6 Tips to Hurricane-Proof Your House

Hurricanes can be a menace to millions of people each and every year. The incredibly strong winds are capable of damaging your home and making the entire situation an uncomfortable mess.

If a hurricane is predicted to be on its way – we’ve got your back. Here are 6 tips to hurricane-proof your home even against the strongest of winds.

• Prep Your Windows

To hurricane-proof your windows, you’ll want to inspect them, shutter them, and then lock them before the storm hits. If you inspect a window and there are cracks, damages, or you feel a visible airflow – you will want to reseal first.

Install shutters (hurricane-specific shutters if possible) to absorb some of the wind impact and debris that may come inside during a hurricane. Importantly, don’t mount the shutter on your window frame and instead mount the shutter to the walls surrounding the window.

If there’s no time to reseal or shutter, you may opt for a durable replacement storm window found at most construction stores or online.

• Install A Heavy-Duty Bolt To Your Doors

Doorways are another entry point that can wreak havoc if they can’t withstand high hurricane winds. Once the hurricane breaks through, the wind can get trapped and easily tear your home up inside out. If you’re not confident in a door’s ability to stand tall and sturdy, we recommend purchasing a bolt kit from a hardware store or online. These kits are quick and easy to install and add a substantial amount of reinforcement to the tops and bottoms of all doors.

• Install Metal Roof Straps

Roofs are often neglected when compared to the rest of your home. This might come back to bite your butt when a hurricane is looming in the corner. You most likely won’t have time to redo your entire roof, but installing metal roof straps can offer bonus security and can be done in a quicker amount of time.

• Store Your Valuables Somewhere Safe

One often-overlooked factor of a hurricane is the storm surges that come with them. Storm surges lead to flooding, and this flooding can make a hurricane even more menacing. Ideally, you’ll want to store any valuables in secure water-proof containers that can be easily identified during the aftermath.

• Clean Out The Gutters

Another tip to reduce the chances of flooding is to unclog all the gunk that builds up in your gutters. Clean the leaves, branches, and other debris found in your gutters to deter overflow.

• Trim Trees And Bushes

If there are trees or bushes in close proximity to your home, you will want to trim them so they are not near your windows or doors. Aim to trim trees and bushes so that they are at least 10 feet away from all points of entry.

If nearby trees and bushes look unhealthy or you suspect them of toppling over during the hurricane, it will be much better to cut them down well in advance. This will keep your home safe and make for an easier time during the post-hurricane cleanup process.

https://ygrene.com/blog/hurricane-protection/27-steps-prepare-your-home-hurricane