Hurricane Milton was definitely devastating, and it serves as a reminder that preparation is actually the key both for survival, and for mitigating the damage that these powerful storms can cause. While we cannot predict everything that will happen, the truth is that we can be more proactive when it comes to protecting our properties. Hurricane Milton caused a lot of destruction and displacement, and it is definitely an event that we will never forget. Well, then, why don’t we use it as a lesson and learn something from it?
What we should learn, of course, is that, while we can’t control everything, we can play a huge part in prevention when it comes to hurricane damage. We can take some steps to protect our properties, minimize the damage, and thus keep ourselves and our loved ones safe in case of another storm. This is especially important for people who live in hurricane-prone areas.
So, in the wake of this disaster, let us reassess our own preparedness, and thus do everything we can to prevent serious property damage in case of another hurricane. There is no doubt in my mind that you have been seriously thinking about what you can do to further protect yourself and your property. The only thing is, though, you may not know exactly which steps to take towards that, and that is precisely what we are going to be discussing below.
- Upgrade Your Windows and Doors
When you take a moment to think about it, you will definitely quickly realize that your doors and windows are quite important for protection, and that they can often make the difference between slight and severe damage. And even the difference between life and death to be honest. So, take time to assess your current windows and doors, and then think about upgrading them, if you are not sure that they could withstand a heavy storm. As the entry points to your home, these need to be quite strong and durable in order for your property to be safe.
- But Make Sure to Choose the Right Options
The above, of course, doesn’t mean that you should just get new windows and doors and be done with it. Things are a bit more complicated than that. In the simplest words possible, you need to carefully choose the right products for you. And, when you check out the Paradise Exteriors windows and doors, you will see that there are products out there designed specifically to withstand heavy storms, high winds and hurricanes in general, which means that you need to look for those particular products, instead of just getting any new ones. In short, your goal is to get hurricane windows and doors.
- And the Right Suppliers
The process of making your choices when upgrading these parts of your home doesn’t stop there, though. To put it simply, in addition to deciding that you want to get hurricane doors and windows, also called impact doors and windows, you need to make another important decision – the decision on where you are going to get these and who it is that is going to install them for you. In short, you need to carefully choose your supplier.
How do you do that, though? Well, the trick is, naturally, in doing your research on several different ones, instead of just going for the first supplier you come across. So, start by searching for these online, but also remember to ask around and check if your friends and neighbors may have some recommendations to share. Of course, you should then more carefully research the companies you have found, aiming at checking their experience levels, their reputation, their availability, as well as the costs of their products and services. Finally, you’ll need to compare all the information you’ve found and then make your final choice.
- Don’t Forget to Strengthen the Roof
So, we’ve talked about the windows and the doors as the most important parts of your home that you need to protect in the event of hurricanes. But, this doesn’t mean that you should stop there. If you want to be even safer, you will absolutely need to strengthen your roof, as it is another access point that you have to secure and protect in order to protect your overall property.
For starters, you may want to strengthen this part of your home by installing hurricane clips or straps, that are designed to help distribute the force of high winds, and thus reduce the chance of roof failure. Then, you may want to invest in impact resistant materials and upgrade your roof with those – such as metal, asphalt shingles that are rated for high winds, and similar durable materials. On top of that, you should remember to regularly maintain the roof and address any damage immediately, so as to prevent it from turning into a weak point during the hurricane.
Read some more on how to stay safe during hurricanes: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/hurricane-safety-tips
- Flood-proof the Property
Flood proofing the property is another important step that you should absolutely take when aiming at protecting your home against hurricanes. Floods can cause a lot of damage to your entire property, and there is no doubt that you would much rather avoid that. So, think about installing flood barriers to prevent the floodwater from reaching your home. Then, ensure that all the openings, including the doors and the windows, are properly sealed and capable of keeping the floodwater out. And then, you should always remember to keep your appliances elevated off the ground, as that will prevent damage in case of flooding.
- Create an Emergency Plan
The final thing to remember is that you should create an emergency plan. Sure, you will do everything to protect your property and your family, but you should still have an emergency plan in place, in case anything more serious happens. Decide on the communication means, designate a safe spot where you’ll meet in case you get separated, and generally create a comprehensive plan that should keep you safer.