Preparing Your Property for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs from June 1st thru November 30th so now is a great time to think about what you will do to prepare your home inside and outside for the upcoming 2022 hurricane season.
To effectively protect your home from damage caused by hurricanes, it’s important to take a few simple steps both inside and outside your home.
Inside your home, you should reinforce any weak points in the structure of your home to prevent wind and rain from getting inside. This can include replacing windows with stronger ones that can stand up to heavy winds, installing storm shutters or preparing plywood boards as an extra layer of protection. Additionally, preparing a safe room or basement where you and your family can ride out the hurricane is critical for keeping everyone safe.
It is a good idea to keep supplies handy in case power goes out and cell phones are down. Supplies might include a generator, non-perishable food items, water, first-aid kit, batteries, and cash.
If you don’t have a generator, a low cost way to try to stay comfortable would be a to purchase a few battery operated fans (to help keep you cool when the a/c is off) and an Emergency NOAA Weather Crank Solar Powered Portable Radio so you can stay informaed of what is happening with the storm.
Also, be sure to have a plan in place for your pets as they will need shelter and care as well especially if the heat gets to be too much for them or you have to evacuate.
If you own an investment property, be sure to take steps to protect it from damage as well. This may include preparing sandbags, using hurricane screens or shutters, and installing permanent fixtures like storm panels that are easily put up when a hurricane is in the forecast.
If you have tenants, make sure they know what steps they need to take to protect their homes and belongings as well. This may include preparing an evacuation kit, preparing any outdoor furniture or decorations that could be damaged by strong winds, and preparing a safe room for children or pets.
Outside of your home, it is important to trim trees and shrubs around your property to prevent them from falling on your home and causing damage. Additionally, you should clear any loose items from your yard such as lawn furniture or potted plants that could become projectiles in high winds.
Finally, be sure to review your insurance policy and make sure you are properly covered in case of hurricane damage.
By taking these simple steps to prepare both the inside and outside of your home, you can help reduce the risk of damage caused by hurricanes this season. Stay safe!
If you are managing your own investment property, one of the great things about working with a property management company like Reed Property Management is that we are available to help with all of your property management needs including what to do before, during and after a storm.
