Blog

hurricane

How Can I Protect My Texas Home from a Hurricane?

With Hurricane Ian ripping through the Atlantic region earlier this month, more people are thinking about the importance of being proactive. While we all like to think that things like hurricanes and tornadoes won’t happen to us, they affect millions of people each year around the world. 

Texas ranks second for most hurricanes in America, following Florida. Hurricane season starts in mid-summer and lasts through fall. The storms can be devastating, producing powerful winds, torrential downpours, tornadoes and deadly storm surge. As the storms move inland, they tend to bring strong winds and flooding. 

Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home from hurricane damage. Below are some tips that will help keep you safe during hurricane season. If you do run into problems, Texas Elite Restoration and Cleaning is here for you! 

Cover Your Windows 

High wind speeds can cause damage to your windows from both the wind and flying debris. If you don’t have hurricane-tempered glass windows, you’ll want to safeguard your windows with plywood. If you do have hurricane-tempered glass, you don’t have to worry about boarding your windows. Also, don’t tape your windows, as this can cause the glass to break into larger shards. 

Secure Outdoor/Loose Items 

Any loose items outdoors – furniture, yard decor, toys – should be brought indoors or secured. Not only will you lose these items during a hurricane, but also they can become a dangerous liability to others. If you own a swimming pool, you can store waterproof items in the pool during the storm! They’ll sink and stay safe from rain and wind. 

Trim Trees and Shrubbery 

Fallen trees and branches can cause major damage to properties, vehicles and people. Make sure to trim your trees as hurricane season approaches. If you’re worried about a particular tree being too close to your home, you may have no choice but to remove it. 

Protect Home from Flooding 

Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S. They can occur anytime and anywhere, though they’re more likely to happen during hurricane season. That’s because hurricanes carry tremendous rainfall and deadly storm surge. 

Experts recommend piling up sandbags around your home’s entrance at least two feet high. If you can’t get your hands on sandbags, fill heavy-duty garbage bags one-third of the way with water. 

Unplug Electrical Devices 

Due to the risk of flooding, it’s smart to unplug your household electronics and appliances. If your home does flood, you’ll want to turn off your electricity completely. If you don’t, your home is at a greater risk for an electrical surge, and you’re at risk for possible electrocution. 

Caulk Around Windows and Doors 

If there’s a chance that water can leak through your door jams, window crevices and other gaps, caulk them beforehand. This will prevent water from sneaking into your home and causing water damage. Of course, this is a short term solution. If you need new windows and doors, you’ll have to replace them sooner rather than later. 

Verify Your Insurance 

Lastly, verify your homeowners insurance and know what is covered. This way, if you do have to hire restoration services for water extraction and mold remediation, you’ll know what your insurance will cover. You may also want to consider upgrading your policy to include wind and flood insurance. 

These tips will help you prepare for a potential hurricane in Texas. If you find yourself in need of storm damage cleanup services, contact the professionals at Texas Elite Restoration and Cleaning. We provide a wide range of storm and restoration services to get your home like-new again!