Coastal properties give easy access to some of the earth’s best marvels. You’re just a stone’s throw away from the water, and this proximity offers several lifestyle benefits, including improved physical and mental health. Moreover, coastal homes tend to hold their value, making them a worthwhile investment.

That said, coastal living comes with some cons — most of which become clear when hurricane season arrives. In this article, we’ll outline some tips surrounding hurricane preparedness for your home, as we explain how hurricanes can affect your property and what you can do to minimise the negative effects.

Understanding Hurricanes

To effectively protect your home, you must understand how hurricanes occur and how they can impact your property. Hurricane winds can reach speeds of more than 120 kilometres per hour for Category 1 storms and even higher in stronger ones. These strong winds can tear off roofs, break windows, and damage doors and walls; they can also uproot vegetation, turning it into flying debris.

Storm surges are also a common byproduct of hurricanes. These refer to the rise of water levels along the coast due to heavy winds and low atmospheric pressure. As a hurricane moves towards the shore, it can push seawater inland, causing floods, which can damage structures and bring about several human health issues.

Readying Your Home

Before you move into a coastal home, it’s important to ensure that it’s prepared for all the common environmental conditions it will be exposed to. Here’s what you can do to help get your property hurricane-ready:

Fortify the Foundation

Talk to an expert about fortifying your foundation. By reinforcing your home’s roots, you can make it more resistant to strong winds, storm surges, and heavy flooding.

Reinforce Windows, Doors, and Walls

Reinforce openings and structures with impact-resistant materials designed to withstand the force of hurricanes and reduce the risk of structural damage. If you can, further strengthen your windows and doors with storm shutters and storm doors. It’s also recommended to reinforce your entrances with heavy-duty deadbolts and long screws.

Strengthen the Roof

Opt for thick roof sheathing and limit the length of any roof overhangs. You can also ask your architect for more hurricane-resistant roof designs (such as hipped roofing) and features. Consider adding hurricane straps or clips, as well, to reinforce your roof’s connection to the structure and prevent uplift during a storm.

Seal Gaps and Openings

Prevent water from entering your home during a storm by properly sealing all gaps and openings. You can use caulk and weather stripping to seal windows, doors, and other entrances.

Secure Utilities

Elevate electrical and mechanical systems at least half a metre above expected flood levels to keep safe from electrical-related injuries and prevent water damage to important utilities. Try to make switches for gas, water, and electricity easily accessible so that you can shut them off quickly during emergencies.

Fix the Landscape

Hurricane-proof your landscape by planting strong, wind-resistant trees and shrubs, taking care to keep them away from your structure and power lines. Remember to prune and trim your shrubbery frequently and perform regular yard maintenance to minimise potential debris.

Sources:
Williams, A. (n.d.). Hurricane proof your yard with these expert wind-resistant tree planting tips