Ways to Protect Your Home From Hurricane Damage

Hurricanes can cause damage that ranges from minor to catastrophic, but there are ways to protect your home. With a little planning – you can save yourself some stress & be prepared.

Hire a Tree Professional

Remove dead trees & trim branches that could damage your home or power lines.

Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Making sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris, such as leaves, helps minimize the risk of water damage to your roof and home interior. Clear away any debris that has built up inside gutters and downspouts, and fasten any components that are loose. 

Secure or Put Away Yard Items

Loose items in your yard, such as patio furniture or garbage cans, can damage your home if they’re blown around during a hurricane. Put these items away in a garage or shed to keep them from getting picked up by high winds. Secure larger items (trampolines) that can’t be stored away in order to hold them in place. 

Pools 

Never empty your pool. Pools that have been emptied may experience serious structural problems & could even be lifted off their foundations. During a major storm, Turn OFF Pool Pumps & protect the pump motor, time clock, light transformers and electric heaters.

Supplies

Non-perishable food (enough to last at least 3 -7 days)

Water (enough to last at least 3 -7 days)

First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)

Personal hygiene items and sanitation items

Flashlights & Lanterns (have lots of extra batteries on hand)

Portable Fan

Battery operated or hand crank weather radio (again, have extra batteries)

Waterproof container with cash and important documents

Manual can opener

Lighter or matches

Books, magazines, cards, games for recreation

Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies if applicable

Coolers and ice packs

Large Contractor Garbage Bags, a Tarp, Duct Tape & Some String for leaks & clean up after the storm

A Pair of Rain Boots

Have all phones, power packs & laptops charged. Use your car or computer to charge your phone

Be sure to have weather apps installed and set the apps to, "get notifications." Set your smart phones to "get emergency alerts