Whether watching news reports of hurricanes traveling up the coast or living through one, the damage caused by these severe storms are often devasting to people and property. High season is here and addressing preparedness can never be repeated often enough.
To start, some of the most common damaging effects of hurricanes can fall into a few key categories: 1) roofs; 2) interiors; and 3) equipment.
Roofs: No matter if it is new or old, even the strongest roof is often no match for hurricane-force winds. This is true for homes and businesses alike.
Interiors: Hurricane damage is not isolated to a building’s exterior. The accompanying rain can break through and mar walls, drench floors and soil furniture. Mold growth is also an aftermath of a flooded interior.
Equipment: Personal possessions aside, larger-scale machinery, HVAC, computers, telephone systems and more can be impacted by power surges.
For these reasons and others, taking steps to prepare for hurricane season can go a long way in the proactive mitigation of possible aftereffects. Here are a few suggestions offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and it's Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration:
- Install metal hurricane straps to secure the roof
- Cover windows with storm shutters to avoid shattering
- Invest in a generator for possible power outages
- Reinforce lightweight garage door with girts
- Consider tree and/or limb removal to reduce debris
- Secure outdoor objects to protect the item and nearby property
It may also be worth repeating … The best piece of advice is to heed the warnings of local and federal officials while keeping a short list of phone numbers, including 1-800-RED-CROSS, close at hand. Be safe.
