Every year, hurricane season brings the potential for costly damage to homes in coastal areas. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of damage, there are several steps that homeowners can take to minimize the odds of experiencing a major loss. So if you’re looking for ways to protect your home during hurricane season, here are five great options to consider.
1. Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Cleaning your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year will help reduce the risk of flooding and water damage to your home. Be sure to remove all leaves, twigs, and other debris from your gutters so that they can drain properly. Inspect your gutters and downspouts for any signs of damage, such as leaks, cracks, or holes, and repair them as soon as possible. You should also consider installing gutter guards or leaf screens. These help keep debris out of your gutters, making it even easier to keep them clear.
2. Trim Trees and Shrubs Around Your Home
Another way to reduce the risk of damage to your home during a hurricane is to trim any trees or shrubs close to your house. Overhanging branches can break windows and cause other damage when they’re blown around in high winds. Trimming them back can help minimize the chances of this happening. If you have any large trees on your property, it’s also a good idea to have them checked by a certified arborist. They can help you determine if the tree is healthy and likely to withstand high winds. If not, it’s better to have it removed before hurricane season to avoid the risk of it falling on your home. Remember, never attempt to remove a large tree yourself. Always hire a professional to do it for you.
3. Invest in Hurricane Shutters
Correctly installed hurricane inserts can last for three or more decades. However, that does not mean you should not invest in hurricane shutters for your home. Hurricane shutters come in various materials, including aluminum, plywood, and impact-resistant polycarbonate. They can be installed permanently or as removable panels that can be attached when needed. No matter which type you choose, ensure that they’re properly rated for wind resistance and installed correctly. Plywood is the least expensive option, but it will need to be replaced every few years due to weathering. Aluminum shutters are more durable and require less maintenance, but they’re also more expensive.
4. Protect Your Outdoor Furniture
If you have any outdoor furniture or decorations, it’s important to take steps to protect them before hurricane season. High winds can easily pick up and throw around patio furniture, grills, and other items. To avoid this, be sure to secure them or store them away safely before a storm hits. If you don’t have enough space to store everything indoors, you can also buy or rent storage to keep them in. Don’t worry about where to find storage; there are plenty of storage facilities available that can accommodate your needs. In fact, the storage industry is increasingly dominated by the residential and moving markets. Together, these markets generate 55.4% of the total industry revenue as of 2019. This number is expected to continue increasing rapidly, with one out of every ten Americans requiring a residential storage solution annually.
5. Secure Your Plumbing System
According to research, in the next five years, more than 100 major projects along the Gulf Coast will require piping, flanges, and various pipe fittings. Many of these projects will be in hurricane-prone areas. As a result, ensuring that your plumbing system is secure and up to code before hurricane season is essential. This includes ensuring that all pipes and fittings are properly secured and that any exposed piping is protected from high winds. Also, be sure to have a professional inspect your home’s plumbing system to ensure everything is in good working order.
By taking some simple precautions, you can help keep your home safe from wind, water, and other hazards associated with hurricanes. And best of all, many of these measures can be implemented on a budget. Following these simple tips can help protect your home during hurricane season without hurting your finances. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to hurricanes. Make sure that you’re prepared before the next one hits.
