Hurricane season is on the way (and has technically already started), and if you’re a new homeowner, or just new to a hurricane-prone area, you might not be prepared.
This is projected to be a particularly active season for hurricanes, so preparation is key. Preparing for hurricane season isn’t hard, and eventually, it will become second nature. If this is your first time, we can help you out.
Keep reading for 5 things that you need to know as a homeowner preparing for hurricane season.
1. Hurricane Season Timing
When is hurricane season anyway?
You can’t adequately prepare if you’re not aware of when you should be doing all of this prep work.
Hurricane season officially lasts from the beginning of June through the end of November.
That said, that’s a very broad time and it’s not 100% accurate. The season can start in May and often ends by the beginning of autumn. In many areas, the unofficial hurricane season (or when you can expect more hurricane activity hitting land) is from July through August.
When hurricane season is approaching, you should do certain things to prepare your home. Hurricanes typically have some warning, but being prepared early on is best.
2. You Need to Bring Things Inside
Summer is the time of backyard barbeques, lounging on the hammock, and letting the kids swim in a kiddie pool.
Summer is also the time when these things can all be swept away by a rogue storm.
While you can have these things outside when they’re in use, consider bringing them indoors nightly when there’s news of a storm nearby. They can cause serious damage to your property or your neighbors’ properties.
3. Windows Can Break: Board Them
Even mild hurricanes can cause windows to shatter either from the wind or the flying debris.
Prevent this by boarding up your windows before the storm.
This can be done with traditional boards or you can invest in hurricane shutters that can add an extra layer of protection.
4. Your Roof Isn’t Safe
Many people never get a roof inspection or carry out one themselves. Why should they?
Well, a hurricane can peel the tiles right from your roof if they aren’t properly affixed. This becomes dangerous debris and it removes a layer of protection from your home.
Before the hurricane comes, make sure that there are no loose or missing tiles. If there are, it might be time to contact someone.
5. Everything Should Be Turned Off
While you don’t have to go completely without electricity during the hurricane (unless the power goes out), you might want to protect some of your floor-level or outdoor appliances by disconnecting them.
If you have an outdoor unit or anything else that sits in a flood-prone area, disconnect them from electricity. It’s better to be a little warm than to risk some serious damage.
Preparing for Hurricane Season Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
It’s hard to prepare completely for hurricane season. Knowing when you can expect hurricanes and how you should weatherproof your home in the event of one is a strong start.
Preparing for hurricane season is essential. It’s better to prepare and have nothing happen than to not prepare when a hurricane is on the way.
For more information, or to contact us about a repair for your HVAC systems, visit our site!