Keeping your house safe from natural catastrophes is likely to be one of your most important responsibilities.
If a hurricane is on its way, here are a few things you can do to ensure that your house is safe and secure.
- Review your insurance policy.
Your insurance coverage should cover the whole cost of rebuilding if your house is destroyed by a storm. The cost of reconstructing a house may be greater than what individuals think when they insure their home. Building costs are always on the rise, so you want to make sure you’ll have enough to rebuild.
- Consider a flood insurance policy.
Many homeowners’ insurance plans cover damage from a hurricane, but not the subsequent floods that commonly follow the storm.
People’s houses were ruined by floods during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and many of them did not have insurance to cover the damage. Hurricanes are known for causing a lot of flooding.
- Determine the value of your belongings
Every year, do a thorough inventory of your belongings and make a list of what has to be replaced and how much it is worth in the event of their being destroyed.
- Seal and secure the roof.
The roof is where it all begins. Wind and water can do horrible things to a house if they come in via the roof, which is the largest possible aperture.
Make sure all of your roof’s shingles or tiles are in place and that none are missing or broken. Sealing the roof deck can cost an additional $500 or more if you are reroofing. This normally entails either applying waterproof tape to the roof’s seam or coating the entire roof with a waterproof membrane.
- Clean the gutters
During storm season, clogged gutters may be a real nuisance. Leaves and other debris can accumulate in your gutters and cause rainwater to back up and run down the side of the house or even under the roof. Most homeowners know what gutters and downspouts are, but when it comes to other gutter-related terms, they may be at a loss. This handy gutter glossary will provide you with all you need to know about gutter terms and their definitions.
Taking a few minutes to check your gutters may go a long way toward preventing water damage.
- Check your windows
Ideally, in a storm prone area, you will have impact windows for full protection, but if you have not, check the seals on the windows to ensure they will not let water or air in. It is important to keep in mind that seals might lose their strength over time, especially if the temperature warms up. When a storm comes, you may avoid costly damage to your house by taking the time to reseal your doors and windows.
- Prepare a kit for emergencies.
This is a critical piece of advice that you must keep in mind. Make sure you always have an emergency supply kit on hand. Are you unsure of what to include in an emergency supply kit? Among the items you may want to consider are a radio with additional batteries, flashlights, dried food and water, bottled water, money, clothes, and important toiletries.
We have compiled a collection of important storm-season advice for you and your family. In the event of an emergency, keep this list handy and do not hesitate to call the appropriate hotlines.
