Hurricane Security – Prepping Your Home from Potential Damage

Natural disasters can materialize at any time, but hurricanes can at least be discovered prior to hitting your location. Planning and preparing are the most important things you can execute when hurricane season approaches. Since your home is one of your biggest investments, it’s a smart idea to do what you can to prevent the perils that hurricanes can bring to your property and to avoid any storm damage restoration. There are many things to check up on when preparing your house for a hurricane. To secure your house from a hurricane, follow the steps below.

Hurricane Preparation Checklist – Best Steps to Prevent Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – To avoid any major storm damage restorations, your garage door should be one of the primary things to check for. Most of the garage doors on the market aren’t installed to defend against hurricane conditions, so it’s essential to purchase a brace kit. Through bracing your garage door, you’ll have defense against the winds that generate a positive push in your garage. This is integral because the winds that develop outside will create 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 the most efficient approach to prevent major damage. But, if don’t have the time to install the garage door kit, you can use your vehicle to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Windows and doors are another access-point for a storm to create havoc. Damaged windows will allow rain and wind to move through your property, and this can cause water damage issues. When a storm is on the way, make sure you lock 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 using masking tape on your windows won’t defend them at all. Concerning your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locking mechanisms to verify they don’t pop open during strong wind gusts.
  • Roof – Your roof acts as your main protector against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s important to make sure it’s ready for hurricane season. Look out for any damaged shingles and fix them with the proper roofing material like roofing cement. You’ll also want suitable irrigation for the heavy rains, so unclog your gutters so the water doesn’t concentrate on your roof. You can then find any wires that are going into your property and seal off any unprotected gaps to block water damage from happening. Lastly, check whether it’s imperative to attach your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – It’s necessary to clear your yard of any loose items such as garden accessories, patio furniture and children’s toys. If the item can be lifted from a heavy gust of wind, then clear it out and put it in a safe area so it doesn’t cause damage to your property and others’ around you. Furthermore, examine your trees and shrubbery for any dangling or dead branches and trim them if necessary.
  • Car – Aside from your home, you should also take precautions with your vehicle. Don’t park your car beneath any trees or in a spot that is prone to flooding. If you rely on street parking, you should really be cautious of where you park during a hurricane. Furthermore, do some prep work too, like: ensuring your tank is full, your windshield wipers are in good condition, your tires have good tread and that your windows are sealed correctly.

Contact a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today

Despite all the precautions you take in defending your house, there is only so much you can do. If your home experiences damage caused by a hurricane, reach out to the experts at Paul Davis. Our storm damage repair and remediation services will get your home back to a healthy condition. We also work with various insurance companies and we can help you figure out if your damage is covered. Reach out to us today at (845) 651-1850 to find a franchise near you.