Protecting Your Home Against a Hurricane

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Hurricane season is here, and with it comes the risk of damaging storms in coastal areas.  While your primary goal should be emergency supplies and an evacuation plan to keep you and your family safe, there are also some steps to take to protect your home from catastrophic damage.

One of the biggest keys to protecting your home from damage is to secure the windows. Why is this important? For one, once the windows shatter, the high winds enter the house, wreaking havoc and causing interior damage. The most important reason is that as hurricane winds blow into the house, it creates upward pressure on the roof. This pressure may be enough to blow the roof off – which will likely lead to the total destruction of your home.

The ideal way to protect your windows is to install heavy duty wood or metal storm shutters. This can be quite an investment, but one that will pay off in protection, as well as the ability to quickly respond to the threat. Alternatively, you can use marine plywood attached to your home’s exterior. It is recommended that you have these pieces purchased, cut, and pre-drilled/ready to install before a hurricane watch is in place. If you wait until danger is bearing down on you, it may be too late.

Some other tips to protect your home during a hurricane:

  • Remove dead trees or tree limbs on your property
  • Be aware if your home is in a storm surge danger area
  • Create a “safe room” in your house
  • Keep battery powered radios, flashlights, and extra batteries on hand.
Carbon Monoxide Safety in your Home

Carbon Monoxide Safety in your Home

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Carbon monoxide (CO) in your home can be a quiet, deadly killer. You can’t see or smell it, but in high enough levels, it can kill someone in moments. CO is produced whenever any fuel is burned – oil, gas, wood, charcoal, etc…Typically, the amount released into your home environment from well-maintained and properly operating appliances, but still hundreds of people die every year from CO poisoning.

Symptoms of CO poisoning:

  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • nausea
  • fainting

If you suspect CO poisoning – get to fresh air, and get an emergency room quickly. Be sure to let the doctor know you suspect CO poisoning.

Prevention is the best way to avoid CO Poisoning

  • Have your fuel burning appliances checked regularly
  • Don’t idle your car in your garage
  • Choose appliances that vent outside whenever possible
  • Follow all instructions on your fuel burning appliances
  • Install CO detectors
  • Don’t ignore any symptoms, especially if multiple members of the household experience them