How to Secure Your Home for a Hurricane

According to the National Hurricane Center hurricane season officially starts on June 1st each year and does not end officially until November 30th. If you live in an area that is a high risk to hurricanes, such as the Atlantic Coast or Gulf Coast of the United States you should become familiar with what you need to do to make your home safe and secure during a hurricane. In this article I will provide the steps you need to follow to properly prepare and secure your home for a hurricane. Once you read this article you will be familiar with what is needed to help keep your home safe during and after the storm. Hurricane preparedness is the key. You never know when the next big hurricane like Hurricane Katrina may hit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 3-4 Day Supply of nonperishable food
• 3-4 Day Supply of Water
• Flashlights, Radio, Batteries
• Hurricane Shutters or Boards for windows

1. Boarding or shuttering windows, as well as taping them, can help prevent water and wind damage as well as reduce the potential for personal injury. Hurricane damages windows easily due to the high winds

2. Check trees and shrubs for loose branches and limbs before the storm. Errant branches can damage the home as well as disrupt power supplies.

3. Make sure all items that are outside are tied down or stored inside. Make sure items like BBQ grills, patio furniture, garbage cans and the like are properly secured or stored.

4. Gather flashlights and portable radios as electricity will most likely be out. Make sure you have a fresh supply of batteries on hand to last at least 3 days.

5. Gather various hurricane supplies and keep a minimum of 3-4 day supply of non-perishable food on hand. You will most likely not have electricity so a supply of food that does not require cooking or refrigeration is a must. Keep eating utensils, plates, cups, can openers and bottle openers on hand.

6. Store a 3-4 day supply of fresh drink water. It is recommended that you have a minimum of 2 quarts of water per day available. It is preferred you have 1 gallon per day available.

7. Make sure that your car has a full tank of gas. Gas pumps are run by electric so be prepared in the case of a prolonged power outage or emergency evacuation.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a 3-4 day supply of water and nonperishable food available

[ringgold]

on 8/29/2009 Great tips for securing your house for a hurricane !! I have had to do this many times !!! 5*

[godfather25]

on 8/28/2009 Great article on securing your home for a hurricane.