Hurricanes and severe tropical storms are more common in Florida than anywhere else in the country.

As these storms often produce a high amount of wind damage and other issues that require storm damage roofing repairs, homeowners should prepare for these storms in advance and attempt to avoid or reduce roofing damage.

A hurricane preparedness checklist can help those dealing with the frequent storms in Florida reduce their need for roof repairs throughout the season and get through hurricane season safely and securely.

Why Make A Hurricane Preparedness Checklist?

Checklists help people remember to get things done, down to the last important details.

In terms of hurricane preparedness, there are many actions that people can take to reduce the possibility of sustaining storm damage and protect their homes during an active hurricane season.

Most of these things should be done ahead of time to ensure a roof is in good condition and resilient against rain and wind damage once the stormy weather begins.

Fortunately, since tropical storms are expected each season and homeowners usually have plenty of warning that a hurricane could be coming, there is generally plenty of time to prepare.

What Should A Hurricane Preparedness Checklist Include?

A general hurricane preparedness checklist to prevent damage that requires roofing repairs or other home repairs should be started well in advance of the first anticipated storms and should address the following:

• Homeowner’s Insurance - Review homeowners insurance coverage and update policy inclusions and limits as needed to ensure the policy is protective, especially against wind damage and other types of damage common during hurricanes.
• Home Inventory Documentation - Create a detailed inventory of personal possessions for insurance purposes or update existing inventories to keep them accurate.
• Home Generators - Purchase a gasoline generator to provide power during extended outages or test and prepare any generators already owned.
• Storm Shutters - Consider installing storm shutters to protect windows against high winds and flying debris.
• Hurricane Straps - Florida building code mandates that homes with newer roofs have hurricane straps installed automatically; roofing repair professionals can retrofit older homes with hurricane straps to improve wind resistance and overall roofing safety.
• Drain and Sump Testing - Prevent flooding and drainage issues during severe storms by having all drain lines checked as well as cleaned and test sump pump systems to ensure readiness.
• Roofing Inspection, Maintenance, and Repairs - Hire a respected local roofer to perform a roofing inspection and address any repairs needed plus maintenance due, including gutter cleaning.
• Trim Trees and Bushes - Avoid storm damage caused by fallen tree branches or branches scraping against the roof by trimming trees and tall bushes back from the house.
• Locate Utility Shutoffs - Before needing to access them in an emergency, learn where the power, gas, and water shutoffs are for the house.
• Prepare to Protect Windows and Doors - In addition to storm shutters, have ample amounts of plywood on hand to protect windows and doors once a hurricane is expected and start putting it up before the weather starts to hit.
• Collect A Hurricane Essentials Stockpile - Create an emergency kit consisting of water, non-perishable foods, first-aid supplies, medications, and other necessities to keep ready in case of a power outage or serious hurricane damage to the house.
• Secure Outside Items - Once notice of an approaching storm is put out, secure all loose items like patio furniture, planters and anything else that could become airborne in high winds, containing them inside the garage or securing them to the ground.

Minimize Roofing Storm Damage Repair With Good Preparations

Florida hurricanes can cause extreme storm damage to homes that are not well-prepared to weather these storms.

To minimize the damage and reduce the need for roofing repairs afterward, homeowners should create a personalized hurricane preparedness list and put it into effect every year before hurricane season starts.

These useful checklists help homeowners remember all the important details that will help them avoid wind damage and other destruction to their homes in the wake of some of Florida’s worst storms!

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