Hurricane Season: Hoping for “No” but Planning for “Yes”

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It only takes one. A single storm bearing down on your region can cause complete devastation, taking months, even years to clean up and recover. New Orleans still remembers Katrina, Florida - Andrew, and the East Coast - Sandy. So folks who live on the East and Gulf Coasts, it's important to treat every season as if a hurricane were to hit. Here are a few tips on how to defend your home or business from the next storm.

Your Roof

Your roof is one of the easiest places for water and wind to damage your home and business because it gets battered everyday by the elements. Maintenance is important, so make sure there are no loose tiles or spaces between the roof deck and the tiles.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IIBHS) has information on how to recognize damage, how to repair it, and also how to hire a good roofing company to do it for you. Consider upgrading your roof to the IIBHS specifications using their FORTIFIED standard program. In most cases the FORTIFIED program goes above and beyond many state building codes.

Your Windows and Doors
Opened windows and doors in your home or business are the easiest entry points for water during a big wet storm. If a storm unleashes high winds and the windows break, enough pressure can build up to blow the roof off your building. With wind comes rain, which can ruin personal items, some of which may be irreplaceable. Doors can even swing open and shut with enough force to damage the structural integrity of the building.

All of this can be avoided or minimized by planning ahead and installing adequate protection. Check out IIBHS for detailed information against this big, potentially expensive, and necessary protective step.

6 Day-to-Day Hurricane Preparedness Tips

1. Install IIBHS's Your Plan iphone app for hurricane preparation.
2. Next, check into what kind of hurricane shutters you should install. If that’s too cost-prohibitive, install hardware for plywood to cover your windows so putting plywood in place as a storm approaches is easier.
3. Keep your trees trimmed and backyard clear of debris or anything that might turn into a projectile in a strong storm.
4. Re-caulk your window seals.
5. Make sure all drains and gutters are clear.
6. Look into installing a sump pump. If you're ahead of the game and have a sump pump, check to see if it's functioning twice a year.

IIBHS has extensive information on rebuilding, strengthening, repairing and maintaining roofs, shutters and structures the right way to help you get ready for the upcoming hurricane season.