Experts are predicting an above average hurricane season. The Institute for Business & Home Safety can help you keep your property safe, and the best time to prepare is now. Here is a Top Ten List of things to do before storm warnings go up:
1) Reinforce your garage door. This is one of the most vulnerable areas of a house, and once the garage door goes, the roof could quickly follow. Install permanent wood or metal stiffeners, or an impact-resistant door that can withstand strong winds.
2) Glue your roof down. This inexpensive job can substantially increase the strength of your roof. If you have access in your attic to the underside of your roof, apply construction-grade glue along where the sheathing sits on the rafters or truss.
3) Connections, coverings and codes count. If you are replacing your roof, make sure your contractor removes coverings down to the bare wood sheathing. Confirm rafters and trusses are securely connected to the walls. Refasten existing sheathing according to proper building code requirements for high-wind regions. In addition to the traditional felt paper underlayment, seal roof deck joints with a self-stick asphalt tape, to increase protection from water damage, and install a roof covering designed to resist high winds.
4) Protect your windows. Install shutters or impact resistant windows. If you choose plywood storm shutters, make sure they are a minimum of 7/16” thick. Buying needed supplies before hurricane season helps you avoid supply issues and long lines.
5) Soften-up. Replace gravel or rock landscaping material with shredded bark. Which would you prefer flying around during a serious hurricane?
6) Reinforce. Double-entry doors should be secured by heavy-duty foot and head bolts.
7) Be secure. Make sure porches and carports are properly attached to the house.
8) Got gables? Brace them. Gabled roofs take a beating during a hurricane. They can be easily braced with anchored beams perpendicular to the truss.
9) Know what to move. Outdoor furniture, garbage cans, yard ornaments, etc., should be stored so they don’t become deadly missiles and end up in your living room.
10) Make plans. Establish a point of contact for family and friends. Replenish supplies such as batteries, water, canned goods and medicine. Planning ahead can help you recover quickly from a disaster.
The IBHS booklets Is Your Home Protected From Hurricane Disaster? A Homeowner’s Guide to Hurricane Retrofit and Protect Your Home Against Hurricane Damage (both available in Spanish and English) are available on this web site or free single copies can be obtained by calling toll-free 1(866) 657-IBHS (4247).
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