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 minimum of three hinges. Also select doors that are made from solid wood.
INSIDE THE HOME:
-Secure the items inside your home-tall and heavy furniture should be adhered to the wall with brackets so that it doesn't topple over during a hurricane. It is also advisable to put away any loose objects which could break or become dangerous if they were flung around in a hurricane.
-Seal all your important documents and sentimental items like photographs in plastic. Zip lock bags are a good way to keep these items protected.
-Cover anything that could be ruined with water damage with plastic, such as soft furnishings and electronics.
-If you live in a region that could flood move all of your belongings to as high a ground as possible. Put items away in high cupboards, on top of benches etc.
-Designate a safe room in advance-this will be a small enclosed area, ideally with no windows.
-It is a good idea to buy food as you need it in hurricane season-if there is a power outage you could end up losing all your refrigerated and frozen perishables. Several hours before a hurricane hits turn your thermostats to the coldest setting to ensure your refrigerator and freezer are at their coldest before any power loss.
-Before a hurricane hits bolt any doors with bolts in place, fill all your sinks, bathtubs etc. with clean water and tape the inside of your windows with an x to ensure glass shattering is minimized. Remember taping windows alone will not stop windows from breaking.
INSURANCE:
Make sure you have adequate storm and flooding coverage in your home insurance policy. This includes having a policy which states that your home will be rebuilt to its previous state. Also make a list of all your contents for contents insurance. Keep a copy of this list somewhere besides your home.
CREATE A HURRICANE EMERGENCY KIT
Consider including the following items:
-Enough food and water for a week (foods need to be non perishable and it is a good idea to make sure you have the right tools to prepare and eat them with like can openers and paper plates).
-A first aid kit including any prescription drugs you need to take regularly.
-Flashlight with several sets of batteries and also lanterns/candles and matches/lighters.
-A battery operated radio
-Sleeping bags, blankets, pillows etc.
-A rain jacket
-Sturdy footwear
-Wet ones
-A toiletries kit with things like your toothbrush, toothpaste, waterless sanitizing wash, dry shampoo etc.
-Work gloves
-Basic tools
-A couple of changes of clothes.
-Some items to entertain-a pack of cards, books, a board game, kid's toys.
-Towels
-Some cash-electronic banking facilities may be down sometime after a hurricane hits
-Toilet paper
-Plastic bags
-Plastic containers with tight lids
OTHER TIPS:
-Know where you should evacuate to if required.
-If you live in an area that has a particularly high hurricane risk consider purchasing or hiring a generator during hurricane season. This could prove to be a lifesaver in power outages that can last for many days to weeks.