When preparing your home for hurricane season, your safety should be your top priority. Taking the time to safeguard your home well in advance can help you navigate a storm safely so keep reading to learn how to prep your home for hurricane season with these five reliable tips.
1. Have your HVAC system serviced regularly.
In order to keep your HVAC system protected this hurricane season, you should make sure to have it serviced regularly to get rid of any debris or loose objects that may have lodged into its vents. This is important because the high winds that are the characteristic of hurricane season can cause yard debris to lodge between your outdoor HVAC unit, and cause damage to your AC unit’s inner components as well. After regular maintenance, you should also ensure that your HVAC equipment is well covered to prevent further damage during blustery weather.
2. Ensure your outdoor furniture is well-secured.
The last thing you want to worry about during a hurricane is the safety of your belongings. So before the storm hits, move unsecured items such as lawn chairs, toys, bird feeders, and more into your garage. If you don’t have enough storage space in your home, consider looking for storage units nearby.
A self-storage facility can give you peace of mind knowing that your outdoor equipment is protected during an aggressive hurricane season, so when looking for a storage unit, first consider the unit’s security. A secure facility should have 24-hour access, password-protected access, a digital control system, and proper lighting.
If you anticipate needing additional space for your seasonal furniture, start looking for a storage facility in advance because unit availability may not be a guarantee once the hurricane hits. These days, you can compare storage options online and get full details on rental fees and actual unit sizes. Once you’ve found a storage unit you like, you can also make an online reservation.
3. Ensure your utilities are shut off correctly.
The hurricane season brings with it a lot of strong winds, rain, and water. The extreme weather conditions could lead to a power surge or power outage, which could be dangerous for your HVAC unit as well. While a circuit breaker or surge protector could also offer surge protection, switching off your electronics is the best way to protect your utilities against a power surge. Everyone in your home should know how to properly switch off the gas—to protect against a gas leak—the water, and electricity to prevent electrical sparks responsible for starting fires.
If you’re planning on turning your HVAC unit off, ensure that your home will be at a comfortable temperature even when the AC unit is not turned on. Once the storm passes, you can turn the power back on. For extra safety, have an HVAC expert inspect your HVAC system and electrical outlets for any water damage, to avoid turning your home into a danger zone.
4. Shield your windows and doors against heavy rain.
During high winds, your door and windows end to be the most susceptible to damage. Most of this damage is caused by flying projectiles such as broken tree branches. A great way to protect your home against this form of storm damage is by installing storm shutters way before the start of hurricane season. If storm shutters feel like a bit of a stretch for you, consider fixing sheets of plywood over your doors and windows to form a barrier to the outside.
5. Make sure your roof is in good repair.
Your roof is at the center of your home’s structure, so make sure that it stays in good repair throughout the year. Have a professional contractor conduct regular service checks to rule out or attend to any signs of leaks, broken tiles, mildew growth, and structural weaknesses.
