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How to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

Did you know that since 1851, 120 hurricanes have made landfall in Florida? Despite the warm weather and sprawling beaches, Florida has a stormy side that you need to pay attention to.

Hurricane season in Florida starts June 1st, so thinking about how to prepare your home for hurricane season should be at the top of your list. But how do you know where to begin?

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about getting your home hurricane ready.

Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

To protect your home during a hurricane, you’ll need to make sure you cover the basics before hurricane season arrives.

Heavy rains and wind can cause a lot of damage to your home, so you’ll need to be prepared. For successful hurricane season home prep, start with preparing the exterior areas of your home.

Reinforce Your Windows

If you have the resources, invest in storm shutters for your windows. Storm shutters are typically made of steel or aluminum, and you can find them at most hardware stores.

If you’re in a pinch, add boards to your windows to protect them from breaking. You can use plywood that’s at least 5/8-inch thick, and make sure to add at least 8 inches to your window measurements to allow the plywood to overlap your window.

Check Your Door and Window Seals

Strong winds and rain from a hurricane mean it’s more important than ever that the seals around your windows and doors are in good condition. Perform an inspection around your house and apply caulk to areas that have worn away.

Trim Trees and Hedges

Large branches and even smaller sticks can become dangerous missiles in a hurricane, causing damage to your roof and windows. Trim the trees and hedges that are near the roof and remove as many dead branches as possible.

Clean Your Gutters

You’ll need to make sure your gutters are clean and unobstructed. If you have leaves and sticks blocking the water flow, you’ll have a backup of water that damages your roof.

Use Sandbags 

You can prepare for heavy rain and flooding ahead of time by purchasing sandbags at the hardware store. You can also make your own with sand and plastic bags. Keep in mind, that sandbags won’t completely protect your home from flood damage, but they can divert floodwater away.

Secure Your Outdoor Items

Make sure you don’t overlook your outside patio furniture, grill, or any tools you have lying around.

If you don’t want to bring them inside, you’ll need to make sure they’re secured. Otherwise, they’ll end up blowing around and cause damage to your home.

Prepare an Evacuation Plan

Part of preparing your home includes developing an evacuation plan. Determine different evacuation routes and locate potential shelters. If you have pets, make sure to identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or an out-of-town relative’s home.

Having an emergency kit in your home should also be on your hurricane prep checklist. Make sure it includes items like:

  • Food and water
  • Clothes and blankets
  • Important documents
  • Flashlight
  • Batteries
  • Cell phone
  • First aid kit and essential medications
  • Radio

Get Ready for Hurricane Season Today

Now that you know how to prepare your home for hurricane season, you’ll be better able to protect your home and family if a hurricane strikes your area.

If you do sustain storm damage, turn to the professionals at Barakat Restoration. We have over 20 years of experience and offer storm, water, and mold damage services to help you recover your home.

We’re available 24/7 for emergencies, so make sure you contact us today!

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