Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

If you live in the Southeastern United States, you may have experienced a hurricane. Between the months of June and November, hurricanes can cause damage to homes and property. Following these suggestions will help you prepare your home for hurricane season.

Prepare Your Windows

Boarding up your windows will decrease the chance that debris could cause damage to your home. Plywood can be installed over the windows when a storm is in the forecast. For those living in hurricane-prone areas, especially along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, investing in hurricane shutters provides greater security. In addition, you won’t have the hassle of having to install and remove plywood with each storm.

Secure Outdoor Furniture to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

While shattered glass is definitely dangerous, projectiles are an even bigger concern. It’s important to remove or secure any outdoor furniture before a storm. Furniture or play equipment that is lifted by strong winds can cause damage to your home or injury to anyone in the area. If you are able, bring patio furniture, children’s toys, the grill, and lawn ornaments indoors to prepare for a storm. If you cannot carry things inside, bolt heavy items to a secure anchor outdoors.

Be Ready for Flooding

Flooding is one of the problems you may face during a hurricane. To prevent or at least reduce water damage, place sandbags around the perimeter of your home. This will help to slow or prevent rising water indoors.

Shut off and unplug electrical appliances that could be submerged. Removing rugs or carpeting that is on lower levels will prevent the likelihood of mildew or mold in case water enters your home.