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Preparing your home early for a hurricane will save not only the structure of your home but will give you peace of mind
when the hurricane is upon you. Regular home maintenance will also help secure your home during hurricane season.
YARD AND PATIO
The high winds of a hurricane can cause the smallest item to become a projectile. If you have a pool, patio furniture can
be placed in it. Birdbaths, bird feeders and fountains should be moved to a secure location. Planters and yard
ornaments should also be moved indoors. Remove dead branches and cut back branches that are close to your home.
Secure outdoor buildings. Make sure any fencing is sturdy and repaired.
HOME EXTERIOR
The roof of your home can be the first line of defense during a hurricane. Repair any loose shingles or tiles and fix any
leaks. A roof with an existing leak is weak and this can set up a domino effect resulting in greater damage. Wood siding
and aluminum siding should be secured and repaired. Cracks in stucco should be repaired as well as grout in brick or
stone houses. Gutters should be cleaned and secured to the building.
WINDOW PROTECTION
Hurricane shutters made of sturdy metal are the best protection for windows and doors but can be very expensive.
These roll up type shutters are operated electronically but also have hand operated wands in case the power goes out.
These roll up shutters are installed above the window and door openings and with the push of a button the shutter offers
immediate protection. Wooden shutters that are functional and not just decorative are the next best protection. Many
homeowners buy plywood to protect their windows. If using plywood, make sure it is installed securely and numbered.
Numbering the plywood allows you to use it in the future on the same window. Taping windows does not protect the
windows but can help keep broken glass in place during the storm if your windows do not have safety glass. Laminate
can be applied to existing windows for added safety. Laminate does not stop glass from breaking but keeps the broken
glass in small pieces instead of large shards.
INTERIOR PROTECTION
Leaks around windows should be repaired, caulk openings and repair weather-stripping around windows and doors.
Replace any window glass that is cracked or chipped as well as repairing the glazing compound in older windows.
Move any decorative or small items away from windows that can become projectiles. Don’t forget to protect important
papers, documents and photos as well. Important documents should include insurance policies, birth certificates, wills
and legal documents. Place paper items in a heavy duty plastic zip top bag then place that bag in a secure and dry place.
Surprisingly, the dishwasher is a great place to store precious items.
PERSONAL PROTECTION
A safe room or shelter is the best protection for you and your family. Ideally, this safe room should be a small room or
closet or bathroom without windows or doors but large enough for everyone, including pets. Having a safe room during
a hurricane is important because of the high winds as well as the tornadoes that often accompany hurricanes. Store
extra pillows and blankets in your safe room for extra protection. Don’t forget to include a well stocked first aid kit in
your safe room. In addition to a supply of food and water, keep flashlights and batteries in your safe room. Battery
operated lights such as a tap on light are also a great addition to your safe room. Store the batteries separately until
ready for use. Store protective clothing in your shelter such as rain gear, boots and gloves which will be needed when
the storm passes. Being prepared for the aftermath of the hurricane is as important as preparing for the storm itself.
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