Did you know that between 1980 and 2021, hurricanes caused over $1.1 trillion in damage? The high winds, rain and flooding from hurricanes can cause damage to your house and possessions. When you prepare your home before hurricane season, you can avoid some of the costly destruction to your property.
Clean your yard. Flying debris is one of the leading causes of damage. Remove rocks, gravel, large objects and any tools or supplies in your yard.
Prepare windows and doors. These are the weak points where strong winds and debris can damage. Try covering windows and doors or installing storm shutters. Have glass doors? If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, consider getting tempered glass which is less likely to break.
Remove hazardous trees or branches. Sick, weak or older trees are more likely to fall and cause damage during a hurricane. Consider removing these if they are near your house. Trim branches near windows.
Turn off your power. Hurricanes can cause damage to power lines, and flooding can cause electrical lines to short circuit. Turn your power off to avoid complications. Consider purchasing a backup generator for extended power outages.
Elevate or remove expensive items and appliances. If you have advance notice of a hurricane, consider moving expensive items to a safe place. If items cannot be moved, keep them away from flood waters by relocating them to elevated cabinets, shelves or attics.
Fill clean water containers with drinking water. You’ll want to do this if you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.
Damage to your property can be costly and stressful. If you need support, reach out to your mental health provider.
