|
|
|
 |
|
Protecting homes and businesses
|
All plans should include a list of things to do to protect homes and businesses. People can move out of harm's way, structures cannot.
People should inspect their homes and look for ways to minimize danger and damage. Emergency officials say people should do all they can based on what they can afford to do to improve the survivability of their property.
Garage doors and windows are usually the weakest links. Windows should be shuttered and garage doors reinforced.
If windows or garage doors become damaged during a storm, hurricane force winds could get inside the home and possibility result in the roof being blown off. Retrofitting garage doors and windows is recommended if homeowners can afford it.
Windows can be taped to minimize damage from breaking glass, although some experts say the benefit is not worth the time or expense.
Renters should talk to their landlord or property management company about policies for protecting property early in the season to find out what can and will be done to make rental residences safe from tropical storm damage.
People should be responsible for their own personal safety and the safety of their property.
The following list, complied from several sources found on the Internet, includes recommended things to do to prepare homes and businesses for hurricane season:
- Make sure the address of the home or business is clearly visible from the street.
- Locate and tag all main shut off valves, including water and gas, as well as the electrical breaker or fuse box.
- Look for weak spots in doors, windows and roofs and make repairs if necessary. French doors and double doors are often the weakest. Weak doors can be reinforced with 2 x 4s. Add side blots to strengthen door latches.
- Purchase or build window shutters. Permanent shutters are best. A low-cost alternative is plywood panels. Marine, or outdoors grade, plywood 1/2 inch thick is recommended. Screws should be placed every 18 inches.
- Check roof vents for proper installation.
- Check for loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
- Reinforce skylights and make preparations to cover them before the storm.
- Secure items that could fall, break or be a fire hazard and fasten shelves securely. Place heavy objects on lower shelves. Hang pictures and mirrors away from beds. Brace overhead light fixtures. Strap the hot water heater to the wall.
- Repair cracks in ceilings and foundations.
- Store weed killers, pesticides, flammable liquids and other hazardous products away from heat sources.
- Test smoke detectors and date and replace batteries.
- Trim dead or weak branches from trees and trim trees to make sure wind can blow through.
- Check for loose items outside the house. Make repairs as necessary.
- Make sure the land around the structure is graded so that water flows away.
|
Copyright © Tampa Bay Newspapers: All rights reserved. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Newspapers
9911 Seminole Blvd.
Seminole, FL 33772
(727) 397-5563
Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
|
|
