How to Choose Hurricane Protection for Your Home or Business?

Hurricane season always worries people, and homes and property will always need hurricane protection. If you live in an area that’s prone to hurricanes, you probably know all too well the kind of damage that a hurricane can do. To look after your property, your family and your possessions, hurricane protection is vital. The more you plan ahead, the better you’ll be able to protect your home.

Step 1 - Preparing Your Property

A good place to start is by checking with your insurance company to see if they offer special terms for properties that have hurricane protection. Note that some insurance companies will offer advice on protecting your property. Similarly, you might be able to obtain tax credits for having hurricane protection installed for your home or business.

The first thing to do is inspect your property and use a chainsaw to trim back any tree branches or shrubs that are close to the building. During a hurricane, branches will break off and can cause extensive damage. Regular trimming can prevent this.

Next, clean out the gutters and downspouts at the very beginning of each hurricane season. This will allow water to flow freely. You’re far less likely to see gutters and downspouts wrenched off.

Step 2 - Buying Materials

The most dangerous areas in your home are the windows and doors. To protect these, you will need to buy hurricane shutters for your windows. These permanent shutters can easily be closed when a hurricane warning is issued.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to hurricane shutters, you can use 5/8 marine plywood (this will stand up better to wind and water). Cut them to size and make sure they’re readily accessible and easy to install. Don’t rely on tape to protect your windows, as it simply won’t work.

To minimize roof damage, use clips and straps to secure the roof structure and tiles more securely to the house or building frame. The straps can be removed at the end of hurricane season, but should be inspected regularly during the hurricane season.

You should ideally build a safe room in the property with ample fresh water. This is the best hurricane protection you can have. Failing that, designate an interior room with no windows as a safe room and use it when a hurricane strikes. It should not be in the basement, but on the ground floor. If there’s no suitable room, use an area under a sturdy table for protection.

Step 3 - When the Hurricane Hits

As soon as you hear news of a hurricane, secure your hurricane shutters and move into the safe room in the building, after turning off any propane tanks. Turn off other utilities if you’ve been advised to do so. If there are objects outside, move them indoors where they can’t do any damage. Use a battery-operated or wind-up radio to listen to the news and keep track of the hurricane. Brace and secure all exterior doors, and close all of the doors inside the building. This gives extra hurricane protection.

If you live in a vulnerable area, or if the authorities tell you to do so, be ready to evacuate. If there’s a hurricane warning, fill the car with gas so you’re ready to go.