For most of the year, Florida is one of the most beautiful states. The Sunshine State boasts gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views, and lovely weather. Hot days and beautiful scenery give you the impression of being on a constant vacation. However, the weather in Florida has its downsides. High humidity can cause moisture to accumulate, which can then lead to damage to your home. Although the weather is mostly warm and pleasant, thunderstorms are pretty standard. Additionally, Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the US. While it may seem daunting, homeowners are not entirely helpless against these risks. There are many ways to strengthen and prepare your home. With a bit of effort, planning, and vigilant maintenance, you can make your home safe and sound. With that in mind, we’ve prepared these valuable tips on how to prepare your Florida home for hurricane season.
Take measures against flooding
During a hurricane, Florida homes are often at risk of flooding. The level of water can be very high and cause a lot of damage to your home. Naturally, the more water enters, the greater the damage will be. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to prevent or minimize the amount of water that gets into your home:
- Install a sump pump
- Add waterproofing to your home
- Secure doors with sandbags after you finish other preparations
Protect the windows
As you already probably know, windows are a weak point of your home during a hurricane. They break easily and can cause a lot of damage and even injuries. The good news is, there are several ways to protect them. For example, you can purchase storm shutters. Although they’re nondecorative, they’ll provide substantial protection to the glass.
Additionally, impact-resistant windows are a wise investment for Florida homeowners. Not only will they offer excellent protection against hurricanes, but they’ll also protect your home from UV rays and noise. Not to mention they’ll add value to your property.
Secure the roof to properly prepare your Florida home for hurricane season
Being out of sight, roofs are often neglected. However, the top of your home needs to be regularly checked and maintained. Inspecting roof shingles and repairing them will prevent water leaks and damage to your home at all times. And when it comes to home protection during the hurricane season, experts recommend you take additional precaution measures. For example, installing roof clips or straps to the frame structure will prevent your roof from flying away due to strong winds.
If, however, this all sounds like too much effort you are not willing to invest into your home, it might be a good idea to look into buying a new one that is already as safe as it can be. Once you find an ideal property, the experts from Miami Movers for Less will help you power through the relocation. All you will have to do is stay put until the storm passes!
Trim all the trees and shrubs
Another great way to prepare your Florida home for hurricane season is to take care of your trees and shrubs. During the hurricane, trees are your home’s worst enemy. Remove the dead or damaged branches, especially those overhanging your roof or porch. That way, the strong hurricane wind won’t break them and damage your home in the process. It’s best to incorporate this into the regular spring maintenance of your Florida home. If you don’t think you can do it yourself, you can always hire a professional.
Schedule the maintenance tune-up of your A/C system
The hurricane season starts in June and lasts till November. And while hurricanes are most likely to occur between August and October, it’s crucial to get your home ready in time. As with trimming the trees, spring is the best time to get your home ready. Scheduling the maintenance tune-up of your A/C system early will give you peace of mind during the rest of the season. Additionally, if a hurricane happens, you’ll have to spend extra time inside your home. Functional A/C will make you and your family feel more comfortable and at ease in hot Florida weather.
Reinforce the garage door
We often store many valuable items in the garage, from cars to tools and other expensive equipment. If strong hurricane winds remove or break your garage door, the damage is likely to be considerable. Therefore, investing in quality garage door braces is a smart choice. They’ll keep your garage door in place and keep your belongings safe and sound.
Bring indoors all the items that are not tied down
Similar to fallen branches, all items in your yard pose a significant risk, especially if they’re not tied down or secured in some way. Strong hurricane wind may lift loose items, carry them, and throw them at your home. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to see how much costly damage this can cause.
For that reason, it’s best to bring your outdoor furniture, potted plants, tools, children’s toys, and similar items into your home. The same goes for cars, bikes, and boats – these should be safely stored in your garage before the hurricane hits.
Rent a storage space
Unfortunately, a lot of us don’t have enough room for this. If that’s the case with you, you can opt for storage services. Remember, some items belong in storage – especially the more valuable ones. That way, whatever happens, your belongings will be safe and sound, regardless of their size and weight.
Have a backup generator
We are often unaware of how much we rely on electricity in our everyday lives. However, hurricanes can cause power outages, and in case of such an emergency, a backup generator will be handy. Depending on what size and kind you choose, a backup generator may enable you to run essential home equipment. Having your fridge and HVAC system running despite the power outage will make your stay at home during the hurricane much more manageable.
Inventory and Insurance
While taking inventory of your possessions and purchasing home insurance will not prevent any harm from happening, it certainly can help you if damage occurs. Take photos and document all the valuable items. So, if any damage occurs, it will be much easier to make a claim and get the necessary financial compensation.
Final thoughts
As you may see, there are many ways to prepare your Florida home for hurricane season. The key is to think ahead and prepare everything on time. Secure the weakest spots of your home, such as windows and roof first, and then ensure all your valuables are protected. And, while not every hurricane is devastating, it’s best not to take chances. Instead, make your home as safe and comfortable as it can be.