Posted on August 25, 2024
ICHQ | Site Author
It seems like each year, forecasters predict another “record” hurricane season. Of course, even a single-named storm can wreak havoc on a city like New Orleans. And while there is nothing you can do to prevent a hurricane, there are steps you can start taking now to help protect your home from potential hurricane damage.
How to Protect Windows from Hurricane Winds
Perhaps the number one thing people worry about when it comes to a hurricane is protecting their home’s windows. There are a few options here:
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends using permanent storm shutters on your windows, such as Bahama, colonial, and accordion.
- There’s the tried-and-true method of boarding up the windows. If you choose this method, you should use either 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch plywood boards.
- You can also use polymer-based fabric panels that are designed to withstand storm-force winds. These panels are usually anchored to the edges of windows or doorways using metal pins.
- If you are looking for an even more effective, albeit costly, solution, you can install new windows that use hurricane-impact glass. Essentially, this is 3/8-inch thick safety glass, similar to what is in your car’s windshield. The benefit of such windows is that they will remain inside the window frame even when cracked or smashed by high winds.
Other Hurricane Home Protection Steps
A hurricane means two things: Heavy winds and lots of water. Protecting your entire home from damage means taking a whole-house approach:
- Roof: You can install “hurricane straps,” which are basically clips or anchor belts used to help keep the roof pulled down against the upward forces of hurricane winds. Ideally, such straps are installed when the home is new, as it can be expensive to refit an existing home to include them.
- Garage Door: Similar to installing hurricane straps for your roof, you can also use a metal “brace” to secure your garage door. These braces are relatively inexpensive and can often be installed without much effort.
- Flood Barriers: Sandbags are the most common type of barrier used to protect homes from potential flood waters. The downside is that, depending on the size of your home, it can take hundreds of sandbags to create a solid barrier.
- Gutters: It is a good idea to clear any loose or clogged rain gutters before a hurricane strikes.
- Furniture: It should go without saying, but you need to bring in (or securely tie down) any outdoor furniture or other items that could easily get caught up in the wind and turned into a projectile, such as a garbage can or lawn ornament.
Contact a New Orleans Hurricane Insurance Lawyer Today
No matter how many precautions you take, some hurricane storm damage to your property is inevitable. When that happens, you will want to work with a qualified New Orleans hurricane damage lawyer who wants to help ensure you receive maximum compensation from your insurance company. Contact Insurance Claim HQ today to schedule a free claim evaluation.
