Hurricane season has begun. From the beginning of June to the end of November, America sees many different hurricanes and tropical storms. So many that in 2020 alone, we passed the alphabet and had to start naming storms after the Greek alphabet. While not every state in the US has to deal with these superstorms, many of them do. No matter where you live, we want you to be ready. That is why we created this guide showing you how to prepare your house for hurricane season.
Gather Supplies
Whenever a hurricane comes blowing through your area, you need to be prepared, especially when it comes to supplies for surviving. These storms can cause power outages, flooding, tornados and serious damage. Before the storm approaches, you need to make sure you have enough supplies to last you at least two weeks. Items you will need include:
- Dry food goods
- Drinking water
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Flashlights
- Batteries
- Candles
- Matches or Lighters
- Battery packs to charge phones
- Medications
- Other essential items you and your family needs
Make an Emergency Plan
Hurricanes can cause the unexpected. Sometimes a weak storm can become powerful in a matter of a few hours. By that point, it is too late to find proper shelter unless you have an emergency plan. If you have everything well-planned, you can reach safety in the nick of time. List out all your exit points and safe areas and how to get to them. You will also want to become familiar with your evacuation zone and how to access them.
Protect Your Home & Property
Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause significant damage to a home, especially if it is not protected. If you know a hurricane is heading your way, there are a few things you need to do to make sure your house incurs the least amount of damage, including:
- Boarding up all the windows
- Placing garage door breaks to keep the door from flying away
- Installing heavy-duty bolts to all exterior doors
- Trimming trees and shrubs
- Clearing gutters
Place All Valuables in a Water-Resistant Safe or Pouch
If you have important documents or valuables that are not waterproof, then you need to place them all in a water-resistant safe or pouch. The best items to store in a safe or pouch include:
- Passports
- Birth certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Fine jewelry
- Social security cards
- Cash
- Family photos and videos
- Other important documents and items
Prepare for Long-Term Outages
Just like many other storms, hurricanes can cut off power. Some intense storms can cause individuals to be without power for over two weeks. The best way to stay prepared during a power outage is to have a generator. Your generator does not have to power your entire house, but instead your refrigerator, sump pump and few other electronic devices. We recommend buying a generator before you know a storm is coming. Many places will sell out or charge extra if there is an intense storm coming towards your area.
Clear Lawn
The sheer force from hurricane winds can blow things into your home. Before you know it, your lawn furniture and grill can come flying through your front door. Objects outside can cause serious damage to your home, and in worst cases harm you or your family. Before the storm hits your area, you need to clear your yard of any objects that can fly away. Bring inside outdoor furniture and decor or tie things down in the ground. The fewer things you have outside, the fewer chances you have of items flying in.
Consider Flood Insurance
One of the most damaging things hurricanes cause is flooding. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or your home sits below sea level, you need to purchase a flood insurance plan on your property. As a note, most insurance policies cover damages from the hurricane but do not cover the floods that follow. That is why it is important to have flood insurance added to your insurance plan.
By following this guide, you can get your home ready for hurricane season. Anytime your home undergoes damages from storms, let Valor Home Services help. Our skilled team of experts can repair or remodel any area outside or inside your home. Send us pictures of your damages today.
