Living near the coast is amazing, until hurricane season hits. Suddenly, threatening storms are the norm, and it can go from a day at the beach to a flooded drive home in an instant. The 2017 hurricane season is calling for at least fourteen named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.
It’s important to make sure that you have everything in place to protect your home during these storms. Here are a few tips to protect your home during hurricane season:
Brace the building
Protect your home’s structure by making sure you reinforce its weakest points. Garage doors are one of the most vulnerable parts of your house, so securing it should be a main priority. Garage door braces are easy to find and install, and they can help keep your home safe in the midst of a big storm.
Try to board your windows and doors to prevent wind and rain from coming in. You can also keep your roof in place with hurricane straps.
Trim your trees
Prevent stray branches from wreaking havoc on your (or your neighbor’s!) home by trimming your trees before a hurricane arrives. Trim dead branches and any limbs that are hanging over your house. It may seem like a hassle now, but it’s considerably cheaper than having to fix a hole in your roof or hauling off a fallen tree!
Secure the porch
Outdoor furniture can become a missile in the middle of a storm. Try to find a new home for your porch furnishings before a hurricane comes, or secure furniture to ensure it won’t crash into your house. Stray lawn toys and bird feeders should be put away or secured, too.
Seal up holes
Rain damage can seep in through the tiniest of cracks, so make sure that all the little holes in your house are closed up before a hurricane hits. Cable and other electrical wires are common culprits of leaving holes behind, so be sure to check those first.
Clear rain gutters
Let the rain gutters do their job and clear them out before a storm comes. If your gutters aren’t clear, then the buildup of rainwater can quickly cause damage to your gutters and even your roof. Plus, checking the gutters over before a storm gives you time to see if there are any problems that need to be fixed!
At Sonitrol SC, we want to make sure our coastal neighbors know how to properly protect their homes, from hurricanes or burglars. Have more questions about home security and protection? Contact Sonitrol today to see how we can help you.