by Kimberley Heit

Created on: July 02, 2008   Last Updated: July 09, 2008

Benjamin Franklin once said "By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail." Don't let this be the case when it comes to hurricane season. Preparing for hurricane season is the key to protecting you and your home from the worst. This preparation needs to take place long before the winds pick up. Remember the Desperate Housewives episode where a tornado struck and a few citizens of Wisteria Lane were out and about? Although this scene was quite comical and a touch unrealistic it did demonstrate that a lack of adequate long term preparation can result in unnecessary death and destruction.

To prepare for hurricane season take note of the advice below prior to the issuing of any hurricane warnings.

AROUND THE HOME:

-Have hurricane straps installed in your roof. This will brace your roof to the framing of your home in a stronger manner.

-Strengthen shingle/tiled roofs-generally builders only adhere one in every few tiles to the roof. In a hurricane this may not be adequate support and you could end up losing half the tiles on your roof. Consider cementing all the tiles on your roof for maximum strength.

-Take a good look around your yard and remove trees which have become unstable and could be uprooted, trim branches ensuring none hang over your home.

-Garage doors, particularly aluminum ones can be a vulnerable point on your home because they are a large expanse of material that is relatively light. You should make sure your garage door is fitted with a retrofit kit that reinforces it against hurricanes.

-Keep the area surrounding your home clean of junk-anything loose that could become projectile in strong winds should not be left outside. Make sure you don't have things like gravel, stones etc. in your gardens-use only lightweight shredded items that won't become a weapon in a hurricane.

-Protect your windows-the most effective way is to install bahama shutters which are made to handle severe weather. These shutters are made from one solid panel which is hinged at the top. If a storm hits you simply release the side arms and the shutter will drop flat against your wall, then you screw the shutter into place at the bottom.

-Instead of regular glass windows consider having your home fitted with impact resistant windows. These windows are designed to be shatterproof. If you can't afford shatterproof windows at least consider having a window film applied which reduces the risk of windows shattering.

-Make sure all of your doors are reinforced with strong brackets using a

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