Any time a hurricane approaches the coast you're likely to see scenes of people wasting their time and energy "preparing" for the storm.
In fact, you might have seen these images so often that you think the folks shown are doing the correct thing.
If a hurricane is approaching, forget about:
Rushing to a building supply store to buy plywood for your windows.
Taping up your windows.
If your house is in danger of being hit by a hurricane, protecting windows and sliding glass doors is almost always the number one thing you can do to ensure you'll have a livable house if the worst happens.
Once a window is broken, the wind blows inside to not only wreck the interior, but also to apply upward pressure on the roof, which might be enough to sent if flying. If this happens, the walls collapse and your house is done for.
Protection can include impact-resistant glass or other permanent materials that have passed the state of Florida or Miami-Dade County (Fla.) impact standards tests, sturdy shutters, or pieces of marine plywood, marked and cut to fit each window and glass door.
Here are some other things you should do before a tropical storm or Remove weak and dead trees or tree limbs on your property.
- Know whether your home is in a zone that could be flooded by storm surge, meaning you'd have to evacuate.
- Have plans for where you will go if you evacuate, when you will leave (maybe early to avoid traffic jams), and how family members will contact each other.
- If you might have to evacuate, have a "grab and run" bag ready with important papers, such as your home owners insurance policy, and prescription drugs.
- If you live outside possible storm surge zones, and your house is sturdy, you should plan on riding out the storm in a "safe room" inside the house. (Related story: Home shelters can save lives).
- Have an evacuation or survival kit ready with nonperishable food, water, a first aid kit and other things you'll need.
- Have a battery-powered radio, maybe a battery-powered television set for keeping up with the latest advisories.
If you live in Delray Beach and interested in a hurricane protection service, please review our
hurricane protection products portfolio.
Contact us today for a quote.