SolveYourProblem Article Series: Hurricanes
Hurricane Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols

How to Hurricane Proof Your Home

Everyone has seen those pictures in the news of people rushing to their local home improvement store to stock up on plywood as a hurricane approaches their area. But who needs that last minute, race against the clock to secure your most valuable investment, as a potentially devastating storm bears down on you? You have enough to worry about when a hurricane approaches your area. There are many steps you can take before hurricane season even starts to help secure your home and protect it from as much damage as possible.

While it may not be the most obvious choice, most experts recommend that you start hurricane proofing your home with your garage. It is estimated that at least 80% of the wind damage done to homes occurs after the wind has entered the home through the garage door. Most garage doors are extremely flimsy and lightweight, making them extremely vulnerable to flying debris, or even being ripped right off. You can figure out if how strong your garage door is by looking for a pressure sticker on the door. If there is no sticker, than your door is at risk of being damaged, and by extension, it puts the rest of your house at risk. Consider swapping your lightweight door for an impact resistant one. It’s not cheap - expect to pay around $1,200 - but it’s much cheaper than repairing the damage that will happen to your home if that door is compromised during a storm. In a pinch, tack some ¾ inch thick plywood to the door.

That plywood can also be used to protect your windows, of course, but if you live in a hurricane prone zone, it may not be enough. Taping the windows will not get them through a direct hit from a storm either. If hurricanes threaten your area often, go for impact resistant windows. These windows can hold their own against flying debris. Though they cost as much as twice the price of normal windows, in the long run, they may be the best investment you ever make. Another option for windows is storm shutters. These come in accordion, aluminum, or roll-up styles, and cost about $60 per square foot of window. If you go for shutters, make sure you get a brand that has the Miami-Dade County building code approval - the gold standard of hurricane proof designs.

Roofs are common hurricane casualties, but you can give yours some extra oomph with some premium strength floor adhesive from your local hardware store. Simply place a bit of glue under the roof, where the roof meets the beams, using a caulking gun.

Trees can be a threat to both your home and your safety. Keep an eye on the trees on your property and look for any signs of disease, like mushrooms growing from the bark, or any cracks in large branches. Cut back trees, which hang over your home or your neighbors’ homes, and cut down any trees that lean too much to one side.

If you follow these steps in advance, then your home should ready for hurricane season before you have to deal with any watches or warnings. If a storm does approach, the last step you should take is to secure all of your outdoor furniture, your grill, and any lawn ornaments. These things can become destructive and dangerous missiles in hurricane strength wind. Don’t take a chance, bring it inside. Of course, nothing can 100% guarantee that your home will not be damaged by a storm, but these steps will give you as much protection as possible.

Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2007

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