Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season

Make sure trees are properly pruned. Most storm damage is caused by large limbs breaking and damaging the structure or the roof. Mature trees should be addressed every few years.

Homeowners should invest in their windows, either replacing them with impact-resistant glass or providing protection in the form of precut plywood, storm shutters or protective screens. PLYLOX clips secure the plywood to the brick or stucco opening and are available at home centers.

While some areas along the coast require windstorm-rated doors, windows and garage doors, anyone who lives in an area that is prone to high winds during a hurricane should consider installing them. Also, it is highly recommended that homeowners ensure their storm shutters are working before they’re needed.

Roofs meeting high-wind specifications can be a home’s lifesaver. The material is the same, but the felt has a specific nail pattern and uses tin disks that make the roof stronger, and the shingles’ nail pattern uses more nails.

Make sure objects that could be picked up by the wind are secured, this includes lawn and patio furniture, kids’ play items, yard art and decorations, and landscape items. Also, be sure to repair loose fence boards that could become dislodged.”

We also recommend removing a few pickets from wood fences to allow the wind to blow through the fence instead of blowing it over.

Homeowners should invest in a generator and be sure to have plenty of fuel on hand. Always use some type of stabilizer in the fuel to ensure its combustibility and proper functioning of the generator.

Sufficient insurance to replace a home and its contents in the event of major damage or loss is key, homeowners must remember that flood insurance must be purchased separately from loss coverage caused by wind.