Unlike baseball season or the holiday season, hurricane season is typically not a time of year that people eagerly anticipate. And there is good reason for that. Lasting six months, from the beginning of June through the end of November, you are susceptible to hurricane damage. Whether in the heart of the storm or miles away, you are still at risk of being negatively impacted by a destructive storm. To keep your damages to a minimum, here are 4 things you should include in your home’s hurricane plan.
The Master Plan
Your hurricane master plan should include all of your crucial items that you’ll need to make it through the storm safely. But before you can start making this plan, you’ll need to do some research on your property’s location.
- Shelter – You’ll need to know where the nearest shelters and evacuation centers are located so if you need to evacuate your home, you’ll know where to go.
- Elevation – You will also need to identify your property’s elevation level and determine if you reside in a flood zone.
- Evacuation Route – You should know your community’s evacuation route and hurricane plan so that your plan works in unison with your community’s hurricane plan.
Once you have identified these factors, you will be able to make the following hurricane preparations for your home.
Indoor Plan
To ensure the inside of your home is as hurricane resistant as possible, you should make sure all of your home’s windows are covered. At the very minimum, close your blinds and curtains. If you’re in a location that is highly prone to hurricane damage, consider boarding up your windows or install storm shutters to prevent shattering glass. If a hurricane is likely in your area, you should turn off your propane tank and unplug any unnecessary appliances. Be sure to turn your refrigerator and freezer thermostat to the coldest temperature settings to make your food last longer. You can get a generator for your home as an additional source of power in the case of a power outage.
Outdoor Plan
Having a home that is well maintained throughout the year will be extremely helpful when preparing for a hurricane. Cleaned gutters, a bare roof that is free of debris, and sturdy window panes and siding will create the least amount of work for you as you prep for a storm. You will want to make sure all of your outdoor decorations, potted plants, and patio furniture is brought inside. You should also trim and prune any bushes and trees to avoid flying debris that can cause even more damage to your property.
Evacuation Plan
It is important that your family has a communication plan in the case of an evacuation. If your immediate family is not all together in one location, make sure everyone knows where to go and who to contact so that all of you can reconnect at the same meeting place. You should also make sure your car is full on fuel and your phones are charged. A safety kit should be pre-made and readily available so that you are not delayed when leaving your home. The last thing you want is to be unprepared during a major hurricane storm.
Stay informed of the latest hurricane news from NOAA and have your hurricane plan ready for implementation at any time. If there is any damage done to your home after a passing storm, contact your local Shamrock Roofing Restoration representative.