How to Prevent Hurricane Damage at Home
Owning a home in a region prone to storms during hurricane season can bring a mix of anxiety and dread, especially when a storm is forecasted. While the fear of potential damage and the safety of loved ones can be overwhelming, remember that preparedness is your strongest ally. By taking the right steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of severe damage to your property.
What homes are most at risk of hurricanes?
"Homes that are situated in coastal areas, mainly along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic coastline, are the ones most at risk for hurricane damage," shares Bart Meador, Senior Vice President of Operations at PuroClean. "These areas are where hurricanes typically make landfall within the continental United States. Within these areas, any home is at risk if the storm hits close enough, but especially older homes that are not built to current hurricane codes, which are intended to make them withstand high winds and heavy rain. Also, homes with large windows or homes located in flood zones within the tropical storm and hurricane’s path are vulnerable to extensive damage."
Homeowners at risk of these natural disasters can take the following steps to safeguard their home:
Review your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Make sure that your insurance company's policy includes proper coverage against hurricanes, including windstorm insurance and flood insurance policies.
Retrofit your home to ensure it’s up to the latest building codes for hurricane zones.
Reinforce your roof. Use hurricane straps or clips to prevent damage from high winds.
Reinforce your home’s foundation, if possible.
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How can you tell if your home will experience (or has already suffered) hurricane damage?
The signs of existing aren't always obvious, but if you look closely, some of these items might catch your eye.
Visible Exterior Damage: Inspect the exterior of your home for visible signs of damage, such as missing or damaged roof shingles, siding, gutters, or downspouts. Look for cracks in the foundation, broken windows, and dented or dinged doors. If you need to replace any windows after a storm surge, choose impact-resistant windows that hold up better against wind-borne debris and hurricane winds.
Standing Water or Flooding: Look for signs of standing water or flood damage in basements, crawl spaces, or low-lying areas of your property. Flooding can cause significant water damage to structures and belongings.
Roof Damage from Tree Limbs: Assess your roof for damage from fallen tree limbs or branches. Look for dents, punctures, or missing shingles that may have been caused by impact.
Electrical Issues: After disaster strikes, assess any electrical issues, such as power outages, flickering lights, or sparking outlets, which may indicate damage to your home's electrical system.
HVAC System Damage: Inspect your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for damage, including outdoor units, vents, and ductwork. Floodwaters can damage HVAC systems and pose health risks if not properly addressed. Expert Mark Woodruff from Trane Residential highlights the importance of having a professional elevate any indoor HVAC equipment. He adds, "You can also have an electrician wire water leak sensors to basement appliances so that if water does get into the basement the power will be cut to the equipment and provide a level of safety."
Appliance Damage From Hurricane: Check appliances, such as water heaters, furnaces, and air conditioners, for signs of damage or malfunction that may have occurred during the storm.
Water Stains or Leaks: Check ceilings, walls, and floors for water stains, discoloration, or signs of water intrusion. Even if the damage isn't immediately noticeable, water stains may indicate a leak that requires attention.
Debris Accumulation: Assess the presence of debris around your property, including branches, leaves, and other items that may have been blown in by high winds. Large debris may have caused damage upon impact to your home.
Structural Integrity: Evaluate the overall structural integrity of your home, including the stability of walls, floors, and ceilings. Look for cracks, bulges, or shifting that may have occurred because of strong winds or flooding. Careful evaluation can protect against costly repairs.
Mold or Mildew Growth: After a major storm passes, excess moisture can lead to mildew and mold growth. Check for musty odors and visible signs of mold on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
Related: How to Tell if Mold is Old vs. New Growth (Plus, Tips to Prevent Mold at Home)
Preventing Hurricane Damage: Home Preparedness Tips
Owning a home in the storm path means constantly preparing for what may happen to your property, family, neighborhood, and belongings. "First and foremost, anyone in a hurricane-prone area should take proactive measures and create a comprehensive emergency plan," recommends Meador. "This plan should include things like evacuation routes, emergency supplies, and communication strategies that are shared with family and friends. Be sure to always stay up to date about hurricane forecasts and follow the instructions and orders of the local authorities for the most peace of mind."
When a storm has been forecast, get your home ready:
Prepare your storm shutters. "Make sure hurricane shutters are installed as soon as possible once the forecast shows the possibility of a hurricane headed your way," suggests Meador.
Seal doors and windows as tightly as possible
Reinforce garage doors
Clear drains and gutters. They'll need to carry water through them with as little obstruction as possible.
Secure outdoor items (including patio furniture, umbrellas, trampolines, etc.)
Store furniture, pictures, and other valuable or sentimental items on the upper stories of your home, or off the floor. This will help protect them against pooling flood water.
Pack prescription medications and valuables in case of evacuation
Get cash from the bank. "One item a lot of people don’t think about is CASH! We all use debit cards more than cash these days, but if your bank is local and loses power for a few days, then it’s possible your debit card may not work, no matter where you have evacuated to," notes Meador. "So, you should take out enough cash to survive for at least 7 days, just in case."
Keep your vehicles fueled (or fully charged if you have an EV). Keep it that way until the storm passes in case of evacuation.
Stay alert! Check on your neighbors and follow instructions given by the local authorities.
Related: 7 Things That Mold Mitigation Teams Do to Repair Damage
Get the Right Help After the Storm
Anthony Perera, Founder of Inspected.com weighs in with advice for homeowners, too. "If a major storm event does hit, property owners who hire contractors that partner with private providers and/or third-party inspection firms will likely see a faster turnaround. Based on experience working in disaster areas in Florida, we have seen the lengthy delays during the recovery process. Utilizing a private provider can speed up the process for both the property owner and assists the municipal building department in getting through their long backlog of inspections."