Violent winds, sending debris hurling into windows, and floodwaters
creeping closer to your front door can wreak havoc on your property.
As hurricane and tropical storm season arrives, be sure to prep your
home now to minimize damage later. Here’s how you can mitigate the
impact severe weather may have on your home this season.
Manage Your Landscaping
Take
a look at the exterior of your home. Assess the health of trees that
could possibly topple over at the sudden onset of strong winds and have
them removed. Cut weak branches and trim shrubs that could easily
shatter nearby windows. Consider replacing gravel or rock used in your
landscaping that could also be easily picked up by winds.
Secure Outdoor Furniture, Decor, and Structures
Anything
that isn’t anchored down should be brought indoors or secured before
storms arrive. Grills, potted plants, chairs, anything that could become
damaged or cause damage to the home should be addressed.
Prep Windows and Doors
Opt
for plywood when securing windows and doors. In the past, you may have
used tape to secure windows and glass doors, but this is likely not
going to keep them from breaking. If you’re able to invest a little more
money, consider installing storm shutters to protect your windows. For
doors, locate sandbags days before the storm and place them in front of
any doors that lead to the exterior of your home to keep the threat of
floodwaters from entering your home.
Purchase a Generator
If
you’ve been in your home for years and have often been hit with several
power outages at the slightest breeze, you may want to consider buying a
generator. A generator will allow for minimal lifestyle interruptions
while the storm passes through. No need to worry about spoiled food or a
dead cell phone. If you already have a generator, don’t forget to test
it periodically so that it’s in working order when a storm approaches.
Purchase Living Essentials
Make
sure you're prepared to hunker down in your home with necessary grocery
items. Essential inventory may include bottles of water, canned foods,
first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, etc.
Review Your Homeowners Insurance Policy
In
the event you do experience some damage, it’s a good idea to be aware
of what’s covered under your insurance policy. Take the time to review
your policy before we get too far into the season so you’re not fumbling
through documents in the middle of an emergency.
While hurricanes and storms are unavoidable, being prepared can put you in the best position should disaster strike. In the meantime, if you need help navigating the Hampton Roads housing market, connect with nearly 9,000 agents on REIN.com.
Ready to buy but not sure what you can afford? Check out the mortgage
calculator to help estimate possible monthly payments. Download the REIN.com app
and put the power of fresh and accurate listing data in the palm of
your hand. The app is available free in the Apple App Store and Google
Play Store. For local listings you can trust, start with REIN.com.
Local Home Listings You Can Trust.
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