Hurricanes can cause extensive wind damage when they make landfall or even when they pass nearby coastal areas. The states most vulnerable to hurricane damage are Florida, Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and parts of Georgia. These southern coastal states on the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are in the most common paths for hurricanes and tropical storms to make landfall, usually between the months of June through November. Their geography makes them prone to high winds, storm surge flooding, and heavy rains, which often cause severe destruction.
It is important to take steps before hurricane season starts to protect your home or business from potential wind damage.
Secure Outdoor Items
One of the easiest ways to prevent wind damage is to bring inside or firmly secure down any loose outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, potted plants, yard decorations, garbage cans, etc. Anything that could blow away or turn into dangerous flying debris should be properly stored ahead of time. Consider installing storm shutters over windows and doors if you live in hurricane-prone regions.
Inspect Trees and Roofing
Take some time to look over large trees on your property. Trim any dead branches and identify any areas of erosion or cracks in tree trunks that make them more vulnerable to toppling over. Have a professional arborist inspect any questionable-looking older/larger trees.
Get up on your roof and clear away any debris in gutters or around vents. Look for any areas where shingles are missing or cracked as they can easily blow off in high winds. Reinforce roof decking and siding materials if needed.
Plan an Evacuation Route
If you live in an evacuation zone, have an escape plan ready to go the moment authorities announce it’s time to leave. Know exactly where you will go and have supplies packed so you can leave at a moment’s notice once the order is given. Don’t wait until the hurricane hits or a tornado is on the ground from feeder bands.
Responding After Wind Damage Occurs
Even after the winds have died down, you can’t let your guard down yet.
Stay Inside & Be Cautious
If your home sustains roof damage, blown-out windows, etc. do not exit the interior rooms until the winds have fully died down and it is safe to assess. Beware of fallen power lines, debris, and downed trees outside once the storm passes. Only call 911 if there is a true emergency like a fire or injury.
Start Repairs & Document Damage
Have tarps, plywood, tools, etc. ready to make temporary repairs like covering holes in the roof, walls, or windows to prevent further interior water damage from rain getting inside after the storm winds subside. Take extensive photos/video to fully document the damage for insurance claims. Keep records of repair expenses as well.
Contact Us
Notify us as soon as possible after damage occurs so we can help you get your insurance claim submitted for review. We will work with you to see what repairs are reasonable to initiate immediately yourself (like removing downed trees) and clarify which need official inspection first. Insurance claims can be tricky, so you need experts like us on your side.
Visit our office at 200 Lake Morton Drive, Suite 300, Lakeland, FL 33801.
Call us today for a free consultation on (833) 941-7867.