How to prepare your home for hurricane season

Explore our top 7 tips on how to prepare your home for a hurricane and what to do after it hits

In states like Florida, the Atlantic hurricane season often seems to begin sooner than we’re prepared for — starting in June and lasting through November with September being the most common month for storms — even though it begins at the same time every year. [1]

When it comes to hurricane season, preparation is key to avoid disaster and best protect your family and home from the harsh winds and rain of a tropical superstorm.

This year’s hurricane season is predicted to have above average activity, so it’s important that you start to prepare now in the best ways you can, should a storm head your way. [1]

Continue reading to learn our top tips to prepare your home for a hurricane.

#1: Inspect your home before the storm hits.

One of the best ways to prevent the leaks and other potential damage that hurricanes can cause or worsen is maintaining your home by regularly inspecting and repairing your gutters, screens, roof, siding and railings.

During regular inspection, be sure to look for the following to fix in order to better protect your home:

Gutters:

Cracks or splits
Debris and poor drainage
Chipped or peeling paint
Mold or mildew
Rust or stains

Screens:

Tears
Lifting or loosening
Fading
Loose or rusted screws and bolts

Roof:

Signs of exterior damage or aging
Cracked caulk
Lifting, cracked, or missing shingles

Siding:

Cracks, dents, or splits
Peeling paint
Panels that are rotting, lifting, or loose

Railings:

Rusting parts
Loose screws or bolts

#2: Move outdoor furniture.

If the threat of a hurricane is imminent, it’s important to bring outdoor furniture, small plant pots, barbecue grills and yard/pool equipment inside so that they don’t get picked up by high-speed winds.

If you can’t bring something inside, anchor it to the ground instead.

#3: Trim any trees and shrubbery.

If you have any tree branches or shrubbery that are close to or touching your house, be sure to trim them away. If a branch is touching your house, it could rub against your roof and take off parts of your roof or even fall onto your house during the storm.

#4: Take an inventory of your belongings.

Every year when hurricane season begins, create an inventory that records your belongings, their value, and their condition. This inventory can be a big help if any of your items are damaged during a storm.

When you file the claim with your insurance company, you can include these items and their value. This way you have an accurate idea of how much the damage costs and proof you owned these items before the storm.

#5: Check your insurance policies.

Before the storm, check exactly what your insurance policy covers. Also, make sure you have your proof of coverage readily available.

It’s a good idea to put your home insurance papers, as well as any other important documents, in a waterproof bag and have it with you at all times.

#6: Prepare for power outages.

During a hurricane, it is very likely your power will go out, so it’s important to be prepared.

Sometimes power outages can last a few days, so think about what essentials you would need to use if the power was out and consider purchasing a generator that fits your needs.

#7: Secure doors and windows.

Take time to brace your doors and secure your garage door and fence gate for high winds before a storm. Also, check the sealing on your windows and doors; these can deteriorate over time, especially in the heat. Reseal any deteriorated sealing to ensure rain can’t get in.

Protecting your windows with hurricane shutters may also be necessary, depending on where you live and the expected wind speeds.

What do I need to do after the storm?

Knowing what to do after the storm has passed is just as important as knowing how to prepare for a hurricane.

Homeowners insurance plays an important role in protecting your assets when natural disasters strike. It’s important to note that floods can be likely in severe storms, and flood insurance is not the same as homeowners insurance.

After the storm, take photos and an inventory to compare to those created before the hurricane. If your home is damaged in a hurricane, contact your insurance company and inform them of your loss and file a claim.

Need help preparing your home for hurricane season?

Moreno & Moreno can install, replace, and repair your home’s screens, railings and gutters to prepare your home for hurricane season.

With over 20 years of experience, Moreno & Moreno is trusted as the top home improvement professionals in Central Florida by home builders, property managers and homeowners alike.

Contact us online today or call us at 407.300.4500 to book your free estimate.

Sources:

1: Insurance Information Institute | Facts + Statistics: Hurricanes

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