Living in Florida, finding ways to hurricane-proof your home is essential – not only for safety, but to obtain the best wind insurance coverage. Whether or not your home suffers a direct hit from a named hurricane, summer tropical systems and severe storms bring extremely high winds, flying debris, and pelting rains. In fact, there is a good chance that your home is going to endure a lot of crazy weather.
While you might expend more time and money up front, the steps you take to hurricane-proof your home will help you to rest easy. The steps that you’re taking will allow you to save more money in the long run.
Hurricane Proof Your Home
Remember: Even though we are half-way through hurricane season, there is still time to protect yourself before the worst of the storms arrive.
When it comes to hurricane-proofing your house, it’s important to understand that there is no way to protect yourself 100% from storm damage or destruction. However, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent much of the damage that hurricanes and severe storms can inflict. Nothing is fool-proof, but the following tips will significantly minimize your risk.
- Focus on your windows and doors: All door and window openings are easily among the most vulnerable areas of your home. There are numerous ways to protect these vulnerable areas. Replacing your old windows will allow you to bring windows up to current hurricane code, which indicates protection up to 160 mph winds. When windows and door glass can withstand the wind, your home has a far better chance of literally weathering the storm. Adhesive films, mesh and a variety of hurricane shutters are also available to hurricane-proof your glass.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to replace your old garage door with a reinforced model. A protected garage can house and secure important items, outdoor furniture, and your vehicles. Once you implement one or more of these solutions, be sure to notify your insurance agent! - Have a generator on hand: Many people don’t realize that when the power goes out, things can go wrong very quickly. Without air conditioning, mold can form. Without power, food will spoil. Without electricity, life saving devices cannot be utilized. Whether you choose a small, portable generator for select items, or decide to install a permanent home generator, your home will survive the days following a storm much more easily.
- Keep your outside living spaces free of clutter: Anything that is not fixed to the ground or structure can be easily tossed around by hurricane-force winds. Be sure to secure potted plants, patio furniture or children’s toys which could become dangerous projectiles in a severe windstorm.
Hurricane-proof your home and family from the inside out – be sure to stock water, batteries, flashlights, non-perishable foods, solar chargers for your phone, important prescriptions and documents, and pet food if necessary. The more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll make it through this season without too much undue stress. (More information on preparing for hurricanes can be found here).
Living in Florida is a unique experience – from beaches to year-round sunshine, it is a truly fantastic place to live. however, storms are also a fact of life – so taking steps to hurricane-proof your home should also be a normal part of home security and safety.
Learn more about how taking precautionary measures can help to lower your home insurance windstorm premium – call Ezzi Insurance Advisors today.
