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7 Ways to Prepare Before a Storm

More than 60 percent of Florida’s rainfall falls from May through October. Hurricane season, thunderstorms, and regular rainstorms have the potential to damage your roof, your home, and your belongings. Savvy homeowners know to prepare for the stormy season before the first dark clouds roll in but there are sneaky pop-up storms that can wreak havoc any time of year. Use these last-minute storm prep tips to get your home and your family ready for the weather ahead.

Secure Outdoor Furniture and Toys

During storms, anything that’s loose and relatively lightweight could be picked up by high winds and sent smashing through windows and doors. Avoid damage to the exterior of your home by tying and anchoring furnishings and toys or storing them in your garage or shed if possible.

Check Your Fence

Florida’s storms are no laughing matter. They often bring high winds capable of lifting fencing materials and sending them careening into your home or vehicle. Assess any loose panels or pickets and secure them with nails or heavy-duty staples before the storm strikes.

Clear Gutters and Downspouts

If you have enough time to do so, making sure your gutters and downspouts are clear of any obstructions could prevent water damage from wreaking havoc on your home. Clear away any visible leaves and twigs and send a stream of water through the downspouts using the highest pressure setting to quickly clear and clean the channels designed to direct rainwater away from your roof and your home’s foundation. If you’re having trouble, use a plumber’s snake to clear a clogged downspout.

Test Storm Shutters

Test your storm shutter system and make sure it’s operational to protect your windows and doors. If you don’t have storm shutters, consider using 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch CDX plywood to cover openings and protect glass from the damaging effects of the wind.

Secure Valuables, Documents, and Keepsakes

If there’s any chance of flooding, consider grabbing electronics, keepsakes, and other items that would be damaged and moving them to a higher floor. Place important documents in watertight containers and bring them with you if you have to evacuate. If you have a little extra time, inventory your valuables in case you need to make an insurance claim later.

Gas Up

Gas up and have your vehicle ready to go in case you and your family need to leave quickly. This lets you avoid long lines if your area is required to evacuate. It also helps to have some cash on hand in case of an extended power outage.

Planning Ahead

When you have a little extra time or if you’re planning for the season ahead, you can be better equipped to deal with even the most severe hurricanes and thunderstorms. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Map out your evacuation route and have an agreed-upon safe location where you and your family can meet up during an emergency.
  • Stock up on non-perishable supplies like flashlights, batteries, matches, plastic sheeting, three days of drinking water for each member of your family (including pets), and shelf-stable food that doesn’t need cooking.
  • Fill your first aid kit with fresh supplies, invest in a portable weather radio, and stock a toolbox with basic tools.
  • Keep trees and shrubs trimmed to avoid falling limbs and branches that could become projectiles in high winds.
  • Replace doors and windows with materials made to withstand high winds.

Another solid way to prepare for the stormy season is by scheduling a roof inspection to make sure there aren’t any problem areas that need to be addressed or repaired. The experts at Carroll Bradford Roofing can assess your roof and make recommendations for making your current roof more storm safe. Contact us today for a consultation.

References:

https://www.wesh.com/article/what-is-the-central-florida-rainy-season/4441900

https://blog.nationwide.com/news/storm-preparation-tips-for-home/

https://www.superterry.com/clean-leaves-gutter-downspout/

https://wgno.com/2016/08/25/top-5-things-you-need-to-prepare-for-a-storm/

https://disastersafety.org/hurricane/hurricane-shutters-homes/

https://www.iii.org/article/preparing-hurricane

 

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Carroll Bradford Roofing is a full-service roofing company proudly serving Florida. Unlike others, we are more than JUST a roofing company though. We provide end-to-end solutions that address our customers’ issues and requests along with the answers they need to get the job done well. As we continue to grow throughout the state of Florida, our quality will never be compromised, and our commitment to helping you get the job done right will always remain at the very top of our priority list.

Contact us today to see how we can assist with your commercial or residential roofing needs!

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