What can you do now to protect yourself and your home during a hurricane or major tropical storm later?
Preparing for a natural disaster is something many tend not to think about until it’s too late. But if you think some duct tape and wooden boards are all you need to survive a hurricane, think again…
Hurricane season typically runs from June through November, and the destruction caused by just one storm can linger for years. Which means there’s no better time for homeowners living in storm-prone regions, like Houston, to have the basics of hurricane preparedness covered.
Whether you shelter in place or evacuate, here are six essential things you can do to prepare your home for a hurricane and better protect it from extensive damages.
1. Buy Flood Insurance
It usually takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to finalize and become active, but occasionally there are exceptions… If you have a home loan—a mortgage, reverse mortgage, or home equity loan—that requires flood insurance but you haven’t purchased it yet, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (which regulates flood insurance) allows a last-minute addition. Also, there are several comprehensive renter’s insurance policies that include flood protection.
Already have flood insurance? Make sure you have a comprehensive plan that will cover the potential damage from a storm. The last thing you want is to find out after the fact that your policy doesn't cover hurricanes!
2. Create an Emergency Kit
You should always have a “grab bag” ready for emergencies because by definition, you never know when one will happen! Make sure to include things like basic first aid supplies, some water, and some food. And don’t forget your pets! Always make sure to have emergency pet supplies ready, too.
Here’s a more detailed list on what supplies to include in your emergency kit.
3. Reinforce Your Windows & Doors
Despite popular belief, duct tape on your windows is ineffective against 155-mile-per-hour winds. A better safety measure to prepare your home for a hurricane is to replace any existing windows with high-impact glass. These may be a little pricier up front, but can save you tons in damage prevention. Of course, boarding up your windows over with plywood can still prevent major damage and won’t hurt. Regardless, you want to stay away from any glass once the storm hits.
It goes without saying that doors with loose or missing screws and bolts won’t be able to withstand hurricane-force winds. So, make sure they’re properly installed and maintained! If you have glass doors, you can take the same steps you would to prepare your windows. Deadbolts help make doors sturdier as well, so it helps to keep them locked during a storm.
4. Check Your Roof
Most new home construction in hurricane-prone areas require hurricane straps or clips, which help hold a roof in place even in the face of strong winds. So if your house is a new build home, your roof should already be well-prepared. However, if your house is older or for whatever reason wasn’t built with these straps, you’ll want to find a qualified contractor to install them. Also, make sure to regularly check for missing or loose shingles because these won’t hold up as well, even with the clips installed. Prepping your home for a storm is a great time to clear out your gutters so water can flow freely, without risk of backing up into your home. It’s a loathsome task, but worth it!
5. Prepare for Power & Water Loss
Most hurricanes or major storms result in power loss, if only for a short time. You’ll want a couple of flashlights (and batteries) easily accessible so you’re not stumbling around in the dark. If your power does go out, your priority should be your perishables. You can set your fridge and freezer to the coldest settings before your power goes out, and then open them only when necessary after it’s gone. Also, don’t forget to keep your phone charged!
Although not as common, you also should prepare to lose water. Fill your bathtub with as much water as possible before the storm hits, so that you have some source of water if you lose access after.
6. Make a Plan
This is the most important step you can take to prepare for any natural disaster. Before hurricane season each year, make sure you and your family are prepared with a plan. Whether you plan to hunker down in your home or evacuate, be sure that everyone is on the same page. This includes knowing evacuation routes, phone numbers, meeting spots, etc. Remember, failing to plan is planning to fail!
The CDC has a great outline for an emergency plan you can use in your own hurricane preparations.
If you follow these six easy steps, you'll be ready to weather any storm. Don't wait until it's too late—prepare your home for a hurricane or major storm now. You can also download our comprehensive emergency checklist for free here to see what you should include in your kit.
Alexis Feezel is a results-oriented Marketing Coordinator responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all promotional strategies and activities to effectively market clients & listings and maximize sales.