aren’t secured to the ground or weighed down to a safe location before the wind takes them away.
  • Car – Aside from your home, it’s necessary to take preventative measures with your vehicle. Don’t park your vehicle beneath any trees or in an area that floods easily. If you rely on street parking, you should really be tentative of where you park. Furthermore, prepare your vehicle, like: making sure your tank is full, your windshield wipers are working, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Our Storm Damage Cleanup & Repair Services

Paul Davis provides storm damage restoration and remediation services, so if your house has been harmed by a hurricane, reach out to our expert team. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to defend against Mother Nature. We can restore your house back to normal, and we work with various home insurers. The experienced team at Paul Davis can help you examine what’s covered under your policy. To find a Paul Davis franchise in your area, get in touch with us at 989-894-4450.