Living in Florida has a lot of amazing advantages. The sunny weather and the beautiful beaches are enough to win everyone’s heart over, and it is not a surprise that it is one of the most beloved places in the U.S. Nevertheless, we cannot deny the fact that this state is also one of the most hurricane prone areas in the country, meaning that some extra protection may be necessary if you are living there.
Of course, not all of the places in Florida carry the same risks. Meaning that there are some cities which are less prone, and then some that are more prone to hurricanes. The top 3 hurricane prone cities are actually Miami, Tampa, and Key West. This is due to their geographical position, and there’s no doubt that you should use all the protection methods you can in order to keep your home safe if you’re living in any of those cities.
This, however, doesn’t quite mean that you should not take any safety precautions and measures if you live in other places in Florida. We were just emphasizing those cities that are most prone to these kinds of natural disasters. But the truth is that, wherever you live, you should actually do everything in your power to properly protect your property and ensure that it can endure this kind of a natural disaster without suffering too much damage.
The question now, though, is how you can do this. So, that is what we are going to be focusing on next. To put it simply, below I am going to share some pieces of advice that should help you keep your property safe during hurricane season. Of course, as you will see, some of the advice I’ll share will have to do with year-round maintenance, meaning that you shouldn’t just remember these safety and protection measures once the hurricane season comes. Anyway, without any more ado, let me tell you what you need to know.
Your Roof Is Quite Vulnerable
The first thing to understand is that your roof is rather vulnerable when it comes to hurricanes. In fact, it is the most vulnerable part of your home, and if it isn’t properly protected, the high winds can cause a lot of damage to it, which can lead to other structural issues. Since you would much rather avoid that, it goes without saying that you should do your best to strengthen and protect the actual roof.
How can you do that, though? Well, for starters, you should do regular inspections, aiming at uncovering any weak points on time, before it is too late. Check if there are any loose shingles, panels, or tiles, and replace those immediately. Furthermore, use waterproof sealants to seal any gaps that could let water in and thus cause a flood. And, finally, install hurricane straps, to reduce the risk of your roof being blown away.
Here are some more tips on how to protect your home: https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/5-expert-tips-for-protecting-your-home-against-hurricane-damage-2/432176
So Are Your Windows and Doors
Your roof, of course, is not the only vulnerable part. The doors and the windows are also the weak points, and they need to be properly protected with the aim of minimizing risk of damage. You can use heavy-duty bolts to reinforce your sliding doors, you can install shutters to safeguard the windows against flying debris, but there is actually one specific thing that you should always do before the hurricane season, to maximize your safety.
In short, I am referring to installing hurricane windows and doors. Those are made to be highly impact resistant, and to be able to withstand high winds, as well as the flying debris, without getting damaged or broken. So, take your time to find the right provider and to have those impact windows and doors installed, as that is certainly going to make your property much safer come hurricane season.
You Have to Think About Flood Protection
It’s not all about the winds and the flying debris, is it? After all, hurricanes can cause a lot of floods, especially in those properties that don’t have the right protection system in place. There is no doubt that floods are a great threat in Florida, which means that you’ll have to do something about it as well.
For starters, you may want to elevate your electrical outlets, appliances and switches above flood level. The same goes for HVAC units. Then, remember to use waterproof caulking around your doors and windows. And, of course, it would be great for you to install either temporary barriers, or even permanent flood vents, as those will keep the water out.
Maintain the Drainage System
Maintaining your drainage system is also important, especially when word goes of preventing floods. So, remove the debris from the gutters, and keep them clean, so as to ensure that the rainwater can flow freely. Furthermore, check the storm drains and make sure they are unobstructed, as that will help prevent localized flooding.
Trim Those Trees
If you have trees in your yard, trimming them regularly can be quite important. Dead and weak branches can be quite dangerous during hurricanes, so removing them is a must. Of course, you should also remove any branches that are close to your roof or your walls, to prevent them from damaging your property.
Create an Emergency Plan
It goes without saying that you should create an emergency plan when preparing for the hurricane season in Florida. Create a hurricane kit, involving things like non-perishable food, flashlights, medication and first aid supplies, as well as phone chargers. Furthermore, remember to keep your important documents in waterproof containers.
Remember to Review Your Insurance Policy & to Create an Emergency Budget as Well
Another thing you should do is review your insurance policy, and ensure that it covers wind, storm, as well as flood damage. Apart from that, remember to create an emergency budget as well. In short, save enough money to cover those deductibles, or to basically pay for immediate repairs after the storm.