The Eastern Pacific Ocean hurricane season starts from May 15 whereas the Atlantic hurricane season starts from June 1 and both end on November 30. Hurricanes are produced over the ocean and move in land areas upon landing.
As history has shown us, the rains and winds that accompany a singular hurricane event can have a substantial impact that lasts years. If you live in a storm-prone region, it’s important to plan ahead of the storm season because June 1 will be here before we know it. By putting more emphasis on passive protection, you’ll be in the best possible position to be storm-ready.
Ways to Prepare Your Home for Hurricanes
1. Strong winds may strike the trees, causing them to topple. You must trim or remove trees, branches, and limbs that are close to your home that might fall and cause damage to your property or put you and your family members in risk.
2. Check your home’s gutters and downspouts for any repair jobs. Also, clean your gutters by removing the clogged or collected debris that may cause water damage issue in your home.
3. Clear your yard. Make sure there’s nothing that could blow around during the storm and damage your home. Move bikes, lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, and building material inside or under shelter.
4. Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning
5. Check For Air Leaks. Before a hurricane hits, you should test your home for air leaks. This type of leak can predict if you will have future problems. Air leakage inspections of your doors, windows, and garage also contribute to a lower cooling bill. These in-depth inspections can save your house from catastrophic failure during a hurricane.
Schedule an energy audit before hurricane season to ensure your home is prepared for any upcoming storm and is energy-efficient.
6. Inspecting Your Roof. Routine roof inspections allow specialists to address issues before they get worse during or after a storm. During a checkup, roofers will evaluate if your home is adequately weatherproofed. A roofer will inspect the roof for missing, rotting, or peeling shingles, as well as faulty flashing and leaking gutters that might fail during inclement weather.
7. Secure All of Your Entrances. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimates that one inch of floodwater may cost $7,800 in damage to a property. Taking your garage doors for granted might be pricey. They, like any other doorway, demand the same level of attention while preparing your house for hurricane season. A broken garage door can easily allow one inch or more of water to enter. FEMA identified garage door failure as a key contributor in hurricane storm damage to dwellings.
8. Verify insurance coverage. Avoid the wind and water debate. Check your homeowner’s policy and purchase additional flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program to ensure you have adequate protection if necessary.
9. Install Hurricane Windows and Impact Doors. Impact doors and hurricane windows are among the most critical items you can install in your home. Whether it is for storm safety or home security, shattered glass can cause severe damage to you, your home, or harm your family.
If you have hurricane-proof windows installed in your home, there is no need to tape your windows. Even if the glass is damaged, the interlayer will hold the glass pieces secure in the frame and keep unwanted elements outside. These products also help protect your loved ones from would-be intruders and noise pollution (up to a 65% reduction in sound*). Plus, impact resistant products can help lower your insurance premium while the overall value of your home increases.
Guardian Hurricane Protection offers CGI, PGT and WinDoor Impact Windows with aluminum or vinyl frame options.
We are fully licensed and Insured State of Florida Certified General Contractor. We are OSHA Certified, have an outstanding safety record and conduct regular on-site safety meetings. Our goal is zero time lost on the job. We are a Nami Certified Manufacturer, PGT Glazing Certified, EuroWall Installation Certified, an ASSA Member and a Solar Energy Contractor.
When planning for severe weather conditions, it’s important to have a primary plan and secondary plans. If your primary plan is to shelter in place, you’ll need to carefully plan for this before the storm arrives. This includes having emergency supplies on hand, turning off air conditioning, fans, and heat, and hardening up any remaining weak areas. Other preparatory steps include:
- Filling bathtubs with water to flush toilets and other sanitation needs (non-drinkable)
- Filling clean, large containers with safe drinking water
- Fully charging all phones, devices, and portable chargers
- Setting refrigerator and freezer on coldest settings (and plan to open them as minimally as possible)
- Securing propane tanks in safe and easily accessible locations
- Making certain all gas containers are full to run a generator if planning to use one
In severe weather conditions or if local officials anticipate a storm surge, you may need to evacuate. Your evacuation will be smoother if you already have a plan in place. Prior to storm season be sure to establish a rallying point, communication chain, and backup locations in case the primary rally point is unreachable. Be sure everyone knows the plan and give everyone a laminated list of everyone’s contact information. Once a potential hurricane is forming, be sure to fuel up your cars, along with extra gas in a safe container.
Important: Store your assembled emergency kit in an easy to grab bin(s) or duffel bag(s). This way, in the event of an unanticipated evacuation, it’s easily portable.
source: https://www.pgtwindows.com/blog/hurricane-preparation-tips-plan-ahead/
