Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared?

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Hurricane Damage

Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared?

September is on our doorstep and therefore, hurricane season is approaching quickly. Summoning strong winds, heavy downpours, and major flooding, hurricanes can wreak havoc on your home. September is also National Preparedness Month, a time when homeowners across the United States can focus on preparing their homes for hurricane season in addition to other natural disasters. Protecting your home from devastation during a hurricane begins with learning the most effective methods of keeping your home’s exterior in top condition.

Prior to hurricane season, it is a good idea to consider your home’s risk of being impacted by a storm, which depends on where you live. For example, if you live in a coastal area, your risk is elevated and you should take extra precautions. It is also important to understand what exactly your homeowner’s insurance covers. Make sure that your policy covers flood damage and rebuild costs if your home suffers devastating damage.

Before a storm, examine your roof and gutters. Missing or loose shingles are a red flag that your roof is damaged and may not be able to handle a strong storm. If your roof is already in poor condition, it’s more susceptible to damage from a hurricane. In addition to replacing shingles, it may also be helpful to seal your roof. Checking your gutters to make sure that they are clear of any debris will help assure that water will drain properly. If your gutters are clogged, water is more likely to splash up against the roof, imposing water damage on the roof.

Hurricanes can bring heavy rains and considerable flooding, so keeping as much water as possible out of your home can help to limit water damage. One effective way to prevent water from entering your home is to use sandbags, which divert flood water away from your home. Finally, check that your windows are sealed properly. Seals can break under the pressure of weather, such as intense summer heat. Without functioning seals on windows, rain water can seep into your home. Call a professional to ensure that your windows will be properly sealed before hurricane season hits.