How to protect your home from hurricane damage

With modern forecasting, we can tell days before if a hurricane will hit a particular area. Hurricanes bring a combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge to coastal areas.

It is important to protect your home as best you can if a hurricane is approaching.

Here are some steps you can take to protect your home in the event of a hurricane.

Board up windows

The strong winds of a hurricane can make everyday objects flying projectiles. It is important to board up windows to prevent anything from smashing into them.

Strap down your roof

It may sound a bit unusual but applying fasteners to your roof and securing it to the ground can prevent violent winds from ripping off your roof and potentially destroying your home.

Tie down or store outdoor items

Continuing with the theme of wind, tie down or store any loose objects outside your home. This includes lawn furniture, barbeques, and trash bins.

Trim your trees

If you have tall trees near your home, trim off excess branches. If you have a tree with branches near electrical lines, call your electricity provider.

Sandbagging

If you live in a low-lying coastal area, or an area prone to heavy rain, sandbagging can help protect your home, or at the very least, buy you some time. Using sandbags can also be time-consuming and strenuous.

Take pictures

Before the storm take photos of the exterior of your home, make sure to capture all angles of your home and take an inventory of valuables inside your home. This can provide information to your insurance company. Also, make sure to put important documents and valuables on the upper level of your home in the event of flooding.