Although the southeastern portion of the United States is beautiful and has a great deal to offer in terms of lifestyle benefits, residents do have to contend with hurricane season every year. The season officially runs from June through November but tends to be worst from August through October. For our clients in coastal North Carolina and South Carolina, hurricane season is of particular concern. Although you probably already know many ways to prepare your house for potential hurricanes every year, it is never a bad thing to have a refresher course! In the next section, you’ll see a few key tips that will help you and your family get ready for hurricane-force storms.
Understand storm surges and flooding
Many people, particularly those who are new to living on the coast, are more worried about wind speeds than anything else when they start thinking about hurricane season. Seasoned veterans, however, know that storm surges and flooding can actually cause as much, if not more, damage than strong winds. Although it is not too much, you can do to prevent water from harming your home, making sure your gutter system is in good working order, boarding up your windows to prevent them from breaking from pressure, and ensuring that your roof is in good repair are all ways to minimize damage.
Reinforce all doors (including garage doors)
Although you might think that your garage door is the strongest in your home, this isn’t actually the case when it comes to hurricanes. High-speed winds can often cause them to break loose, which allows wind inside of your garage, ultimately causing serious damage, including the roof blowing off. Having your garage door reinforced prior to hurricane season is an excellent way to improve the odds of your home sustaining as little damage as possible during the next big storm. It’s also an excellent idea to reinforce the entry doors to your home; three hinges are stronger than two, for example.
Assess the things in your yard
For most North Carolina and South Carolina residents, spending time outdoors is an important part of daily life, especially in the spring and summer. As hurricane season approaches, however, it is important to assess how many things in your yard could ultimately get picked-up by strong winds and damage your house. Whenever a hurricane watch or warning is in effect, have a plan for how to get grills, light furniture, children’s toys, and other items into a safe, interior area.
Large items, including picnic tables, large couches, and playsets, should be bolted to the ground for the utmost security. If you are unsure about how to go about bolting these items, don’t hesitate to contact a professional for assistance. Better safe than sorry in this situation!
At Hatch Homes, we live, work, and play in the Carolinas just like you, so we know how scary hurricane season can be. The more time you spend getting your home ready, though, the easier it will be for you and your family to rest easy throughout the summer and fall. Hopefully, these tips will help you be as well-prepared as possible next time a hurricane strikes.