Overlooked areas

While windows are often the focus of hurricane preparation, there are other important parts and areas of homes that are unfortunately often overlooked. These include trees, roofs, garages, gutters and spouts, all of which can be significant weak spots for homeowners in a hurricane. Consequently, advise homeowners to think about the following:

Pruning trees and dead branches around the property to reduce the likelihood they will fall during high winds.
Installing wind straps, which will increase roof-to-wall connections and reduce the chance of a roof detaching during a storm. These cost relatively little to install and may even qualify the homeowner for a discount on their insurance policy.
Securing loose shingles with a tube of roofing cement, which costs around $5, can reduce the risk of losing shingles in the wind.
Securing garage doors with vertical braces. Garage doors can often be weak links during storms, and braces will boost their wind resistance.
Ensuring gutters and downspouts are clear. If torrential rains can't drain down a house, they'll drain into the house.

It's all about the basics

Some homeowners may be familiar with preparations, but there are many residents new to hurricane-prone areas since the last time a hurricane made landfall nearby. Encourage them to:

Make a list of financial documents (i.e. insurance policies, mortgage information, etc.) and put them in one easy-to-find place should evacuation be necessary.
Photograph valuables including entertainment systems, appliances, jewelry and furniture to help adjusters ensure full reimbursement on damaged items. Upload these photos to the cloud as a backup precaution in case electronic devices are lost or damaged.
Pack an emergency supplies kit including non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, cash, a whistle, and backup batteries for any necessary electronics.

One of the most helpful pieces of advice we can give homeowners is helping them understand that the cost of being prepared for a hurricane is significantly less than the cost of repairs for unprepared homes and replacement of their belongings.

Special Reports /

Some hurricane damage can be avoided: Advice to pass on to homeowners

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