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Windows:
Inspect windows and shutters, make
sure they are in working condition. Put up all of your shutters
to make sure they fit and you have all the bolts. If you
are going to board up your windows pre-cut the boards and store
them until needed.
Doors:
Inspect doors to make sure they are in
good condition. Add extra locks or slide bolts to
inward-swinging doors. French doors and double doors are
especially vulnerable.
Garage doors:
Protect garage doors with
hurricane panels, or reinforce the door from the inside with
wood studs or metal braces attached lengthwise. Also, make sure
that the grooved runners in which the door's wheels travel are
firmly attached to the wall.
Gable ends:
Reinforce wood gable ends. Connect
2x4's to trusses and roof beams to provide better strength
against the wind.
Hurricane straps:
These metal straps hold the
roof frame to the walls of your house. They are found on the
edges of the trusses where the trusses meet the walls. Look for
loose, rusting or missing straps.
Trusses and beams:
Repair or replace trusses
or beams with cracks, large knots and insect damage. To make
temporary repairs, nail 8-foot long (or longer) 2x4's on both
sides of the damaged truss or beam.
Nails and plywood
on the roof: Resin-coated
nails should be used at 6-inch intervals to attach plywood to
trusses. Poorly attached plywood is likely to blow off under
hurricane conditions, exposing the attic and house interior to
further damage.
Roof tiles and
shingles: Repair cracked
or missing roof tiles or loose asphalt shingles.
Roof edges:
Inspect boards along roof edges
and gables for signs of decay caused by leaks. Replace any
decaying boards, which are usually darker than surrounding
boards.
Landscaping:
Trees with dense canopies or
thick vines will catch and hold the wind like an umbrella.
Trimming will keep your trees from being uprooted during a
hurricane -- which may help save your house or car from damage.
Don't wait to trim until after a
hurricane watch or warning has been issued. Trash pick up may be
suspended, and the storm could turn your trimmings into
dangerous missiles. If you hire tree trimmers, make sure they
are licensed, bonded and insured.
Trimming large limbs:
Work outward from the
center of the tree, creating channels through the foliage. This
allows for proper air flow and will help you avoid the tendency
to cut too much. Remove limbs that are dead, weak or rubbing
together. A good trim leaves the tree looking lighter -- not as
if it has been pruned. Cut limbs at a point just before the
branch collar, which is the raised and thickened area where the
limb attaches to the trunk. The branch collar's wound-healing
bark will help to cover over and heal the cut.
Replace gravel landscaping with
shredded bark.
Potential debris:
Gather outdoor furniture,
garbage cans and other potential debris and move them inside.
Ask your neighbors to do the same.
Boats:
Be prepared to secure your boat at
home, place it in a safe harbor, or store it in a marina or
dock.
Make sure you
have everything taken care of:
Review your Insurance policy, make
sure it meets your needs. Don't wait until the storm is bearing
down on you!! Take lots of pictures or video of your home and
contents. |
