How to Prepare the Exterior of Your Home Before Hurricane Season

Living in seasonal hurricane prone areas demands taking special precautions and planning before Hurricane Season begins. Personal readiness to respond to emergencies is vital. During Hurricane Season there is potential for catastrophic damages to occur to coastlines and inlands several hundred miles. There are some quick practical and precautionary steps that can be taken to prepare the exterior of your home before Hurricane Season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Boarding up windows.

   Plan to secure your property. The best protection for windows is permanent storm shutters. Taping does not prevent windows from shattering. Boarding up windows with 5/8" marine plywood. Make sure the marine plywood is cut to fit windows and ready to install.

2. 
   High winds.

   To reduce roof damage, safely fasten the roof to the frame structure of buildings by installing straps and or additional clips.

3. 
   Satelliete View of Hurricane Season.

   Keep your trees and shrubs around the house well trimmed. Also clear loose and clogged rain gutters.

4. 
   Secure boats and water craft.

   If you have a boat or other water craft, determine how and where it will be secured.

Tips & Warnings

• Keeping current in the upkeep and maintenance of your home can help prevent severe damage caused by hurricanes.
• Hurricanes can produce dangerous tornadoes, microbursts, widespread torrential rains, flash flooding, and even landslides and mudslides.

[paulo55]

on 10/20/2009 How to Prepare the Exterior of Your Home Before Hurricane Season. Although I'm in MASS but it's good to have this information. Great article! 5*

[sullysee]

on 10/16/2009 Important steps in preparing your home. 5*, rec.

[cajungurl1947]

on 8/29/2009 In Louisiana we can never be over-prepared. thanks.

[bellerose]

on 8/1/2009 Great advice on preparing the exterior of your home for hurricane season. You're right about permanent storm shutters being the best window protection. Also, trimming trees and plants near your house and clearing and securing gutters works well in any stretch of bad rainy weather. 5*

[greatnews]

on 7/29/2009 Great tips on How to Prepare the Exterior of Your Home Before Hurricane Season. 5 *'s