5 Ways to Protect Your House from a Hurricane – Emergency Management Degree Program Guide

June 21, 2018June 21, 2018

5 Ways to Hurricane Proof Your House

Secure Windows and Doors
Reduce Flying Debris
Clean Gutters
Prepare for Flooding
Update Insurance

Although peak hurricane season runs from August to October, the Atlantic hurricane season starts as soon as June 1 and the Pacific hurricane season starts May 15th, and both the Atlantic and Pacific seasons can extend into the end of November. With six or seven months of viable hurricane season, it is important to be prepared. Below are five ways to hurricane proof your house.

1. Secure Windows and Doors

In the event of a hurricane, securing windows and doors is usually the first thing homeowners think about, and with good reason. High winds and flying debris can shatter windows resulting in water damage from rain or roof damage from updrafts. Although many people run to the hardware store for plywood at the first sign of a hurricane, this can be a frustrating and dangerous endeavor. Unprepared homeowners often have to compete for supplies in overcrowded stores and hammer plywood into place during less than ideal conditions. It is better to prepare your windows and doors far in advance with impact-resistant glass and/or hurricane shutters that can be quickly and easily secured.

2. Reduce Flying Debris

Most homeowners recognize the need to secure trash cans, patio furniture, and other outside objects that can be thrown around by hurricane winds. However, it’s just as important to check things that should be secure, but might not be. It’s important to check shingles/roof tiles on a regular basis to make sure none of them are loose. Homeowners should also regularly inspect fencing to make sure there aren’t any slack or broken parts. Finally, trees should be trimmed regularly to reduce the chance of branches breaking free during a storm. Hurricane-force winds can turn any of these loose objects into flying projectiles.

3. Clean Gutters

Making sure that water flows away from your home quickly and easily is important during torrential rainfalls. Depending on how large and how fast a hurricane is, your home could undergo a deluge of water lasting hours. Don’t wait until the last minute to clean your gutters. Examine your gutters regularly, making sure fittings and wall mounts are secure and pathways are clear of debris. This will allow water to flow away from your roof and foundation and help prevent structural damage.

4. Prepare for Flooding

Being aware of local flood zones and how your property reacts to heavy rainfall is crucial. Prolonged heavy rains can often cause flooding in areas that generally only experience moderate standing water. If your home is in a flood zone, or your property is prone to retaining water, take precautions against potential flooding. For minor flooding, proper weather stripping and even sandbags can keep water from flooding garages and ground levels. However, property that could face more extensive flooding will require more drastic precautions like moving rugs and furniture to upper levels and shutting off power at the breaker. Homeowners under threat of possible flooding should always evacuate to safety prior to the storm.

5.Update Insurance

Unfortunately, damage can occur to the most secure home. That’s why it is important to make sure your homeowners insurance is always up to date. Review your policy regularly to make sure you have the appropriate coverage for the current structure and its contents. Make sure your policy includes flood insurance, which is often sold separately.

Although we often have a 3- to 7-day lead on approaching hurricanes, we don’t usually have 3-7 days of clear weather. It’s important to take precautions well in advance to make sure you and your home are adequately prepared. Ready.gov features a helpful hurricane toolkit for further resources on this topic.