Prevent Water Damage During the Next Hurricane
After Hurricane Irene, it is clear that we are now in the midst of another hurricane season and all the uncertainty and stress it can bring. We here in Central Florida are all too familiar with both the monetary damage and heartache these devastating storms can bring with flooding, wind damage, falling trees and branches and breaches of water barriers. But there are steps we can take to help prevent any unnecessary water damage to our homes.
Since we already know we are at prime risk from hurricanes, the next step is to begin to hurricane-proof your home. A little investment in time and money can go a long way to prevent damage from storms including protecting yourself from both water damage and physical damage to your structure.
Simple Water Damage Prevention Tips
- Make a list. List everything you can bring inside. Protect your home from the physical damage of winds that can exceed 100 mph. These fierce storms can hurl objects into your house and significantly increase the potential of water damage.
- Remove debris. During a watch or warning, make sure your lawn is clear of any debris which can cause damage to your home.
- Trim branches from trees and shrubbery. Falling branches can destroy the roof of a home and not only cost you thousands of dollars in repair bills, but also cause water damage which can lead to dangerous mold growth.
- Clear your storm drains and gutters. You should always keep these clean, especially during hurricane season. Clogs can cause water to back up and destroy your roof, basement or garage.
- Install permanent hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters provide the best protection for your windows and doors. Taping windows could take critical time from more effective preparedness measures. All tape does is help prevent glass from broken windows from scattering all over inside. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Cover the outside of windows with shutters or plywood.
- Protect outside of glass-sliding doors. Like windows, glass doors are dangerous and vulnerable in such a volatile storm as a hurricane or even tropical storm.
- Remember hurricane rushes. Stores quickly run out of all storm supplies because people put off stocking them until it’s too late. Make sure you have enough provisions and safety supplies ahead of time.
- If you live in a flood plain or are prone to flooding, also follow flood preparedness precautions. Hurricanes can bring voluminous rains and frequently cause floods. Some hurricanes have dropped more than 10 inches of rain in just a few hours, leaving families homeless or relocating them entirely.
- Ask Accutech how to protect your home from water damage. Hey! It’s what we do best. If you have any questions, give us a call.