Protect Your Home Against Hurricane Damage
Hurricanes are like no other storms on earth. From Maine to Texas, and in
Hawaii, these ferocious weather systems bring torrential rain, flooding, storm
surges and devastating winds that damage homes, destroy treasured keepsakes and
disrupt family life.
You don't have to be blown away when a hurricane hits. It's never too early to
prepare and you can take several basic steps right now to protect your family
and your home from disaster.
First Things First
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Find out if your home meets current building code
requirements for high-wind regions. (For example, the International Residential
Code, which is developed and maintained by the International Code Council.)
Experts agree that structures built to meet or exceed current model building
codes, high-wind provisions have a much better chance of surviving violent
windstorms. |
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If you're handy with a hammer and saw, you can do much
of the work yourself. Work involving your home's structure may require a
building contractor, however, or even a registered design professional such as
an architect or engineer.
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When Working Outside
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Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded
bark. |
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Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on
your house.
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When Building or Remodeling
Windows: If you are replacing your existing windows, install
impact-resistant window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a
major windstorm. As an alternative to new window systems, install
impact-resistant shutters that close over window openings to prevent flying
debris from breaking windowpanes.
Entry Doors: Make certain your doors have at least three hinges
and a dead bolt security lock with a bolt at least one inch long. Anchor door
frames securely to wall framing.
Patio Doors: Sliding glass doors are more vulnerable to wind
damage than most other doors. If you are replacing your patio doors or building
a new home, consider installing impact-resistant door systems made of laminated
glass, plastic glazing or a combination of plastic and glass. When a hurricane
threatens, an easy, temporary and effective step is to cover the entire patio
door with shutters made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Garage Doors: Because of their size, garage doors are highly
susceptible to wind damage. Garage doors more than eight feet wide are most
vulnerable. A qualified inspector can determine if both the garage door and the
track system can resist high winds, and if necessary, install permanent wood or
metal stiffeners. The door manufacturer can also recommend temporary center
supports you can attach and remove easily when severe weather threatens. If
possible, replace the door and tracks with a stronger system. Check for a Dade
County, SBCCI (Standard Building Code Congress International) or other label
indicating the door is rated for high wind pressures and debris impact.
Roofs: If you are replacing your roof, take steps to ensure
that both the new roof covering and the sheathing it attaches to will resist
high winds. Your roofing contractor should:
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Remove old coverings down to the bare wood sheathing.
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Remove enough sheathing to confirm that rafters and trusses are securely
connected to the walls.
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Replace damaged sheathing.
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Remove old coverings down to the bare wood sheathing.
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Refasten existing sheathing with 8d ring shank nails
at six inch spacing on all support members.
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Seal all roof sheathing joints with self-stick
rubberized asphalt tape to provide a secondary moisture barrier.
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Install a roof covering that is designed to resist high winds.
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Gables: Make certain the end wall of a gable roof is braced
properly to resist high winds. Check the current model building code for
high-wind regions for appropriate guidance, or consult a qualified architect or
engineer.
Connections:
The points where the roof and the foundation meet the walls of your home
are extremely important if your house is to resist high winds and the
pressures they place on the entire structure.
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Anchor the roof to the walls with metal
clips and straps (most easily added when you replace your roof,
replace siding or are remodeling). |
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Make certain the walls are properly anchored to the foundation. A
registered design professional can determine if these joints need
retrofitting, and a qualified contractor can perform the work the
design professional identifies. |
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If your house has more than one story,
make certain the upper story wall framing is firmly connected to the
lower framing. The best time to do this is when you remodel or
replace siding. |
When a Hurricane Threatens
You can improve the odds of your home surviving high winds by taking these
precautions, but you won't make it hurricane-proof. Nor do these measures
guarantee your safety. Take these additional steps to protect yourself and your
family as fully as possible:
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Become familiar with your community's disaster
preparedness plans and create a family plan. Identify escape routes from your
home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place for your family
to reunite if you become separated. Also establish a contact point to
communicate with concerned relatives.
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Put together an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water
and food you don't have to refrigerate or cook; first aid supplies; a portable
NOAA weather radio; a wrench and other basic tools; a flashlight; work gloves;
emergency cooking equipment; portable lanterns; fresh batteries for each piece
of equipment; clothing; blankets; baby items; prescription medications; extra
car and house keys; extra eyeglasses; credit cards and cash; important
documents, including insurance policies.
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Move anything in your yard that can become flying
debris inside your house or garage before a storm strikes.
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If a hurricane threatens, follow weather and news
reports so you know how much danger you're facing. Obey evacuation orders from
local authorities.
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Insurance
Review your homeowners insurance policy periodically with your insurance agent
or company representative to make sure you have sufficient coverage to rebuild
your life and home after a hurricane. Report any property damage to your
insurance agent or company representative immediately after a natural disaster
and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
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