In this post you will learn ...

• Ways you can prepare your home for hurricane season.
• What items you should move indoors before a hurricane or a major storm.

Your home is your investment, and your family is your life, but when those two things are in the midst of a hurricane, or other violent weather you have to stay protected. Luckily, there are ways to safe guard against acts of nature. We present to you a checklist of precautions to keep your family safe in your home during inclement weather.

• During the months when the weather is clear and calm, make time to trim trees and shrubs around your windows so they are more wind resistant.
• Reinforce your garage doors because severe wind can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage to your home, in addition to garage contents.
• Close all interior doors and secure and brace external entry doors. Take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level when the storm gets severe.
• Cover your exterior home windows with permanent storm shutters. These shutters offer the best protection for windows, especially in areas where hurricane season comes around every year. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
• If you do not have an enclosed patio or porch, you need to remember to store your patio furniture and grills in a shed or garage. With an exposed deck, many objects can be picked up by wind and thrown into surrounding structures.
• Keep outdoor items such as bikes, wagons and fire pits in an enclosed space, or bring in after each use to prevent them from being projected elsewhere by the wind.

Prevent issues with your windows by being proactive. Windows should be replaced if there is damage to existing windows that may allow water, wind or other outside objects inside. Be especially mindful of wood windows and windows with glass panes with cracks in them, they are especially susceptible to damage. A weak window will not be able to protect the interior from projectile items.

Another proactive measure one should take is to create a family emergency plan. This plan should include a central meeting spot, option for staying at the home or evacuating, and information to contact the local authorities for directions. Also, create a document of personal information for each of your family members; this document should include work phone numbers, school phone numbers, medical information, insurance information and an out of town contact. All of this information will come in handy if you need to make a claim, find a family member or have a medical emergency during severe weather.

Remember; do not try to stay at your house if your area is urged to leave in a community evacuation. Always be alert as to what the local officials say is in your best interest. Learn your community’s evacuation plan; be cognizant of any levees or dams near your home that could cause flooding. Also, knowing the elevation of your home and property will help you prepare for possible flooding. Being proactive and preparing for hurricane season will substantially help you and your family members stay safe during the hurricane season.

To learn more about Stanek windows, schedule an in home estimate with one of our consultants today!