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Make Your Home Hurricane Ready

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th and while severe weather can happen all year long, hurricane season serves as a reminder to make sure we prepare before the storm. Winds, heavy rain, storm surge and power outages can cause damage to your home. Hurricane Helene’s destruction was felt far and wide in 2024 with some still feeling the effects today. There are several things you can do to prepare your property before the storm. 

Review your insurance coverage and document belongings 

  • Know what your insurance covers and what it doesn’t 
  • Keep your insurance agent’s contact information handy
  • Create a home inventory video

 

Check and clear your gutters and downspouts 

  • Ensure downspouts divert water at least 3 feet away from the foundation 

 

 Inspect and repair your roof 

Have your roof inspected by a trusted and licensed roofing company with will check:

  • Roof cover condition 
  • Vents, skylights and chimneys 
  • Roof valleys and seams 
  • Strengthen your roof by replacing it with a FORTIFIED Roof, designed to prevent wind and water damage.

 

 Upgrade to a wind-rated garage door 

A recent damage investigation showed 90% of homes whose garage door survived the storm had no structural damage to the roof.  Prior to 2006 there were no requirements for wind-related doors for homes built outside of Florida. Without a label, it's difficult to determine which door are wind rated and which ones aren’t.

  • Check for a wind rating label on your garage door
  • Look for garage doors tested to one of these standards: ASTM E330, ANSI/DASMA 108

 

Upgrade your windows and doors

  • Purchase windows and doors with glass labeled as impact resistant
  • Purchase hurricane shutters

 

Trim trees and tidy your yard 

  • Keep tree limbs trimmed and away from your house
  • Anchor any outdoor play equipment to the ground

 

Stay Connected

  • Follow you local national weather service office 
  • Purchase a NOAA weather radio
  • Enable wireless emergency alerts on your phone . 
  • Invest in a whole-home generator 

 

Content provided by Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety