HUD Articles

Hurricane season has begun! What can you do to secure and protect your home from
possible storm and hurricane damage?

Category 4 Hurricane Matthew, devastated the southeast coast of the US and sent
Florida, Georgia and North Carolina residents to evacuate. Matthew has generated over
$218 million in insurance claims and left behind more than $6 billion worth of property
damages, according to state officials and experts. It was the first hurricane to test the
small private insurers and commercial real estate industry that have come to dominate
the southeastern states’ market over the past decade.

Making a few simple moves now could minimize a hurricane’s impact on your home.
If your property is in the path of the hurricane, here are the steps you can take right now
to make sure you, your family, and your home is prepared.

Secure windows and doors

Make sure that your windows and doors are crack-free and protected. Broken windows
can let in wind and rain. Consider installing shutters in case of an approaching storm.
Secure them with impact-resistant glass, protecting your doors and windows from high
winds and flying debris.

Protect your roof

Make sure that your roof is bolted to the rest of your house by using metal hurricane
straps. If your roof has trusses, make sure that you tie them properly to the wall by
either connecting to the top plate and then the top plate to the wall stud or strapping
the truss directly to the wall stud. Inspect also your roof tiles to make sure that they are
secure. Seal any areas where wires and water enter the home to minimize the chance of
water and electric damage.

Keep landscape free of debris

Remove dead or weak limbs as they may cause major damage to your or your neighbor’s
house when strong winds occur. Also clear away any light furniture and other loose
items outside that can get blown around.

Keep the water system flow

It is important to make sure that nothing blocks your water system from flowing. Test pumps and run drains to ensure they are working. Also keep your downspouts and gutters clean and well-maintained.

Make a home or property inventory

Protect your property by doing home inventory. This will save time, effort and make the
preparation easier. Document the things and supplies of your home by keeping receipts
for valuable items. Keep basic supplies on hand like candles, batteries, water, foods,
toolbox, and emergency supply kits.

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http://www.selectivehomesinc.com/ for quality homes and full real estate services.
Selective Homes is truly your source for all your Real Estate needs!