Hurricanes may seem like a regular annual occurrence to most Floridian homeowners, but to the majority of the nation, they are a force to be reckoned with. Whether you are a brand new homeowner or a seasoned one, owning a property in one of the states that are impacted by the hurricane season comes with its own set of rules that you need to take into consideration when the summer months approach.
Preparing your home for the hurricane is almost as important as having good home insurance. While the damage may not be severe with every hurricane, being prepared is key to minimizing the effect that strong winds, rain, and flying debris can have on your property.
If handywork is not your cup of tea or you’re simply too busy, having a trustworthy property management firm could make the task much easier. Mila Realty takes the Floridian weather into serious consideration when managing your property. Experts in the property management sphere, Mila Realty will ensure your home is well-equipped and secure in time for mother nature’s appearance. Below is a list of key tips on how to prepare your property for the next tropical storm or hurricane.
Clear The Yard
It is to no surprise that the majority of the damage during the hurricane comes from the flying debris picked up by the strong winds. If finding your garden gnome breaking through your living room window is not on your list of favorite entertainment activities, our suggestion would be to remove any items that can be picked up by the wind and result in flying missiles. This includes grills and patio furniture. The fewer items near your home the better chances of keeping your windows intact.
Install Surge Protection
We know how essential and costly your appliances are. To properly protect them from the storm surge that could damage your appliances, both big and small, you need to install surge protection by adding a power surge protector to your electrical panel and/or using power strips with built-in surge protectors.
Cover the Air Conditioner
If your home has an outdoor air conditioning unit, you may want to protect it from flying debris as well to prevent damage and costly repairs. Tree branches and other items picked up by the wind could potentially result in damage done to an essential amenity to all Floridian homes. Make sure to use proper protection specially made for an air conditioner as DIY solutions such as tents and garbage bags have horror stories of their own.
Seal Your Windows and Doors
Flooding is a byproduct of the hurricane and could cause more damage than the hurricane itself. To prevent water from entering your home, make sure that all windows and doors are properly sealed. This will not only prevent the rain from staining your walls and creating leaks but also result in a more energy-efficient home that will in turn help you save on electricity bills.
Stock Up on Plywood
Older Floridian homes usually had built-in shutters that can be used to cover the windows when the hurricane season arrived. Unfortunately, more practical than it was aesthetically pleasing, they have since been discontinued and you must now find alternative ways to protect your home. Using plywood to cover your windows is an extra step worth taking if you take your home’s protection seriously. It can make a huge difference especially when it comes to the flying debris that can easily break windows. Make sure to get sturdy and high-quality wood from a trusted source.
Now that we’ve discussed the top 5 most important ways to prepare your home for the hurricane, will you be ready for the next one?
