How to Safeguard Your Home from a Hurricane – Prevent Storm Damage

Damage caused by hurricanes can be disastrous for your property. The extreme weather conditions can harm any property, such as smash windows, separate roofs and knock over trees and shrubs. Your property is also vulnerable to water damage from the constant rain. However, there are precautions you can take to secure your home from heavy weather conditions. Follow the guidelines below to assure you, your family and your home is secure from a hurricane and to avoid the need for storm damage restoration.

Hurricane Precaution Checklist – Best Approaches to Prevent Storm Damage

  • Garage Door – Indeed, your garage is really one of the most susceptible places when it comes to extreme weather conditions like hurricanes. The reason why: most garage doors are not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the area. When this occurs, a positive push generates in the garage, and as the winds are churning above your structure, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of stress on your roof and eventually it could rip it off your garage. To combat this from happening, the best approach is to purchase a kit that braces your garage door. But if it’s too late to put in a garage door kit, then you can use your car to support your garage door.
  • Windows and Doors – A common incidence that’s correlated with hurricanes is water damage, and when your doors and windows aren’t safeguarded this will allow the wind and rain to move in your home. Before the storm reaches your area, make sure your shutters are sturdy and in a working condition. The latches need to be strong and it may be necessary to put additional locks on them. You can also cover your windows with some OSB if you don’t have storm shutters. A common misconception with window prep is that you can use masking tape on the window; but this doesn’t help at all. Also, make sure your doors are in strong condition and that the deadbolts are working properly. You can also brace your doors for extra security.
  • Roof – Your roof is a number one defense against Mother Nature, and that’s why it’s vital to make sure it’s prepared for a hurricane. Locate any loose shingles and mend them with roofing concrete. You’ll also want irrigation for the strong rains, so clear out your gutters so the water doesn’t concentrate on your roof. You can then check out any wires that are entering into your home and seal off any susceptible gaps to prevent water damage from happening. Finally, judge whether it’s critical to secure your roof with hurricane straps.
  • Your Property – Your yard can be a number one risk when a hurricane approaches. Any loose items could be lifted from the high wind and be propelled into your residence and your neighbor’s too. Make sure to relocate any patio furniture, BBQs, garden accessories and children’s toys to an area out of harm’s way. Another thing you’ll want to do is cut back any dangling or dead branches from your trees and shrubs.
  • Car – Your vehicle can easily be forgotten when you’re protecting your house for a storm. But it’s a good idea to get your vehicle ready too, so make sure you have: a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, good tires and your windows sealed. Also, be vigilant of where you park your vehicle, especially if you rely on street parking. Check that your vehicle isn’t beneath any trees or in an area that’s prone to floods.

Call a Local Paul Davis Franchise Today

Hurricanes can generate a lot of damage, and there is only so much you can do to defend your property. If you’re in need of storm damage restoration services, call Paul Davis. We can restore your house back to normal in a timely manner. You can count on the expert storm damage restoration team at Paul Davis. Give us a call now at (301) 948-8008 and a franchise near your location will be there to help.