ARK of the Lowcountry – May is Hurricane Preparedness Month
It’s time to set aside some time to get your house and property ready ahead of hurricane season. Choose a week during May to prepare so that when late summer arrives, you will have a plan of action and every precaution taken to safeguard your family, your home and your belongings.
May 2019 – First line of defense? Storm-proof your home!
Make any needed repairs, especially on any vulnerable areas of your home.
Clean out any gutters and downspouts.
Check the caulking around doors and windows and seal, if necessary.
Consider purchasing storm shutters. The tracking/fastening hardware will be permanently installed so that the shutters can be easily attached before storms, but the shutters themselves will not be permanently affixed to the exterior of your home.
You can also make homemade storm covers from exterior grade plywood (recommended minimum 5/8” thickness) for windows and glass doors.
Check carports, porches, sheds, decks, etc. to make sure they are structurally sound. Do not leave any structure or part of a structure that might break down under hurricane force winds. It’s better to remove or destroy loose pieces than to take the chance that they will turn into destructive missiles in a storm.
Make sure the landscape is free of debris, Prune trees; remove dead branches and hire a professional to check for and remove any dead or dying trees.
Garage doors are often made of lightweight material and make your home vulnerable to wind damage. Impact-resistant doors are a good way to protect your home. Another option is to purchase a vertical bracing system for your garage doors.
Check your roof for cracked, broken or loose shingles and have them replaced, as necessary.
Hurricane clips (sometimes called hurricane straps or ties) will make the roof less likely to lift off the frame during a storm by strengthening the connection between the frame of your home and the roof.
Insurance won’t cover a loss you can’t prove. ARK of the Lowcountry is ready to assist you with protecting your valuable assets.
Contact us at 843.683.4100 or complete our CONTACT FORM to request a free consultation.
