by AJ Roderick

Created on: November 04, 2009

Every year, the hurricane season takes its toll on residents living in temperate coastal regions. Without a plan of action, many people suffer tremendous losses and damages to their property. Here are some tips to help prepare a home for the hurricane season.

1) Obtain Added Property Insurance
It would be a wise decision to obtain insurance coverage to prepare your home for a hurricane and avoid significant losses from damaged property. The investment put into securing your property often pays out very generously when a claim has to be made. Bear in mind that not all items are covered - speak to a representative to find out full details.

2) Secure your Windows and Entryways
The windows in your home should be covered with storm shutters, or sheets of plywood should be fitted to the exterior of the house covering the window panes. The seals around storm doors should be checked carefully for leaks and cracks, and patched up using the proper products (runners, caulking, rubber seals). Garage doors should be secured and reinforced at the hinges with special retrofit kits to prevent buckling. These shielding methods will secure your property and are the easiest ways to prepare your home for a hurricane.

3) Store Outdoor Items
All garden tools, outdoor grills, patio furniture, potted plants, and outdoor items should be stored away from the wrath of the elements. The items can be blown about by high winds and cause additional damages if they hit a stationary object. They can also be destroyed by the elements. In order to keep these items in good condition, find a place to store them temporarily.

4) Stock Up on Supplies
The devastation brought about by a hurricane leads to power outages across the municipalities people live in. It is recommended to keep emergency supplies on hand in the event that extended power outages occur. The most common emergency supplies are:
- blankets & sleeping bags
- candles & matches
- flashlights
- batteries (different sizes)
- first aid kit (with bandages/tape/disinfectant)
- potable water
- canned food supplies & a can opener
- utility knife
- buckets
- towels
- a spare set of dry clothing
- a radio
- a cell phone
- gas tanks (for generator - if applicable)

Having these items on hand will ensure the safety and comfort of the occupants of the home while the storm is taking shape. Also, when preparing your home for a hurricane, the bathtub should also be filled with clean water in the event the potable water reserves run low.

5) Obtain a Gas-Powered Generator
This tip is optional, due to the initial costs that must be put in. A number of people rely on the energy produced by a gas-powered generator in order to keep their appliances and electric based conveniences running. A generator is highly recommended to maintain power to refrigerators, or to allow devices to be used in an emergency. With a small amount of gasoline, the generator will provide power for a number of hours if an outage occurs.

Once the emergency measures have been put into place, the only thing people can do is wait patiently for the storm to subside. Once the weather has settled, you can return outdoors and take account of any damages afterwards. By preparing your home for a hurricane, the losses incurred by will be minimal.

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