Protect Your Home Against Hurricane Damage
Hurricanes are like no other storms on earth. From Maine to Texas, and in Hawaii, these
ferocious weather systems bring torrential rain, flooding, storm surges and devastating
winds that damage homes, destroy treasured keepsakes and disrupt family life.
You don't have to be blown away when a hurricane hits. It's never too early to prepare and
you can take several basic steps right now to protect your family and your home from disaster.
First Things First
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Find out if your home meets current building code requirements for high-wind
regions. (For example, the International Residential Code, which is developed
and maintained by the International Code Council.) Experts agree that structures
built to meet or exceed current model building codes, high-wind provisions have
a much better chance of surviving violent windstorms.
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If you're handy with a hammer and saw, you can do much of the work yourself.
Work involving your home's structure may require a building contractor, however,
or even a registered design professional such as an architect or engineer.
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When Working Outside
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Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded bark.
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Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall
on your house.
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When Building or Remodeling
Windows: If you are replacing your existing windows, install impact-resistant
window systems, which have a much better chance of surviving a major windstorm. As an alternative
to new window systems, install impact-resistant shutters that close over window openings to
prevent flying debris from breaking windowpanes.
Entry Doors: Make certain your doors have at least three hinges and a dead bolt
security lock with a bolt at least one inch long. Anchor door frames securely to wall framing.
Patio Doors: Sliding glass doors are more vulnerable to wind damage than most
other doors. If you are replacing your patio doors or building a new home, consider installing
impact-resistant door systems made of laminated glass, plastic glazing or a combination of
plastic and glass. When a hurricane threatens, an easy, temporary and effective step is to
cover the entire patio door with shutters made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
Garage Doors: Because of their size, garage doors are highly susceptible to wind
damage. Garage doors more than eight feet wide are most vulnerable. A qualified inspector can
determine if both the garage door and the track system can resist high winds, and if necessary,
install permanent wood or metal stiffeners. The door manufacturer can also recommend temporary
center supports you can attach and remove easily when severe weather threatens. If possible,
replace the door and tracks with a stronger system. Check for a Dade County, SBCCI
(Standard Building Code Congress International) or other label indicating the door is rated for
high wind pressures and debris impact.
Roofs: If you are replacing your roof, take steps to ensure that both the new
roof covering and the sheathing it attaches to will resist high winds. Your roofing contractor
should:
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Remove old coverings down to the bare wood sheathing.
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Remove enough sheathing to confirm that rafters and trusses are securely
connected to the walls.
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Replace damaged sheathing.
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Remove old coverings down to the bare wood sheathing.
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Refasten existing sheathing with 8d ring shank nails at six inch spacing on all
support members.
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Seal all roof sheathing joints with self-stick rubberized asphalt tape to provide
a secondary moisture barrier.
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Install a roof covering that is designed to resist high winds.
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Gables: Make certain the end wall of a gable roof is braced properly to resist
high winds. Check the current model building code for high-wind regions for appropriate guidance,
or consult a qualified architect or engineer.
Connections: The points where the roof and the foundation meet the walls of your
home are extremely important if your house is to resist high winds and the pressures they place
on the entire structure.
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Anchor the roof to the walls with metal clips and straps (most easily added when you
replace your roof, replace siding or are remodeling).
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Make certain the walls are properly anchored to the foundation. A registered
design professional can determine if these joints need retrofitting, and a qualified
contractor can perform the work the design professional identifies.
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If your house has more than one story, make certain the upper story wall framing is firmly
connected to the lower framing. The best time to do this is when you remodel or replace
siding.
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When a Hurricane Threatens
You can improve the odds of your home surviving high winds by taking these precautions, but you won't
make it hurricane-proof. Nor do these measures guarantee your safety. Take these additional steps to
protect yourself and your family as fully as possible:
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Become familiar with your community's disaster preparedness plans and create a family plan.
Identify escape routes from your home and neighborhood and designate an emergency meeting place
for your family to reunite if you become separated. Also establish a contact point to communicate
with concerned relatives.
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Put together an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water and food
you don't have to refrigerate or cook; first aid supplies; a portable NOAA weather radio;
a wrench and other basic tools; a flashlight; work gloves; emergency cooking equipment;
portable lanterns; fresh batteries for each piece of equipment; clothing; blankets; baby items;
prescription medications; extra car and house keys; extra eyeglasses; credit cards and cash;
important documents, including insurance policies.
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Move anything in your yard that can become flying debris inside your house or garage before a
storm strikes.
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If a hurricane threatens, follow weather and news reports so you know how much danger you're facing.
Obey evacuation orders from local authorities.
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Insurance
Review your homeowners insurance policy periodically with your insurance agent or company representative to make
sure you have sufficient coverage to rebuild your life and home after a hurricane. Report any property damage to
your insurance agent or company representative immediately after a natural disaster and make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
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