Hurricane Season begins June 1st and typically ends in late November effecting the areas of the east coast of the United States, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and even up the coast towards New York.
According to AccuWeather’s meteorologist prediction, “Based on current weather data as well as long-range climate clues, the forecasters are urging residents in traditional hurricane-prone areas of the United States to make their preparations now.” Here are the best ways to prepare your property and family for the unknown season to come.
Impact Windows, Hurricane Shutters and Plywood
The best time to prepare for a storm is when there isn’t one on the way. Some preparations can even save you on your annual home owners insurance and can save you thousands in possible damage.
Impact Windows: These are windows able to withstand winds up to category 5 and impact from debris.
Hurricane Shutters: Shutters come in all shapes and sizes. Typically, shutters are available in many different materials and can vary in installation style.
Overall Best: Rolling Shutters.
Best Value: Fabric Storm Panels.
Quick Fix: Storm Panels.
Most Stylish: Colonial Shutters.
Most Versatile: Bermuda Shutters.
Best for Sliding Doors: Accordion Shutters
Plywood: Our least favorite option, but it’s better than nothing. However, plywood can protect your home from window impalement in cases where other material is not available.
Secure Garage Door Brace
Often unthought of but you will be glad you invested in one. As expected, they are affordable and can protect your garage door from damages of high winds, break ins and are super easy to install.
Landscaping Hurricane Preparation
Trim your trees. Trim your trees. Trim your trees. Your windows, your cars and your neighbors will thank you. Making sure that your landscaping stays neat and that all loose branches that can become flying debris are removed prior to there being a storm announced can save you lots of money. However, once a storm is announced communities rush to prepare which can cause price gouging and/or leave you securing your property on your own, yes, the DIY way.
Hurricane Preparation Emergency Checklist
Make a checklist of hurricane preparation items you have on hand that are non-parishable and items you need to obtain before a storm. Keep an inventory on medications, pet foods, battery powered utensils and other life saving materials that can keep you safe under worst circumstances.
- Review your local authority’s plan
- Create a plan (including an emergency plan for your pets)
- Sign up for your local emergency management alert system
- Stock up on emergency supplies
- Put together a “go-bag” (again remember your pets)
- Prepare and protect your property
- Make yourself financially prepared (we recommend keeping cash on hand in the case electricity does not work you will not be able to use credit card to pay)
Additional Often Unthought of Preparation Ideas
Keep hurricane preparation materials on hand to handle a worst case scenario –
Mold Prevention: controlling the moisture in your house, removing any water-damaged or damp materials and belongings such as dry-wall, carpets, rugs, bedding, furniture, etc and checking for any active roof leaks if you believe your home was impacted.
Damage List: In the case your home is impacted, clearly document any damage with photos including the water level, the house exterior and the damage to personal belongings before you start cleaning up or doing preventative care. These pictures will be used for insurance or federal assistance claims.
If you have experienced damage and have questions give us a call.