4 Tips to Prep Your Home for Hurricane Season || GWK || GWK Insurance

4 Tips to Prep Your Home for Hurricane Season.

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The summer months are here, which calls for vacation, relaxing, tourists, and fun in the sun for those living in the Sunshine State. Unfortunately, summer also means that hurricane season has already begun. In the United States, nearly 300 hurricanes have reached land since the 1800’s, with 120 of those hitting the state of Florida. During this stormy season, it is vital for homeowners to be prepared for when inclement weather strikes. However, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Having the proper insurance policy that provides adequate coverage is the first step to preparing for this uncertain time of year.

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season?

Here are four simple ways to ensure that your home is prepared for a hurricane.

#1: Ensure Your Impact Windows are Locked and Sealed

This tip may be obvious, but unsecured windows are in fact the main avenue through which wind and storm damage affect a home. Keeping windows locked at all times ensures that they will not be flung open by storm winds. Additionally, ensuring your impact windows are properly sealed will help protect your home against damage by flying debris and water intrusion. In preparation for hurricane season, it is also important to check windows for cracks or other damage since houses in humid climates will lose their sealing quickly. This issue can be fixed with a simple caulking touch-up. Shuttering windows, if you do not have impact windows, is another option that will also protect your home against higher-powered winds. When installing, remember to mount the shutters directly to the wall, and not to the window frame. The window frame can be damaged during a storm, and the shutter will not be secure if it is attached to the frame. hurricane season

#2: Store all Furniture Indoors

While having a garden table on the back porch is convenient for a warm evening, outdoor furniture will be the first thing to go during a hurricane. Furniture and decor sitting outside may be picked up by high winds and thrown towards your home or others, causing potentially severe damage. If a hurricane is headed in your direction, make sure to bring all outdoor furniture and decorations inside in preparation for a storm.

#3: Store Items in Water-Resistant Containers

One of the most detrimental effects of hurricanes is the mass water damage that is often left behind. Although your home may survive the potential for 120 MPH winds, your belongings may not be prepared for the flooding that can result. You can avoid the damage or loss of treasured items or important papers by storing vital objects in waterproof containers. florida palm trees blowing

#4: Have Emergency Supplies Ready

During a hurricane, it is possible that your home will lose power for a period of time. It is important to have a survival kit ready for this scenario. This kit should be easily accessible, and its location should be known by all family members. Some important items to include are:

Flashlights and extra batteries
Non-perishable foods
Water bottles
First-aid kit
Prescriptions required for family members
Toolkit for emergency home repairs (hammer, plywood, nails, etc.)

We are Here to Help

Before a hurricane makes landfall near your home this year, take some time to evaluate your homeowner’s insurance policy. You may discover that you have insufficient or inadequate coverage for your home and possessions. At GWK Insurance, we understand that preparing for a hurricane can be daunting. Our agents are happy to answer any questions you might have about your coverage. Please contact us as soon as possible so that we can assist you in getting the most appropriate homeowner’s insurance coverage for your specific needs.