Hurricane Protection – Preparing Your Home from Probable Disaster

Flooding, structural destruction and water damage are the common cases after a hurricane hits. However, there are a few fundamental steps you can take in order to prevent these scenarios and any major storm damage repairs. It’s important to do what you can to secure your property from a hurricane and to keep your loved ones and your neighbors protected. Listed below are practices to keep in mind while protecting your home against Mother Nature.

Ways to Plan for a Hurricane

  • Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really one of the more vulnerable spots when it comes to heavy weather conditions such as hurricanes. The explanation: the average garage door is not reinforced and strong winds can get into the garage. When this occurs, a positive push generates in the garage, and as the winds are whirling above your structure, this causes a negative pull. A push-pull combination develops, and this can put a lot of pressure on your roof and ultimately tear it off. To combat this from happening, the best technique is to purchase a kit that supports your garage door. But if time isn’t on your side to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your automobile to brace your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – Doors and windows are another entrance for a storm to cause a catastrophe. Damaged windows will allow wind and rain to enter into your home, and this can cause water damage problems. When a storm is imminent, make sure you lock and secure your windows. If you have storm shutters installed, ensure they are closed and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable destruction out of your residence. Also, remember that placing masking tape on your windows doesn’t do anything to protect them. As for your doors, use the deadbolts or any other locks to make sure they don’t fly open during strong winds.
  • Roof – Examining your roof is important before a hurricane passes through your area, and it can prevent property damage and give you a sense of well-being. One of the main things you’ll want to check for is damaged shingles and apply some roofing cement to repair them. Next, check to see if there are unprotected gaps where any wiring is coming into your house and seal them. Small gaps might not seem like an issue, but sealing them off can prevent water from coming into your home. You might want to think about obtaining hurricane straps to verify your roof is fastened too. Additionally, you’ll want to unclog your gutters so there’s good irrigation for the strong rains.
  • Your Property – Walking around your yard is another necessary measure you should take. Your trees and shrubs need some treatment and might necessitate some trimming. Any dead or dangling branches can be dangerous in windy conditions and could cause excessive damage to your home. This goes for items in your yard such as patio furniture too. Relocate any loose items to a secure area before the wind can take them.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re preparing your home for a storm. But it’s a good idea to get your vehicle ready too, so make sure you have: your gas tank filled, good windshield wipers, tires with good tread and your windows sealed. In addition, be vigilant of where you park, especially if you rely on street parking. Make sure your vehicle isn’t under any trees or in an area that’s prone to floods.

Get in Touch with Paul Davis for Storm Damage Repair

Paul Davis offers storm damage repair and remediation services, so if your home has been injured by a hurricane, reach out to our professional team. Unfortunately, there is only so much you can do to combat Mother Nature. We can restore your home back to its original status, and we work with a range of insurance companies. The experienced team at Paul Davis can help you figure out what’s covered with your policy. For a Paul Davis franchise near your location, give us a call at (616) 647-5514.