There’s no time like the present to start thinking about how to proactively prepare your home or business for a threatening storm. These six steps will get you started in the right direction – and if you take care of these, you’ll have a much better chance of getting through this season (and the next) unscathed from a storm.
Protect your doors and windows.
Hurricane force winds, water, and debris can easily take down your standard doors, garage doors, and windows. To better protect the inside of your home, it’s a good idea to install storm defense-like shutters and screens which will provide another layer of protection. Some shutter and screen options include:
Keep your yard clear.
Keeping your yard free of branches, limbs, and other debris is extremely important in the event of a storm so that the wind doesn’t pick these things up and cause hazard to a home or building. If you have a patio, be sure that your furniture is stored away so that it can’t get picked up by the wind as well. Any loose outdoor items need a secure, closed-in place when you’re under hurricane threat.
Ensure the durability of your roof.
If your roof isn’t as durable and strong as possible, you run the risk of having all of the elemental forces outside causing it to collapse – ruining all your other efforts of storm protection. As a good rule of thumb – if your roof is over 15 years old, it’s a good idea to evaluate its durability and whether it needs any sort of reinforcements before a storm comes through. Speaking to a roofing specialist is also a good idea so that they know the specific type of reinforcement that can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Clean out your gutter.
Keeping your gutter clear of leaves and debris keeps the rain flowing where it should go, rather than getting backed up and causing flooding issues in your roof and/or attic. Regular gutter maintenance can be detrimental in whether you have minor or major hurricane damage.
Have a backup power source.
If your area is directly or indirectly affected by a hurricane or just a powerful storm, losing power is a high probability. If you remain at your home during these storms, having a backup power source can come in extremely handy. Even if a whole-house generator isn’t on the budget, having a small generator can keep your essential things running, and bring you and your family peace of mind in the long run.
We want to help you get through hurricane season and the rest of the year, in the safest way possible for your family and your home or business. Call us today, and we’ll give you all the advice you need on how to be best protected this season.
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