Hurricane season approaches at the end of summer. With the anticipation of potentially stormy skies ahead, you should take the time now to prepare your home. Considering a few tips for protecting your home during hurricane season will help you rest easier come August.
Double-Check Inventory and Insurance Policies
Everyone should keep an inventory of their belongings, especially their valuable or irreplaceable items. These things should also be insured. Hurricanes are unpredictable when it comes to where they’ll do the most damage. Keeping a record of the most important objects you own and making sure your insurance policies are up to date will help give you peace of mind.
Make sure you are covered for flood damage, as well as other scenarios that could cause hazardous effects on your property. In the event of colossal damage caused by a tropical storm, you will not be held liable. Be sure that you are insured for the full cost of your home in case of extreme damage.
Secure Your Home
Living in a tropical area means it’s important to consider potential issues and take the necessary precautions. When preparing your home for potential storms, start with the roof and work your way down. The roof is the largest possible opening through which wind and water can enter your home and cause issues. Having your roof inspected and ensuring your shingles or tiles are secure is essential. Invest the money to seal your roof to add extra waterproofing properties.
In Florida, it is required that homes have metal roof straps that attach the roof to the walls. This is not typical in other parts of the country or world, but it is yet another step toward preventing extreme wind and water damage to the roof. You’ll want to make sure that you seal any holes in your home, especially those located around doors and windows. Installing hurricane resistant windows or shutters can help as well.
Fortify Your Yard and Pool
One of the easiest things you can do to prepare for an incoming tropical storm is to store lawn items such as grills, furniture, decorations inside to prevent them objects from flying into your home with alarming force.
Additionally, if you have a pool, you’re going to want to take a few precautions to ensure its protection. Powering off electrical systems, securing items that may be picked up by the wind, and covering the pool are all steps that you should take. Preparing your pool for hurricane season will keep your pool safe from damage and water contamination in the event of storms or flooding.
Let’s face it, y’all—at the end of the day, being a Floridian means you’re living in a place that most people deem to be paradise. Tropical life is a fine way to spend your years. Taking a few cautionary measures to protect your home during hurricane season will help guard yourself, your family, and your belongings and will allow you to keep living the paradisal dream.
