Hurricane Security – Preparing Your Property from Possible Damage
Damages induced by hurricanes can be disastrous for your home. The huge gusts of winds can break windows, tear apart roofs and knock over trees. Your home is also exposed to water damage from downpours. Nevertheless, there are approaches you can take to protect your home from heavy storms. Follow the approaches listed below to assure you, your family and your home is defended from a hurricane and to avoid excessive storm damage repairs.
Things to Keep in Mind When a Hurricane Approaches
- Garage Door – In fact, your garage is actually one of the more vulnerable spots when it comes to extreme storms such as hurricanes. The logic behind it: the average garage door is not reinforced and heavy winds can get into the area. When this happens, a positive push generates in the garage, and as the winds are swirling above your structure, this causes a negative pull. With the push-pull combination, this can place a lot of stress on your roof and ultimately it could rip it off your garage. To combat this from happening, the best approach is to buy a kit that braces your garage door. Although, if time isn’t on your side to install a kit, then you can use your car to support your garage door.
- Windows and Doors – The other problematic areas in your home are your access points such as your windows and doors. Broken windows will allow wind and rain to move through your home, and this can cause water damage problems. When a storm is on the way, make sure you lock your windows. If you have storm shutters, make sure they are in good condition and locked, but if you don’t have storm shutters, you can board up your windows to keep probable damage out of your house. Additionally, keep in mind that placing masking tape on your windows won’t do anything to secure them. Regarding your doors, utilize the deadbolts or any other locks to verify they don’t pop open during heavy wind gusts.
- Roof – Make sure to inspect your roof for any loose shingles and other vulnerable spots. You can use roof cement to fix any loose shingles, and you should consider getting hurricane straps to make sure your roof is fastened to your home. Additionally, you’ll want to seal any spots where wires enter into your home to avoid any water damage from happening. During your roof examination, this is a good time to see if your gutters are clear of debris. Proper irrigation is vital for water run-off during the hurricane.
- Your Property – Your yard can be a primary hazard when a hurricane hits your town. Any loose items could be picked from the extreme wind and be heaved into your house and your neighbor’s as well. Walk around your yard and relocate any children’s toys, patio furniture, BBQs and garden accessories to a location out of harm’s way. One other thing you’ll want to do is remove any dangling or dead limbs from your shrubs and trees.
- Car – When you’re caught up in protecting your home from a hurricane, it’s understandable that you forget about your car. Make sure that you have a full tank of gas, that your tires aren’t worn down, the windows are up and that your windshield wipers are working. If you park your car on the street, you’ll want to verify that you’re not parked under any trees or in a location that is susceptible to floods.
Paul Davis’ Hurricane Damage Cleanup & Restoration Services
Despite all the necessary steps you take in defending your home, there is only so much you can do against storm damages. If your property experiences damage generated from a hurricane, reach out to the professionals at Paul Davis. We can restore your home back to where it was with our storm damage restoration and remediation services. In addition, we work with different insurance companies and we can offer guidance and help you determine if your damage is covered. Reach out to us today at 651.243.0737 to find a franchise near your area.
