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Avoiding Hurricane Damage

Hurricane season runs from June through October, but late August and September are typically when things really heat up. Ocean waters are warm and storms off of Africa are plentiful and that means up here in New York we need to keep an eye out in order to prevent hurricane damage. 

Damage from hurricanes ranges from wind damage and water damage to downed power lines and damage from flying debris. Taking preventative measures can help prevent damage from hurricanes. Here are a few tips for how you can prepare for a hurricane and the heavy rains and winds they bring. 

Hurricane straps can help to keep your roof on during the high winds of a hurricane. These are galvanized metal straps that attach to the roof. You may need a contractor to help you with this project but it can be worth it in the long run!

To protect your home from flying objects it’s important to secure outdoor furniture and items such as grills that can become airborne and break windows and glass doors. 

Storm shutters can also be useful in protecting windows and doors. You can either buy them pre-fabricated out of wood, steel, or aluminum or you can make them yourself out of 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood. Install them over windows, glass doors, skylights, and French doors for best results. 

Reinforcing your garage door before a storm hits can be an excellent idea before a hurricane, as winds can be strong enough to blow in the door and ruin anything you have inside. This isn’t a quick project, so be sure to do it before there is a hurricane warning. 

Heavy rain and storm surge aren’t something you can stop, so be sure to have flood insurance especially if you live in coastal areas. This insurance isn’t available through every company, so be sure to call your company and find out if you can receive coverage. 

Finally, in the event of a power outage from a hurricane or any other natural disaster, it’s a good idea to install a generator in your home. At the very least, a generator can power your essential home appliances, heating, cooling, and lighting. Remember to always keep an adequate supply of fuel on hand and use extreme caution when operating it inside of a building or attached garage as carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death.