Protecting Your Home for a Hurricane: Steps for Safety and Security

As hurricane season approaches, safeguarding your home becomes a top priority. This year, the Atlantic hurricane season has already seen storms forming earlier than ever before, signaling what the weather service predicts will be a particularly active year. With this in mind, now is the ideal time to ensure your home is prepared to withstand the potential impact of a hurricane. Here are some essential steps you can take:

1. Inspect and Reinforce Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are vulnerable points in your home during a hurricane. High winds can cause them to shatter, leading to water and wind damage inside your home. Installing impact-resistant windows and doors is a highly effective way to protect your home. These products are designed to withstand the force of hurricane winds and flying debris. With storms already on the horizon, investing in hurricane windows and impact-resistant doors now can provide peace of mind and critical protection for your home.

To get started, contact Wallaby Windows for a free home consultation. Our experts will assess your current windows and doors and recommend the best solutions to keep your home safe this hurricane season and many to come!

2. Secure Your Roof
Your roof is another critical area to reinforce before a hurricane. Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles, and make any necessary repairs. For added protection, consider installing hurricane straps or clips that help secure your roof to the structure of your home. This can significantly reduce the risk of your roof lifting off during a storm.

3. Trim Trees and Remove Debris
Overhanging branches and loose debris can become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane. Trim any trees near your home and remove dead or weak branches. It’s also important to clear your yard of any items that could be picked up by the wind, such as patio furniture, garden tools, or decorative items.

4. Check Your Gutters and Drains
Proper drainage is crucial during a hurricane to prevent water from pooling around your home. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris, and check that your drains are functioning properly. This will help direct rainwater away from your home and reduce the risk of flooding.

5. Install a Backup Power Source
Power outages are common during hurricanes, so having a backup power source is essential. A generator can keep your home’s critical systems running, such as refrigeration, lighting, and communication devices. Make sure your generator is in good working order and that you have enough fuel to last several days.

6. Secure Your Garage Door
Garage doors are often overlooked when preparing for a hurricane, but they are one of the most vulnerable areas of your home. A weak or unsecured garage door can easily be blown in by strong winds, allowing wind and water to enter your home. Consider reinforcing your garage door with a bracing kit or upgrading to a wind-rated door.

7. Prepare an Emergency Kit
In addition to securing your home, it’s important to prepare for the possibility of being without power, water, or access to stores for several days. Assemble an emergency kit that includes essential items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit. Make sure you have enough supplies to last at least three days.

8. Review Your Insurance Policy
Before hurricane season, review your homeowners’ insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Standard policies often do not cover flood damage, so you may need to purchase additional flood insurance. Take the time to document your home’s contents with photos or videos in case you need to file a claim after the storm.

9. Plan for Evacuation
If authorities issue an evacuation order, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. Know your evacuation routes, and have a predetermined destination, such as a friend’s or family member’s home, or a designated shelter. Keep your emergency kit, important documents, and any necessary medications easily accessible so you can leave quickly if needed.   For important items you can't take with you remeber your dishwasher is water tight and you can store items there.

Don’t wait until the next storm is on the radar—contact Wallaby Windows today for a free home consultation. Our team is ready to help you protect your home with top-of-the-line hurricane-rated products that are built to last. The time to prepare is now—taking these precautions can make all the difference when a hurricane strikes.