With Hurricane Florence looking like it’s going to make a big impact on North Carolina this week, now’s a great time to review some tips to prep your house for a hurricane.
Move and Secure Outdoor Furniture
In high winds, even the most mundane items can become dangerous. Take a moment to assess what is likely to be blown about in high winds. Secure any furniture or tools that can’t be taken inside.
If you have a garage, that’s a good place to store anything you might not want in the house, but you don’t want out in the open. Just be sure to secure your garage door as well as any out door sheds, carports, or shelters.
Prepare for Power Loss
When it comes to strong winds and hurricanes, losing power is a very real possibility. Make sure you’re prepared to be without power for an extended period of time.
- Turn your refrigerator and freezer down to the coldest settings, that way if your power goes out, your food will stay cooler longer.
- Unplug electrical appliances as soon as the power goes out. This will protect your items against a power surge.
- Fill a bathtub with water that you can use to flush toilets.
- Make sure you have flashlights, a battery powered radio, and extra batteries.
Be Ready to Shut Off Utilities
When you move into a new home, it’s always a good idea to locate your gas, water, and electricity shut-offs. It may be necessary during a hurricane to turn off any one of these. However, you should always wait for word from a local official before you turn off your gas.
Storm-Proof Your Home
There are several things you can do to your home to protect it from storm damage.
- Protect your windows with covers or storm shutters. You can make your own from plywood or purchase them from certain home stores.
- Check drains and gutters to make sure that they are clear and functioning.
- If possible, trim trees and shrubs to prevent them from dropping limbs onto your house or property.
- Caulking around your doors and windows can prevent moisture from the rain getting in which will help protect you against water damage and mold.
Stay Alert and Pay Attention to News and Weather Updates
It’s always important to stay informed. Keep an eye on any weather updates and evacuation notices. Having a battery powered radio on hand can keep you up-to-date even if the power goes out.
I hope you found all of these tips to be helpful! Please make sure to take every precaution and stay safe during the dangerous weather this week. We love our community and we hope everyone is safe this week.