Does it seem like hurricane season lasts a REALLY long time? It does. Seriously. June 1- November 30 is the official hurricane season in Florida. That is a full 6 months, so half the year is hurricane season! There are things you can do to prepare for hurricane season, and this article will share 4 tips with you to maximize your hurricane preparedness. If you live in Florida, you can never be overly prepared for a hurricane, so these tips will benefit you!
The 4 tips for hurricane preparedness we will discuss in this article are 1) Roof repairs 2) Generator maintenance 3) Window preparation and 4) Fence preparation. These tips will help you and your family be prepared for hurricane season so you don’t experience added stress during the storm. These tips will also help keep your family and home as safe as possible.
Living on the coast of Florida is like living in a little slice of paradise. We have beautiful beaches, lush green foliage, and year-round beautiful weather. But, as with most things in life, there is a cost for living in such a beautiful place. It is called hurricane season. It is a trade-off that most of us are willing to accept as it has the upside of 6 months without hurricane season and many years where we experience zero hurricanes. However, when those intense and violent storms come, it is absolutely essential to be prepared. This article is going to share 4 tips to help you with your hurricane preparedness.
#1 Roof repairs
Hurricanes usually produce a lot of rain. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a typical hurricane produces at least 6-12 inches of rain, although it can produce substantially more. Having a roof that is in good condition is essential to avoid roof leaks and water damage from so much rain in such a short period of time. You should have your roof inspected for any areas that require repair before hurricane season.
If you have never had a wind mitigation report done on your home, it is time to do so. The report will let you know if your roof can withstand hurricane-force winds. A Category 1 hurricane brings winds of 74 miles per hour minimum. It is important to know that your roof can withstand that. Because that is the minimum wind speed during a hurricane, it is better if it can withstand higher winds. A wind mitigation report is not a guarantee, but it will give you an idea of how well your roof can withstand a hurricane. If your roof doesn’t stand a chance, then you should consider replacing it as soon as possible.
#2 Generator maintenance
It is wise to have a generator in case of a hurricane. Some people invest in whole-house generators, but that isn’t an affordable option for everyone. You can get a quality generator that will power your refrigerator and a portable A/C unit at your local stores, such as Home Depot, Lowe’s, ACE, or Harbor Freight. This type of generator will cost around $800. With either a portable or whole-house generator, it is important to do regular maintenance. This includes things like changing the oil, replacing filters, replacing spark plugs, etc. Without proper maintenance, your generator may not even start when you need it most.
#3 Window preparation
You have two basic options when it comes to window preparation. The first option is hurricane shutters, and the second option is hurricane windows. If you have an older home with single-pane windows, the cost of replacing them with double-pane windows and hurricane shutters or just hurricane impact windows is very similar, so the choice is yours. You can also pay people to install your shutters if it is physically difficult for you (or you just don’t want to!). A major benefit of hurricane impact windows is that you do not need to shutter them, allowing you to maintain visibility and daylight during the hurricane. Anyone who shutters their homes can tell you that it is like living in a cave. If you do not have shutters or impact windows, then buy plywood to board up your windows PRIOR to hurricane season, and store it in a safe place year-round. Stores frequently run out of these supplies when a hurricane is approaching.
#4 Fence preparation
Fences frequently fall victim to the intense wind that comes with a hurricane. If your fences are older, you can brace weak areas, but they may not survive. A great alternative to fence repairs is replacing your fence with an aluminum fence. They have the beauty of wrought iron but are rust-resistant. They are strong and can survive extreme weather. They are a great option for those in hurricane areas.
Summary
Multiple things must be done to adequately prepare for hurricane season. In this article, we have discussed roof repairs, generator maintenance, window preparation, and fence preparation. Taking care of each of these areas of repair, maintenance, and possibly replacement will help ensure that your home is ready for whatever this hurricane season may bring. If you are interested in aluminum fencing, then please reach out to us here at Tripod Aluminum. We are located in Melbourne, FL, and have been through plenty of hurricanes ourselves. Our beautiful aluminum fences can put a giant check mark on your hurricane prep to-do list, so give us a call today!