Hurricane Home Prep
Written by Dean Rowland
We all know the damage hurricanes can cause to our homes and property. Matthew in 2016 is a good reminder.
Preparation is the best way to assess your home’s defense against hurricane winds that will come.
Permanent storm shutters provide the best protection for windows and doors, as does boarding up your windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install for temporary protection.
If you’re an electronics geek, make sure you install house-wide surge protection to protect against flooding, power surges, and damage from debris that has shattered your windows and landed on top of your media control panel.
Your next step should be to move all your electronics (televisions, gaming systems, speakers, lamps and musical equipment) away from windows into a safe, secure space.
Be sure to inspect your home to make sure all outside wall openings are sealed. Vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose bibs and locations for cables and pipes are targets for invasion.
Noticeable damp areas near doors and windows are a red flag for future damage. Check window and door frames for pre-existing damage. Seal any openings or cracks with caulk.
Look outside and what do you see? Stuff in the yard. Relocate the bikes, lawn furniture, grills, umbrellas, chairs, toys and everything else. When the wind blows at 74 mph, so will they.
The best protection for your home against hurricanes is to build or reside in a hurricane-proof home, of course. They can withstand 220 mph winds, a Category 5 blast knocking on your door.
These bullet-proof homes are built of concrete, masonry, steel or laminated wood and feature a plethora of goodies: hurricane clips or straps, asphalt or metal shingles, or structural insulated panels to secure the roof to the walls and prevent damage from wind and debris.
They are also watertight and airtight. Hurricane-proof homes can be built as modular homes in a factory and then delivered and set in place on site to ensure avoidance of storm-surge flooding.
Perhaps most importantly is to get your entire family engaged in specific responsibilities and have an action plan, said Thomas Dunn, emergency manager for the town of Hilton Head.
It’s especially timely advice with hurricanes season upon us.
“Now’s the time to sit down and think about everything,” he said. “Get yourself organized” and avoid chaos later on. Dunn also suggests doing a practice run so everyone knows their responsibilities.
To help keep your home safe consider:
• Replacing a vulnerable garage door that’s on its last hinges.
• Switching old windows in need of replacement with impact-resistant glass.
• Trimming trees and shrubs and installing straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure.
• Clearing loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts to prevent misdirected flooding.
• Installing storm shutters to protect windows and doors, and moving all outdoor furniture, toys and grills indoors.
