Prepare Your Home Against the Threat of Hurricanes

If you live somewhere that is prone to Hurricanes, such as along the Gulf or Atlantic coasts, it’s important to do everything you can to make sure you home is protected. During the 20th century, 158 hurricanes hit the U.S., a rate of about three every two years, and more than half of those storms hit either Florida or Texas. There are a number of things you can do to help minimize damage to your minimize risk to your home if your area is hit by a hurricane.

One of the first things you need to do when you buy a home in an area that might get hit by a hurricane is to determine your flooding risk. One of the main issues with hurricanes is storm surge, which can cause ocean-related flooding several miles inland. If your home is in a flood plain, you definitely will need to get a flood insurance policy. However, even if you aren’t required to have a policy, it can still be a good idea to get one to ensure you are covered for potential flood damage.

Another way to ensure your home has adequate protection from hurricanes is to do construction modifications. For example, if you live in a place with high hurricane risk such as Miami impact doors are a necessary protection. Miami impact doors can help protect your home and its occupants from high winds and debris. In addition to their own high winds, hurricanes often spawn tornadoes, which can increase the amount of debris and its strength. Other construction modifications that can help to protect against these conditions are hurricane resistant windows and impact sliding doors. These items have glass that is shatter proof and that is resistant against very high winds, even those that are 100 miles per hour and more.

Buying a newer home is another way to ensure protection against hurricanes. Building codes have changed over the years, and many hurricane-prone areas have instituted laws requiring sturdier building methods. Homes in such areas may come with hurricane proof windows and high impact glass in doors.

Living in an area where hurricanes are a risk means you need to be prepared. Though you can never totally eliminate your risk, the steps mentioned here will help you to mitigate it.