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Whether this is your first time approaching hurricane season or your experience this year after year, it can still be a devastating time should you find yourself in the path of destruction.
You may also be wondering if you need to take more safety precautions at home for extra protection.
Here are some things you can do to protect your property and family before hurricane season. These 5 upgrades only take a small time investment and will help you weather the storm this hurricane season!
Install hurricane windows
Many people don’t know that hurricane windows are one of the best ways to protect your home from hurricane-force winds. These windows offer you an excellent defense against high winds, but they also allow fresh air in.
These windows will help keep your house cool and avoid power outages during the storm.
If you have a large window, installing hurricane windows is more expensive. But if you just have one small window, it’s not as expensive, and it can make a big difference!
Alternatively, you can look at the hurricane shutters cost if you prefer this secure and practical option to protect your windows.
Install exterior fiberglass doors
Your FEMA-recommended door should be at least three-fourths inch thick and be resistant to hurricane wind speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. Fiberglass doors are designed to be watertight, so they can withstand anything the weather has to throw at them.
If you install exterior fiberglass doors on your home, you will have peace of mind knowing that moisture and mold will not infiltrate into your home. These doors also look great and are easy to maintain!
Prepare for power loss.
Hurricanes are notorious for causing power outages, so it’s essential to prepare for the possibility. One option is to invest in a generator and make sure you have enough fuel on hand to run it.
If you decide to invest in a generator, consider purchasing a top-quality one. A well-made generator will be durable and reliable with features that ensure its longevity, like a sturdy metal frame that can survive storms and winds.
Another option is to fill your gas tank up before the storm hits. This way, even if you lose electricity, your gas will still be there to keep your generator running until power returns–saving money on gasoline!
Build flood defenses
It’s vital to build flood defenses because it can protect your property and the people who live there. Flood defenses can be as simple as sandbags, but they also have a significant impact on how much damage you’ll experience.
With sandbags, you’ll need to fill them up with a heavy-weight material that can hold water, like cement mix. You should also leave enough space between each bag for water to flow through. Then, dig out an area around your property for the bags to sit in so they won’t float away when the weather turns bad.
Additionally, consider creating a simple system of drainage ditches or pipes along the outside of your property so that the water doesn’t accumulate in one spot and cause flooding.
Secure external furniture or landscaping
One of the first safety precautions you should take is to secure your external furniture and landscaping. You can prevent future damage by using rope or wire to secure your outdoor furniture and landscaping.
Move heavy furniture indoors or to a secure building and tie down anything that can move to avoid becoming a missile at your home. Avoid putting a cover on your pool; if a hurricane catches your cover and blows it off, this too can cause damage to your property.
I find it interesting that investing in a hurricane shutter can help prepare your home for the might of these disasters. My friend talked about moving into a hurricane-prone area because of the home’s appearance! Maybe he should consider these upgrades by finding a door expert.