The Dos & Don’ts of Hurricane Preparation
As the fall months start to get into full swing, so too does the beginning of hurricane season! In order to protect your home and belongings from the costly water damage storms like these can bring, you’ll need to ensure that your home has the proper fortifications. You shouldn’t try to do this completely on your own! There are several mistakes that can worsen the extent of the damage once the dust has settled. We’ll give you our expert advice on what to do – and not to do – in terms of hurricane preparation below!
Do: Cover Windows With Storm Shutters
When preparing your home to face the brunt of a hurricane’s wrath, your number one priority should be securing the weakest parts of your home. Windows are great for most other types of severe weather conditions, but glass won’t stand up well against a hurricane. If your home is equipped with storm shutters, this should be an easy process. If you don’t have them, nail sturdy and secure plywood boards to each window, encompassing their entire surface area.
Don’t: Leave Items In Your Yard Unattended
Do you have an outdoor patio, grill, lawnmower, or any other furniture lying around outside? Don’t leave it there! Hurricane winds are strong enough to pick these items off the ground and send them flying, which could cause serious and preventable damage to your home. Make sure that you secure any loose furniture before the storm hits! Your garage or basement is a perfect temporary storage unit for these items.
Do: Clean Your Gutters
Out of all the situations in which you wouldn’t want your gutters to clog in, during a hurricane is probably the most significant! If your gutters are compromised, the increased rainfall can pool on your roof and seep into your home’s foundation. Before the rainfall starts, take some time to clean your gutters and ensure that no debris is around them. Installing gutter guards is a great practice as well, but it’s more of a long-term task that you most likely wouldn’t have time for. As long as your gutters are clear, you stand the best chance of success!
Don’t: Leave Your Appliances Plugged In
What happens if your home experiences a power surge or outage during the hurricane? At a minimum, your appliances will have difficulty working. The worst-case scenario can send sparks flying, which has the potential to cause a fire in your home! To avoid power surges or electrical fires, make sure that your appliances aren’t plugged in when the storm hits. This is the case regardless of whether or not you choose to ride the storm out – social media and TV can wait!
Storm Damage Restoration with Soil-Away
Even if you’ve secured your home to the fullest, the potential for water damage from hurricanes is always there. Don’t let these issues linger and cost you more money than needed! Soil-Away is New Hampshire’s leading expert in storm damage restoration, including leaky windows, flood damage, and power surges. We’ll ensure that your property is restored back to its original condition! If your home experienced damage from a hurricane, click here to contact us and get rid of it!
