When category 4 Hurricane Harvey hit Texas in 2017, no one was prepared for the catastrophic damage it created. Each year, the Texas communities, including Baytown, are provided with storm and hurricane warnings, which leave plenty of uncertainty about the level of damage they may incur. Some years, the effects are minor, creating only small damages to a property, if any at all. However, in other years, such as in 2017 when Hurricane Harvey hit, each individual living in the community was affected, and many were removed from their homes due to the unavoidable fallout.
Hurricane warnings are not to be taken lightly. Let’s look at North Carolina right now as it endures the start of Hurricane Florence. Florence began as a category 1 and was initially considered a mere tropical storm. However, within 24 hours, winds had picked up to 50+ miles per hour and started to travel west. Today, the storm has caused flash flooding on roadways and in homes, and unfortunately, in some cases, it has proven fatal.
When the unpredictability of nature strikes, especially when it comes to hurricanes, it is imperative that each member of the community be prepared – no matter how big or small the storm may seem. With changing events such as those currently affecting North Carolina, the severity of the disaster can never be predicted.
To help protect our community, we have compiled a list of 5 things you can do to prepare for the next hurricane. These are proactive steps that could save you and your home in the future:
1. Install windows and glass doors that are made of impact-resistant glass. These types of windows and doors are more sturdy and the glass is glazed better – this will allow your windows and doors to resist wind pressure and debris. Even if the debris cracks them, they will not fall apart. In the end, this can drastically reduce the damage to the interior of your home.
2. Roof reinforcement is necessary. Check to see if your home is at risk of collapsing during the storm. Ensure that the roof is in pristine condition and properly attached. One of the worst incidents during a storm is a blown down roof. This results in severe interior damage, which becomes exponentially costly.
3. Reinforce your doors. Are your doors made of solid wood or hollow steel? If the answer is yes, then your doors should be able to withstand the pressure of wind and rain during a storm. If your home is not made from one of these two materials then reinforce the door.
4. Double check your insurance policy. A horrific storm can cause severe damage to a home – once the storm passes, this can prove to be a financially burdening incident. Ensuring that your home is properly insured can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars if your home is destroyed. But what exactly should you be looking for? Double check that you are covered for a storm, for wind, and for rain. Also, double check that your policy has no exceptions – these can make or break your recovery in the end.
5. Continue regular maintenance and inspections on your home. Keeping up with your home’s maintenance can ultimately save it when a storm hits. If you already have a broken roof or cracked windows, for example, the likelihood of your home being damaged during a storm increases. Fixing these minor repairs before it’s too late can prevent serious water and wind damage.
Following these simple steps now can help you prepare for your future. Not only can these tips keep your family safe, but they can also save you thousands of dollars. Don’t let the next hurricane destroy your future – Take proactive steps today.
Biggest Challenge: Maintenance
When many individuals read and understand the importance of regular maintenance, they may feel overwhelmed due to the amount of work they see in their futures. Maybe their home is still recovering from the last hurricane, or maybe they didn’t have the financial resources to keep maintenance up.
If this is the case for you, it may be time to sell and move into a new home. Transitioning into a new home can save you the hassle of repairs, and it can also save you money on your insurance policy; a home that has weathered multiple storms will be more expensive to insure than a newly constructed home. This may be the perfect opportunity for you to take that next step and move.
If you would like to learn more, give as a call and we can set you up with one of our qualified specialist.
