Published: June 01, 2024
As the seasons change, so does the threat of hurricanes looming over coastal areas and beyond. The devastation these natural phenomena bring can be catastrophic, leaving homes in ruins and lives disrupted. However, there are proactive measures you can take to safeguard your home and loved ones against hurricanes. Here are essential strategies to fortify your home and minimize damage during hurricane season.
Fortify Your Windows and Doors: Windows and doors are vulnerable points during a hurricane. Install storm shutters or plywood to protect windows from flying debris. Reinforce doors with heavy-duty hinges and locks, or consider investing in impact-resistant doors.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Objects: Before a hurricane strikes, secure or bring indoors any outdoor furniture or objects that could become projectiles in high winds. If not properly secured, these items can cause significant damage to your home or neighboring properties.
Trim Trees and Shrubs: Trim back overhanging branches and remove dead or weak trees and shrubs near your home. During a hurricane, these can pose a threat as they may fall and damage your property or utility lines.
Inspect and Reinforce Your Roof: Ensure your roof is in good condition by inspecting it regularly for loose or damaged shingles and repairing any issues promptly. Consider reinforcing your roof with hurricane straps or clips to help prevent it from being lifted off during high winds.
Elevate Electrical Systems: If you live in a flood-prone area, elevate electrical systems, such as outlets, switches, and circuit breakers, to a higher level in your home. This can help prevent damage from flooding and reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Invest in a Generator: Power outages are common during hurricanes, so consider investing in a generator to keep essential appliances and lights running. Make sure to follow safety guidelines when using generators and never operate them indoors or in enclosed spaces.
Create a Family Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive family emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and procedures for communication and reunification in case you are separated during a hurricane. Practice your plan regularly with all family members to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
Stock up on Supplies: Stock up on essential supplies well in advance of hurricane season, including non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Having these items on hand will help you weather the storm and its aftermath more comfortably.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about approaching hurricanes by monitoring weather forecasts and official updates from local authorities. Follow evacuation orders if issued, and heed any warnings or advisories issued by emergency management agencies.
Consider Portable Storage Solutions: In the aftermath of a hurricane, having access to reliable storage solutions can be invaluable for storing belongings during repairs and renovations. Companies like UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage offer portable storage containers that can be delivered directly to your property, providing a secure and convenient storage solution during the recovery process.
By implementing these strategies and being prepared, you can better protect your home and family from the impact of hurricanes. It’s never too early to start preparing, so take action now to ensure you’re ready for the next storm. Stay safe and be vigilant during hurricane season.
UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage brings firsthand experience from navigating the aftermath of natural calamities. With their all-steel portable storage containers and a steadfast commitment to excellence, we emerge as a reliable partner in the path toward recovery.
Plus, UNITS® goes the extra mile with our national account program, providing reliable service to businesses across multiple disaster-affected areas. Say goodbye to headaches with our streamlined operations, personalized help, and custom solutions just for you.
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