Hurricane Preparedness

Prepare for a Hurricane

• Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with shredded bark.
• Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches and trees that could fall on your property.
• Entry Doors: Make certain 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).
• Roofs: Remove old coverings down to the bare wood sheathing. Remove enough sheathing to confirm that rafters and trusses are securely connected to the walls. Replace damaged sheathing. Refasten existing sheathing according to the proper fastening schedule outlined in the current model building code for high-wind regions. Install a roof covering that is designed to resist high winds. Seal all roof sheathing joints with self-stick rubberized asphalt tape to provide a secondary moisture barrier.
• Connections: Anchor the roof to the walls with metal clips and straps (most easily added when you replace your roof). 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. 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.