This year’s storm season, the peak of which spans June 1 through November 30, is predicted to have an 85% above-normal season. Even if the season is “normal,” homes must be ready to withstand high-storm winds and rain.
5 Ways To Prepare Your Central Florida Home For Hurricanes
1. Have a Practiced Plan in Place
Having – and practicing – a hurricane preparedness plan should be an annual routine. This is especially true if you have seniors, children, or individuals with special needs living with you.
This includes things like:
- Checking and restocking your hurricane/disaster supply kit.
- Creating a house evacuation plan if needed (Where will you go? How will you get there? Should buddies be assigned to anyone who may need help? What’s your communication strategy if you’re separated – remembering that cell phones are not a safe bet?)
- Who are the “safe people” in the neighborhood in case children are separated from their parents?
- Being prepared for long-term power outages (generators, backup batteries, solar-powered lamps and chargers, and so on).
- And much more.
2. Catch Up on Your Yard Maintenance
Overgrown trees, loose lawn ornaments, unsecured patio furniture, and a generally messy yard threaten the home during storm season.
During a hurricane, debris from your yard can be picked up and tossed at speeds upwards of 100 mph. That’s fast enough to break your windows or put a hole in your wall. So, now would be an excellent time to catch up on that yard work. Make sure you:
- Clean out your gutters
- Trim back trees and bushes (especially any limbs hanging over the roof)
- Remove unnecessary yard clutter
Cleaning up the yard makes your home significantly safer during a major hurricane.
3. Secure Doors and Windows
During a wind mitigation inspection, we examine all home openings and penetrations, with special attention to doors and windows.
- Make sure windows and doors are sealed and reinforced to withstand hurricane-force winds.
- Pay special attention to your garage door if you have one. While it may seem sturdy, your garage door is the most vulnerable spot in your home.
- If you want to keep your current door, you can at least install braces to help it better withstand wind.
4. Check For Roof Leaks or Weak Spots
Leaks are bad news year-round, but during hurricane season, even minor leaks can become major problems. The torrential rain that even small tropical storms bring will worsen current leaks and create new ones. That’s why you need to identify existing and potential leaks and fix problem areas before storm season kicks into high gear.
It wouldn’t hurt to bring in an expert for this. Using tools like infrared technology, they can spot these minor or potential issues more effectively. Hurricane season is almost at your doorstep, and time is not a premium.
5. Schedule a Wind Mitigation Inspection
Is your home 15 years old or more? It’s probably time to schedule a wind mitigation inspection. Within 24 hours or less, you’ll have a complete, detailed inspection report stating the condition of your home as it is now, a list of any glaring red flags, and any recommended improvements in order of priority.
In addition to preparing your home for hurricane season, the results of a wind mitigation inspection – or your remediation red flags – can save money on homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Contact SIP to See Whether Your Home is Ready For Storm Season
Are you looking for a home inspector who can help you storm-proof your home? Contact us today at Super Inspection Pros.
