How to Mitigate a House for Hurricanes

Storm clouds gather

Hurricane Katrina was one of the most significant hurricanes in recent history, and it caused 1,500 deaths. But human lives aren't the only thing at risk in the case of a hurricane. Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in damage. Preparing your home for a hurricane can save your home, your belongings and your family. There are several steps you can take to prepare your home for a hurricane.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood, at least 5/8 inches thick
• 3-inch screws
• Screwdriver
• Hedge trimmers

Instructions

Being prepared

1. Cut plywood to be just large enough to nail to edges of your windows. Keep screws, screwdriver and the precut plywood pieces together in a safe place so you can nail them over your windows quickly in case of a hurricane.

2. 

   A hedge

   Trim the trees and bushes in your yard to make them less likely to be uprooted by a hurricane. The more streamlined the vegetation in your yard is, the more wind-resistant they will be,.

3. Find the emergency evacuation route for your area. Familiarize yourself with how to get there from your home. Print out directions to the evacuation route and keep them in a safe place.

After a hurricane warning/watch

1. Gather and bring your lawn furniture, trash cans and potted plants indoors. Anything outdoors that is not tied down should be brought inside.

2. Turn your refrigerator to its coldest setting. Don't open the refrigerator's doors unnecessarily so it stays cold.

3. 

   A water drop

   Fill your bathtubs with water to keep for sanitary purposes like cleaning, bathing and flushing the toilet. If you have any large empty containers in your home, fill them with water also.

References

• Ready America: Hurricanes
• Hurricane Center: Plywood Hurricane Protection
• Hurricane Information, Statistics, Historical Records, and Tracking Maps

Resources

• Food Safety: In an Emergency