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In preparing for the upcoming hurricane season, federal officials urge coastal residents to prepare their dwellings, too.
FEMA publication, Against the Wind, lists measures you can take to strengthen your home from wind damage before the next hurricane strikes. A few of the tips are:
Roof
The roof of your house is most vulnerable to damage from high winds. The connection between roof and walls must be strong enough to resist the “uplift” effect of strong winds. Roof trusses or rafters should be tied properly to exterior walls with metal hurricane connectors or straps.
Have a building professional use specially designed metal connectors to attach the roof trusses to the wall studs.
Gable-end roofs are more susceptible to damage from high winds than hip or flat roofs. Bracing for trusses and rafters can add protection to your home. When choosing the appropriate connectors, check with lumber-supply outlets, home improvement stores or a contractor.
Windows
Installing storm shutters over all exposed windows and other glass surfaces is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your home. Cover all windows, French doors, sliding glass doors and skylights.
Plywood shutters that you make yourself, if installed properly, can offer a high level of protection from flying debris during a hurricane. Plywood shutters can be installed on all types of homes. Consult a home improvement store or your telephone directory for custom permanent shutters. Renters should check with their landlords first.
Doors
If you have double-entry doors, one is active and one is inactive. Check to see how the fixed half is secured top and bottom. The bolts or pins that secure most doors are not strong enough to withstand hurricane winds. Check with your local building supplies retailer to find out what kind of bolt system will work for your door. Doors with windows also will need storm shutters for protection from flying debris.
Garage doors
Garage doors can pose a problem because they are so large they wobble as high winds blow and can pull out of their tracks or collapse from wind pressure. Some garage doors can be reinforced with retrofit kits. Check with your local building supplies dealer or home improvement store.
Inside the home
During a hurricane, ordinary objects inside your home can cause damage. Anything that can move, fall or break is a home hazard. Inspect your home at least once a year and fix potential hazards, by securing bookshelves to the wall, and anchoring water tanks.
Mobile Homes
Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to hurricane-force winds and require special precautions. Anchor the mobile home with over-the-top, or frame, ties. When a storm threatens, do what you can to secure your mobile home, and then evacuate. If you have time before you leave, shut off propane tanks, leave them outside and anchor them down.
Against the Wind (FEMA-247) can be ordered free from FEMA's publication warehouse by calling, toll-free, at 1-800-480-2520 or viewed on line at www.fema.gov and typing in the search field: FEMA publication Against the Wind.
Information gathered from this article. This article posted with permission from Mayra Lopez-de-Victoria, FEMA Headquarters.