A home is one of the biggest investments a person will ever make in their lifetime. If you live in Florida, hurricanes are one of the biggest threats to that investment.
The 2018 hurricane season began on June 1 and runs through November 30, so we’ve created some tips to help you make sure that your home is protected against hurricanes. Keep reading to learn more about minimizing hurricane damage to your home.
Windows and Doors
Entry points to the home, such as windows and doors, are one of the most vulnerable parts of the home in the event of a hurricane. When the glass in a door or window breaks, dangerous shards of glass can go flying through your home. Broken doors and windows also allow other debris, high winds, and water into your home.
There are several methods you can use to reinforce the windows and doors in your home against hurricane damage:
- Installing hurricane shutters over windows and sliding glass doors
- Replacing glass in windows and doors with impact-resistant glass
- Boarding windows and doors with materials such as plywood
While many Floridians believe taping their windows will help to reinforce their home against a hurricane, experts warn this only provides a false sense of security and can increase danger.
Garage Doors
Your garage door is the weakest and largest opening in your home. During Hurricane Andrew, 80 percent of residential wind damage was caused by wind entry through garage doors. Purchasing a kit to brace your garage door can be a sound investment in fortifying your home.
Roof
Your home’s roof could potentially be the largest opening of your entire home, should it be torn off during a hurricane. You can purchase straps, clips, and harnessing systems that secure your roof to the rest of the home, helping to prevent it from being lifted during a hurricane.
In addition to securing your roof, you should be available to have your roof inspected. An annual inspection can help you to prevent innocent parts of the structure, like shingles, from becoming deadly projectiles when a hurricane hits.
Review Your Insurance Policies
Check in with your insurance provider to ensure that your homeowners insurance policy is up to date.
Oyer, Macoviak and Associates also offers StormPeace Hurricane Protection. You can use StormPeace to supplement your existing homeowner’s policy or as a standalone policy. Contact us to learn more.
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
