Living in Florida comes with its share of beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and year-round sunshine. However, it also means being prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June to November. If you’re a homeowner in Florida, it’s crucial to know how to keep your house safe before a hurricane strikes. By taking the right precautions ahead of time, you can protect your property, your belongings, and most importantly, your loved ones.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensuring your house is ready when a hurricane is approaching, along with tips, resources, and helpful links.
1. Create a Hurricane Preparedness Plan
Before diving into the specifics of protecting your home, it’s essential to create a comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan. This plan should include:
- Evacuation routes: Know the safest and quickest routes if an evacuation order is issued.
- Emergency contacts: Make a list of emergency numbers (local police, hospitals, friends, and family).
- Emergency kit: Have a kit ready with bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
- Shelter locations: If your home is not safe during a hurricane, know where the nearest shelters are located. You can find this information from your local government or emergency management office.
For more details on how to create a plan, visit Ready.gov’s hurricane guide.
2. Secure Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are some of the most vulnerable parts of your home during a hurricane. High winds and debris can shatter glass and cause severe damage.
- Install storm shutters: The best way to protect windows is by installing storm shutters, also known as hurricane shutters. They provide a solid barrier against flying debris.
- Use plywood if necessary: If you don’t have storm shutters, 5/8-inch thick plywood can be used as a temporary solution. Make sure the plywood is cut to fit each window and door frame ahead of time.
- Reinforce doors: Ensure all exterior doors, especially garage doors, are reinforced and securely fastened. Garage doors are a weak point in many homes, and if they fail, they can allow high winds to enter your home.
For more advice on securing windows and doors, check out this storm preparedness resource.
3. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Trees and overgrown shrubs around your home can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Branches can break off and cause significant damage to your roof, windows, or cars parked nearby.
- Trim dead or weak branches: Regularly trimming trees and removing any dead or weak branches is essential. If the storm is approaching and you haven’t done this yet, make it a priority to minimize potential risks.
- Remove debris from the yard: Clear out any loose items like outdoor furniture, toys, potted plants, and decorations. Store these in a garage or indoors to prevent them from being picked up by strong winds.
4. Reinforce Your Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against a hurricane, and a well-secured roof can make all the difference in preventing damage.
- Inspect your roof: Have your roof inspected for any loose shingles or tiles and have them repaired as soon as possible.
- Install hurricane straps: If you’re in a high-risk area, consider installing hurricane straps or clips that help secure the roof to the walls of the house, reducing the chance of it being blown off.
- Clean gutters and downspouts: Make sure your gutters are clear of debris. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up, leading to roof damage or flooding.
You can learn more about reinforcing roofs in this guide from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.
5. Seal Openings and Cracks
Water intrusion is a common problem during hurricanes, but you can minimize the risk by sealing any openings and cracks around your home.
- Seal windows and doors: Use caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent water from seeping in.
- Check the foundation: Inspect your foundation for any cracks and seal them with waterproof materials.
- Install flood barriers: If you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing temporary flood barriers or sandbags around your home’s entry points to prevent water from entering.
6. Install a Backup Power Source
Hurricanes often cause power outages that can last for hours, days, or even weeks. Having a backup power source ensures that your home can still function during an outage.
- Portable generators: Invest in a portable generator to keep essential appliances like refrigerators, fans, and medical equipment running. Make sure you know how to safely operate a generator and never run it inside the home or garage to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Whole-house generators: If you want more comprehensive protection, a whole-house generator can automatically power your home during an outage. These systems are more expensive but offer peace of mind during extended power losses.
7. Prepare for Flooding
Flooding is one of the most common risks associated with hurricanes. Even homes not in designated flood zones can experience water damage.
- Elevate important items: Move valuable items, electronics, and important documents to higher levels in your home to keep them safe from potential flooding.
- Consider flood insurance: Standard homeowner’s insurance policies usually don’t cover flood damage. Check with your insurance company about purchasing flood insurance. You can find more information through the National Flood Insurance Program.
8. Double-Check Your Homeowners Insurance
Before hurricane season starts, review your homeowners insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for hurricane-related damages. Make sure you understand what is covered and whether you need additional coverage for flooding or wind damage.
- Take inventory: Create an inventory of your belongings with photos and descriptions. This will help with insurance claims if any items are damaged or lost in the storm.
- Deductibles: Be aware that in hurricane-prone areas, policies may have a separate, higher deductible for windstorm or hurricane damage. Review this with your insurance provider to ensure you understand your financial responsibility in the event of a storm.
9. Evacuate If Necessary
If authorities issue an evacuation order, it’s crucial to leave your home and move to a safer location. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Turn off utilities: Before leaving, turn off gas, water, and electricity to prevent damage in case of flooding or other hazards.
- Secure your home: Lock all doors and windows and make sure your hurricane shutters or plywood are securely fastened.
- Bring important documents: Take important documents, such as insurance policies, identification, and any other critical items with you when you evacuate.
Helpful Resources
For more information on hurricane preparedness and safety, here are some helpful links:
- Florida Disaster Preparedness: Offers resources on how to prepare for hurricanes and find evacuation routes.
- Ready.gov Hurricanes: A government resource for hurricane preparedness, including how to protect your home.
- National Hurricane Center: Track hurricanes in real-time and receive updates on current storm warnings.
- FEMA Hurricane Safety Tips: Provides valuable safety tips for homeowners before, during, and after a hurricane.
By following these steps, you can keep your house safe before a hurricane and minimize damage. Remember, preparation is key, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry when a storm is on the horizon.
Stay safe!
