Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season
Trees can be a beautiful and beneficial additive in your yard. They provide shade and beauty to your landscaping. They provide oxygen for the earth. However, during severe weather, trees are dangerous. Storm force winds are a minimum of thirty miles an hour. Limbs and branches can break off during a storm blocking roads, striking homes, and causing damage where they land. In an effort to secure your safety during a hurricane, it is wise to trim your trees and shrubbery.
Check your trees for damaged limbs. Those limbs should be sawed from the tree as close to the trunk as possible. This may make your tree look sparse and bare for the season. Remember that nature has a way of replenishing itself. By the end of the season your tree will be all the healthier for the trimming. If the tree has damage on it’s trunk you may need to consider removal. Hurricane force winds can cause damaged trees to fall. Shrubs are often overlooked in the preparation process. Shrubs can break apart as easily as trees in hurricane force winds. Trimming them down to a three foot, box configuration can save you from unnecessary damage.
Recreation features are also hazards during a hurricane. Swimming pools, lawn or patio furniture, even plants are hazards during a hurricane. Securing items can decrease the risk of damage to the property itself as well as damage to your home. For example, removing all the swings from a swing set can reduce the risk of them turning into a projectile during a storm. Plants are commonly over looked in the preparation process. However, they can be easily lifted by hurricane force winds. Place plants inside the home if all possible. If this is not possible, place them against the walls of the home outside. Lawn furniture should be stored in a shed or inside the home. If this is not possible, tie them together with a strong rope and place them as close to the house as possible.
Swimming pools are a particular danger during a storm. Rain water overflows the pool causing the water to seep into your home. The overflow Causes damage to the foundation and possessions inside the home. Empty the pool at least by at least two foot to allow the rain to fill the pool without damage. Above ground pools should be emptied as well for safety. Overfilling an above ground pool causes the sides to give way sending water rushing in every direction. Your swimming pool is a safe place to store your outdoor furniture. Sink the furniture to the bottom of the pool. Removing them after the storm is over.
Common lawn features in Florida are portable garages or patio shades. These are aluminum construction frames covered with a weather proof tarp like shade. During strong winds air is caught underneath the roofs of these constructions causing them to take flight and be thrown away from the home. This is not only a danger but in the case of the portable garages, it can be an expensive loss. Remove the roof for storage in a dry location until after the storm. If you feel that the aluminum frame is not sturdy enough to withstand the winds it would be advisable to take it apart and store it until after the storm.
Gas grills are common in Florida. During a hurricane they are not only a potential projectile, they are also a fire hazard. Move your grill inside if at all possible. If it is not feasible to do so, remove the propane tank from the grill. Store the tank inside your home, garage or shed. Place the grill itself against the house. Propane tanks used to fuel the home should be disconnected until after the storm has past.
Now that your possessions are cleared out of the yard, you must turn your attention to the lawn itself. Removal of debris such as leaves, pine needles, sticks and trash, from your lawn will help to keep water from standing in your lawn. Mowing your lawn prior to a hurricane can also defend your home against standing water. If your lawn is prone to flooding it may be a good idea to dig trenches to allow the water to flow away from your home. Performing these tasks can save you from hours of clean up.
It is now time to turn your attention to your home itself. Clean all debris from your gutters and down spouts. Keeping them clean allows for healthy drainage from your roof. Clogged gutters and downspouts is a cause of standing water on your roof. This water can find its way under your shingles causes damage to the roof structure. During the cleaning check to make sure your gutters are firmly attached. If they are loose tighten them. Gutters are usually made of aluminum. This light weight material is easily torn from your house. If this happens no amount cleaning can protect your roof from water damage.
During a hurricane the best protection your home can have is the covering of windows. Tape regardless of type does not keep your windows from shattering when hit by flying debris. Storm shutters are the best protection money can buy. However, it is an expensive investment. If shutters are out of your budget range plywood is a viable option. Make sure that the plywood is at least 5/8 inches thick. Marine wood is the best option for covering the windows of your home. When applying the wood, make sure it completely covers the window. Do not leave shutters or wood on your windows throughout hurricane season. Blocking your exits is a fire hazard.
Following the simple instructions does not insure the safety of yourself and your home. It insures that you have done the best you can to protect yourself and your home. Hurricanes are unpredictable. You should use your best judgment when preparing for a hurricane. Remember that no amount of preparation can secure you or your home if an evacuation has been put in effect. If an order for evacuation has been instituted for your area, take heed and leave. Hurricane season arrives on June 1st. Prepare your home now by following the best advice I can give you. It is better to be safe than sorry.
