Hurricane Safety Tips for Homeowners
Andrea, the first tropical storm of the 2013 Atlantic hurricane season is not expected to turn into a hurricane. Hurricane season is officially in full swing, and it’s important to be prepared especially those living in coastal areas. Here are tips on how to hurricane-ready your home.
- Cover all of your home’s windows with pre-cut ply wood or hurricane shutters to protect your windows from high winds.
- Plan to bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that is not tied down.
- Keep all trees and shrubs well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
- Secure your home by closing shutters, and securing outdoor objects or bringing them inside.
- Turn off utilities as instructed. Otherwise, turn the refrigerator thermostat to its coldest setting and keep its doors closed.
- Turn off propane tanks.
- Ensure a supply of water for sanitary purposes such as cleaning and flushing toilets. Fill the bathtub and other large containers with water.
- Find out how to keep food safe during and after and emergency by visiting: http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/emergency/index.html
Hurricane hazards come in many forms, including storm surge, heavy rainfall, inland flooding, high winds, tornadoes, and rip currents. The National Weather Service is responsible for protecting life and property through issuance of timely watches and warnings, but it is essential that your family be ready before a storm approaches.
To get the latest hurricane information, visit the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.
I would tell you that having a generator came in handy in FL when we lost powers for hours and sometimes for days.
Why is protecting windows so important?
Once a window is broken, the wind blows inside to not only wreck the interior, but also to apply upward pressure on the roof, which might be enough to sent if flying. If this happens, the walls collapse and your house is done for.