Hurricane Preparedness List
- Make plans to secure your property. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
- Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
- Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed.
- Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
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French doors - Brace with 2 X 4’s
- Ornamental Shutters - Remove and store out of the wind.
- Consider building a safe room. Locate the safest areas in your home and places to meet. In certain circumstances the safest areas may not be your home, but someplace else within your community.
- Electrical Appliances - Unplug from wall outlets.
- Swimming Pool - Drain approximately one foot of water from the pool.
- Storage Shed - Tie down the shed using straps or thick rope and attach to ground.
- Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your homes vulnerability to storm surges, flooding and wind.
- Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single contact point.
- Make a plan what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.
- Check your insurance coverage - this type of flood damage is not usually covered by home owners insurance.
- Determine escape routes from your home and places to meet. These should be measured in tens of miles rather than hundreds of miles.
While writing this hurricane preparedness blog article it made me think of a quote by Louis Pasteur “Chance favors only the prepared mind”. By being prepared for a hurricane before it’s at your front door, the chances of you and your family coming thru it unscathed will be greatly increased.
Stay Dry!!!