June 1st is officially the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season and NOAA has already predicted an above-normal season for 2020. This means that it’s time to check your hurricane kit, stock up on supplies, and figure out how to hurricane-proof your home.
If you’re new to the area and haven’t experienced hurricane season before or are new to owning a home and new to storm-proofing, then you’re in the right place. Here are 5 things you should do to protect your home.
1. Protect the Roof
Your roof may be one of the first things to be damaged in a hurricane. Hurricanes can bring winds between 74 and 155+ mph. Hurricane clips are one tool to secure your roof. They are typically made from steel and strengthen where the roof and the home are connected.
Hurricane clips, which you sometimes see called hurricane straps or hurricane ties, make it less likely that the roof will lift off the frame when winds get high. Hurricane-proof homes often will have these clips installed when the roof is replaced.
2. Reinforce the Garage Door
Your garage door is one of the most vulnerable places in your home. Garage doors are often made of lightweight material to save on costs, improve safety, and improve the efficiency of the opening and closing of the door.
However, you should choose impact-resistant garage doors, metal if possible, and get a vertical bracing system to protect your door from hurricane-force winds.
3. Protect Your Windows and Doors
Like the garage door, windows and other doors in your home are also vulnerable. You can install hurricane-resistant doors and impact-resistant windows to keep them from shattering.
Replacing your windows and doors is a significant expense. In the meantime, you can protect your windows and doors with hurricane shutters. If you’re really in a pinch, stock up on plywood and other supplies to board up your windows and doors in the event of a hurricane.
4. Protect Your Air Conditioner
You should shut your air conditioner off during a hurricane to prevent damage from power interruption. The power that is flickering or a strong power surge can damage your compressor. Preventative maintenance can help make sure you keep your air conditioner in good working order as well.
You can also cover your air conditioner to protect it from any flying debris. Check with your manufacturer to make sure anything you cover it with won’t void the warranty. Some manufacturers may have their own covers that you can purchase that won’t impact your warranty.
Your air conditioner can easily survive a hurricane, as long as you take steps to protect it. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to replace your system after the storm has passed. Hurricane straps can also ensure that the outdoor component of your air conditioner stays put.
5. Stock up on Emergency Supplies
Having a well-stocked hurricane kit is imperative once hurricane season begins. You can find plenty of lists out there of what you should include in your emergency kit, and basics include:
- Water
- Non-perishable food
- First-aid kit
- Flashlights
- Candles
- Portable chargers for phones
- Battery-operated radio to get any weather updates if the power is out
- Batteries
At the start of each hurricane season, check the contents of your kit and update it with anything that needs to be replaced.
Create Your Plan for How to Hurricane-Proof Your Home
Before hurricane season is in full swing, get your plan together on how to hurricane-proof your home. Update your emergency kit, make sure you have supplies for boarding up your home if necessary and have a plan for securing outdoor areas of your home in the event of a hurricane.
If your air conditioner has been damaged in a hurricane or you need a seasonal tune-up, contact us today.
