TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR HURRICANE SEASON
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/tips-prepare-your-home-hurricane-season]


Release Date: 
Jun 13, 2022 

Hurricane force winds can turn landscaping materials into missiles
that can break windows and doors. Much of the property damage
associated with hurricanes occur after the windstorm, when rain enters
structures through broken windows, doors, and openings in the roof.

 

Preparing before a hurricane can help you manage the impact of high
winds and floodwaters. The steps outlined below will help keep you and
your family safe while protecting your home and property. If you are a
renter, talk with your landlord or property manager about the steps
you can take together to protect yourself, your family, your home, and
your property.

FEMA places a strong emphasis on building codes because they enhance
public safety and property protection. See what the building codes
are for your zip code at https://inspecttoprotect.org/ 

 

While preparing your home to protect against hurricane damage is
undoubtedly an expense, you can do it in stages.

 	* REPLACE GRAVEL OR ROCK LANDSCAPING MATERIALS WITH A FIRE-RESISTANT
MATERIAL which is lighter and won't cause as much harm.
 	* CUT WEAK BRANCHES AND TREES that could fall on your house and
keep shrubbery trimmed.
 	* INSTALL STORM SHUTTERS to protect your windows from breakage.
Alternately, fit plywood panels to your windows, which can be nailed
to window frames when a storm approaches. Read about one survivor’s
story with storm shutters at
https://www.fema.gov/case-study/storm-shutters-create-feeling-security
[https://www.fema.gov/case-study/storm-shutters-create-feeling-security%20]             
 	* MAKE SURE EXTERIOR DOORS ARE HURRICANE PROOF and have at least
three hinges and a dead bolt lock that is at least one inch long.
 	* SLIDING GLASS DOORS SHOULD BE MADE OF TEMPERED GLASS and, during
a storm, covered with shutters or plywood. These types of doors are
more vulnerable to wind damage than most other doors.
 	* REPLACE OLD GARAGE DOORS AND TRACKS with a door that is approved
for both wind pressure and impact protection. Wind coming into your
home through an opening this large pose grave problems for the rest of
your home—especially your roof.
 	* SEAL OUTSIDE WALL OPENINGS such as vents, outdoor electrical
outlets, garden hose bibs and locations where cables or pipes go
through the wall. Use a high-quality urethane-based caulk to prevent
water penetration.
 	* IF YOU LIVE IN A MOBILE HOME, make sure you know how to secure it
against high winds and be sure to review your mobile home insurance
policy. Find out more at
https://www.iii.org/article/mobile-home-insurance. Reminder: mobile
homes are not safe in high winds, and you will need to move to a safer
place before a storm hits. Always follow the advice of your local
community officials.
 	* IF YOU HAVE A BOAT ON A TRAILER, know how to anchor the trailer
to the ground or house—and review your boat insurance policy. Find
out more at https://www.iii.org/article/boat-insurance-and-safety.  
 	* FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON HURRICANE IDA visit
fema.gov/disaster/4611 [https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4611]. Follow us
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