Storm-related events like hurricanes and floods can wreak havoc on your home and family. By performing effective maintenance tasks, you can help safeguard against these natural catastrophes.
Install New Windows
Hurricane season exposes your home to strong winds and airborne debris that can break windows and cause significant damage, so resealing old windows vulnerable to such damage is one of the key steps you should take before hurricanes strike.
Newer windows are specifically designed to withstand high winds and debris providing greater protection for your home than older models. Installing new windows is also a smart investment for any homeowner and can increase property values – the summer is the ideal time for this upgrade!
Installing storm shutters or plywood to provide additional window protection may be another good solution. Accordion-style shutters attach directly to exterior windows and fold back when not needed – perfect for areas prone to wind damage during hurricanes. In addition, plywood provides additional shielding if your doors contain glass panes.
When boarding up windows, always purchase or cut plywood sheets that are at least an inch bigger on each side than your window and label them clearly so you can quickly secure them during an emergency situation. If you’re not doing your own Miami window installation, the pros will have it taken care of. This will enable you to be ready when something arises that requires immediate security of windows.
After you have boarded up your windows, it is wise to trim nearby trees and shrubbery that could become projectiles during a hurricane, leading to serious injuries or property damage. Furthermore, check on your portable generator to replace its fuel supply as necessary.
If you own an elevated house, make sure it is inspected and secured prior to hurricane season. Inspecting will help ensure it can withstand high winds and rainfall associated with a hurricane.
Replace Your Roof
Even though it may be impossible to prevent every bit of damage caused by an intense storm, you can take several measures to protect your home. This is especially true when it comes to your roof: whether the threat comes in the form of a hurricane or another major storm, making sure that it remains undamaged can help save costly repairs or loss of property in its wake.
Along with inspecting your roof, it is also a wise idea to review the condition of your gutters and downspouts. Blocked gutters can cause water to back up onto your roof through leaky or otherwise blocked spouts, potentially leading to leaks and roof rot. Furthermore, overgrown tree limbs could break off during storms and cause havoc throughout your yard, potentially causing even further damage.
Before storm season begins, it is wise to have your gutters professionally cleaned. Any issues should also be immediately addressed. In addition, consider purchasing a backup generator in case power goes out during a storm, and practice how to use the equipment properly before it becomes necessary in an emergency.
An important step when preparing for severe storms is securing lawn furniture, tools, flower pots and any other items that could become projectiles during an extreme event. You should also move items that could become projectiles such as sheds, patio covers and playsets from their exterior locations such as sheds and patio cover to safe locations away from high winds – including sheds and patio covers playsets
Add a Storm Shutter
Hurricane shutters offer your windows and doors protection from hurricane winds and debris, both of which are common during an attack. They can either be permanent or temporary window coverings; for those preferring permanent shutters there are numerous styles available at local home centers or specialty dealers – handyman services may even install shutters like these before a storm arrives! Having hurricane shutters installed will bring peace of mind should a severe hurricane strike your region forcing evacuation procedures to be initiated immediately.
Accordion shutters can be attached permanently to exterior windows and folded away out of sight when not needed, making for an inexpensive yet quick and easy installation process. They’re relatively affordable too – take an afternoon to install! Doors may also be susceptible to wind-borne debris damage; for extra protection you could reinforce their frame using plywood or install a heavy-duty deadbolt lock.
Hurricane fabric coverings offer an economical option to protect window openings in Florida without breaking the bank. Made of corrugated panels of steel, aluminum or polycarbonate plastic (polycarbonate), they attach directly to your home using special fasteners – ideal for homes without permanent shutters in their budget and often tested and approved as compliant systems by building code authorities.
Preparing your home for hurricane season can be an arduous task. To ease the process, begin by prioritizing vulnerable parts of your house. Doing this will not only give you peace of mind but will increase the odds that your family survives a severe hurricane.
Install a Generator
Homeowners living in areas prone to hurricanes or other severe weather should invest in a generator as a backup power source, which can keep their fridge, lights, appliances and devices functioning during an outage. Once a storm strikes, utilities may take days or even weeks to restore power in affected areas.
Before any storm arrives, this article explains why it is critical that your generator is in top working condition. To do this, ensure all its components have been carefully inspected as well as its fuel system for leaks. Having an electrician inspect electrical wiring and gas lines beforehand may also help identify potential problems that may occur during an outage.
When you don’t have access to a generator, it is crucial that you stockpile non-perishable foods, bottled water, first aid supplies and other emergency items in case they become necessary during an evacuation plan. You should also learn more about your community’s evacuation plans to be prepared should such an event arise and evacuate safely if necessary.
Preparing your home for a storm can be challenging, but taking proactive measures to protect your family can make a real difference in terms of repairs and replacement costs later on. At Bo’s Electric we can assist by scheduling a consultation to find you a generator tailored specifically to your needs! Get in touch with us now so that we can assist!