The news is full of statistics regarding the damage caused by hurricanes in recent years. Hurricane Sandy: $50 billion in damages, 72 lives lost. Hurricane Andrew: $26.5 billion in damages, 23 lives lost. Hurricane Katrina: $108 billion in damages, 1,833 lives lost. It seems like the list goes on and on.
One thing these statistics show is that the potential danger of failing to prepare for hurricane season is the loss of life and property. During hurricanes, emergency services may be impeded by high winds and flooding water, and are often stretched thin among hundreds or thousands of citizens in need. Typical homeowners are often left on their own to weather the storm, and ultimately, preparation is survival.
These tips will help you get ready for this summer's hurricane season, so you and your family can be prepared for the worst.
Protect Your Windows
Compromised windows can let in flood waters, causing thousands of dollars in damage. They can also produce pressure inside the home that could result in loss of the roof.
During a hurricane, windows can be blown out by the wind or broken by flying debris. The only way to protect windows is to cover them. While some homeowners nail boards to the home's exterior, the best protection under these circumstances are professionally installed storm shutters. Storm shutters offer maximum shielding and are designed to withstand hurricane force winds.
Clear the Landscape
While it may be acceptable to have a little clutter or debris dotting your landscaping on an ordinary day, that debris can become dangerous during a hurricane. This is why it’s important to get rid of unsecured organic matter and dying trees before the bad weather begins.
Dying trees are at risk for falling over and can destroy your property. Assess your yard and the trees growing in it. If one or more of your trees needs to be pruned or cut down, address that sooner rather than later. Trying to find a tree service hours or days before before a hurricane hits may prove to be difficult or impossible.
Keep Up to Code
Every year, we learn more and more about keeping homes secure during hurricanes. As the weather becomes more extreme, the building codes become more strict and effective. If your home hasn’t been assessed for hurricane readiness in several years, it may be time to have a consultation with a construction company that understands hurricane retrofitting.
Readying your home for hurricane season can mean the difference between life and death, recovery or ruin. Get started today. For more information about preparing your home for hurricane readiness, contact a reputable general contractor in your area. Residents of the New Haven area can contact Litchfield Builders, New Haven’s premiere general contractor.
