A Homeowners Method to Securing a Home from a Hurricane

Ruined structures, water damage and flooding are the common incidents for a post-hurricane environment. However, there are a few essential precautions you can execute in order to avoid these incidents and any major storm damage restorations. It’s important to do what you can to protect your house from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors secure. Listed below are practices to keep in mind when prepping your property against the elements.

Things to Keep in Mind When a Hurricane Approaches

  • Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage repairs, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. A lot of the garage doors in residential neighborhoods aren’t installed to combat hurricane conditions, so it’s important to purchase a support kit. Through bracing your garage door, you’ll have defense against the winds that cause a positive push in your space. This is crucial because the winds outside will generate a negative pull over your garage. When this happens, you’ll get a tug-of-war scenario which puts a lot of pressure on your roof and garage. Buying a brace kit for your garage door is the most efficient method to prevent excessive damage. But, if don’t have the time to install braces, you can use your vehicle to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – A typical incidence that’s correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your windows and doors aren’t safeguarded this will allow the storm to get into your house. Before the storm reaches your location, check that your shutters are sturdy and in a functional condition. The latches on your shutters need to be secure and you’ll also want to install locks on them. Boarding up your windows is also an efficient method if you don’t have storm shutters. A typical fallacy with window preparation is that you can use masking tape on the window; however, this doesn’t help at all. Additionally, verify that your doors are sturdy and that the deadbolts are working properly. You can also brace your doors for added measure.
  • Roof – Administering a quick examination of your roof prior to a hurricane can save you from a lot of property damage. One of the main things you’ll want to look for is damaged shingles and use some roofing cement to repair them. Afterward, look for any exposed gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them off. This can prevent water from getting into your property. You might want to consider obtaining hurricane straps to ensure your roof is fastened as well. Another thing to do is clear out your gutters so there’s suitable irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Your lawn can be a number one risk when a hurricane comes through. Any loose items could be lifted from the high wind and be thrown into your home and your neighbor’s too. Walk around your lawn and move any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children’s toys to an area out of harm’s way. One other thing you need to do is trim back any loose or dead branches from your shrubs and trees.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re protecting your home for a hurricane. But it’s important to get your vehicle ready too, so ensure you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. In addition, be aware of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your car isn’t beneath any trees or in an area that’s susceptible to flooding.

Get Hurricane Damage Restoration Services for Your Home with Paul Davis

Paul Davis provides storm damage restoration services, so if your home has been injured by a hurricane, contact our professional team. After all, you can only do so much prep work to protect your house from the elements. We can fix and restore your property back to normal, and we work with various insurance companies. The expert team at Paul Davis can help you calculate what’s covered under your policy. To locate a Paul Davis franchise in your area, reach out to us at (803) 329-1140.