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Serving South East Florida

License #CGC1521574

 

Hurricane Preparedness Guide

If you live in south Florida you are undoubtedly aware of what hurricane season can bring, even if you are hundreds of miles inland. The intense winds, rain and major flooding can cause serious damage to your home if you aren't prepared. Luckily, there are steps you can take to protect your property and family during a hurricane.

Preparing for Hurricane Season

Staying safe is unanimously the top priority of our clients when they decide to have impact resistant windows and doors installed in their home. For that reason, we've put together a guide to help you when the next hurricane comes through.

Review homeowners insurance policy

Check to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date and you will receive full replacement value if your items are damaged during a natural disaster. Add flood and wind insurance to your policy if it isn't already included. If you don't understand the specifics of your insurance policy, contact your insurance agent for help.

Get a roof inspection

Use hurricane straps or clips to protect your roof. The straps will help keep them secure by tying the roof to the frame of your house. You should also regularly inspect your roof and siding. Replace any loose or missing shingles so they won't fly away during a storm or cause water to get inside your home.

Remove outdoor furniture

Look at your front and back yard and take note of any outdoor furniture that could become airborne during a hurricane. Put your barbecue grill, lawn chairs and other outdoor furniture inside your home or garage.

Install a generator

If possible, invest in a generator. It will help in case the power goes out in your neighborhood. After major hurricanes, some neighborhoods are without electricity for weeks.

Stock up on food

You should also consider collecting canned food, water, flashlights and fresh batteries. Stock up on enough supplies so that your family can survive at last a couple of days without electricity or access to stores.

Install impact resistant windows and doors

Hire a contractor to install impact resistant windows, doors and sliding glass doors to keep your family safe from the hurricane's harsh winds and onslaught of rain. If possible, upgrade your windows inside your home at least two to four months before hurricane season begins.

Buy storm shutters

Although storm shutters can provide additional reinforcement during a storm, they do not offer any of the additional benefit of impact resistant windows, such as reduced energy bills. Plus, they take away from your home's aesthetics.

Use caulk

Caulk can block moisture from getting inside your home. Ask a professional to use caulk around the perimeter of your doors and windows.

Inspect your porch and deck

Look at the porch, deck or shed located on your property to make sure they are structurally sound. If they are unstable or you don't think they will survive a hurricane, try to find ways to make them sturdier and secure their posts to the ground.

Examine your outdoor plants and trees

Trim the trees and shrubs surrounding your property so their falling limbs can't damage your home. You may also want to tie down some of your trees and shrubs so they are not uprooted during the storm.

Remove dead or diseased plants

Hire a professional to examine the health and safety of your trees and plants. They will let you know if any of your plants are rotten or diseased and give you advice on how to remove them.

Use bark or mulch instead of gravel

If possible, try to use bark or mulch instead of gravel around your home. This type of landscaping material is less hazardous and won't cause as much property damage as gravel.

Prepare for heavy rain and flooding

Practice turning off your gas and electricity so you'll know how to do it during hurricane season. You may also want to invest in a sump pump to drain water from your home.

Reinforce your garage door

Invest in a reinforced garage door that can withstand hurricane winds and other types of damage.

Keep a record of your items

Keep a detailed record of everything you own of value that's inside your home. After you carefully document everything, take pictures of each item and record their estimated value. This information will be helpful in case your property is lost or damaged during the hurricane and you have to contact your insurance company and file a claim.

Protect Your Home with Impact Resistant Windows

At AOA Construction, we pride ourselves on our ability to prepare your home before a storm. Our customers trust us to provide quality impact resistant windows and other materials that will keep their family and property safe during hurricane season and other natural disasters.

Due to the rise in harmful storms and hurricanes in the surrounding Florida area, it's very important for you to hire a team of professionals as soon as possible who can make sure your home is hurricane resistant. Besides improving your home's overall security, our impact resistant windows can also help your family cut down on energy costs.

Licensed, Experienced General Contractors

We pride ourselves on providing the best service to our community. If you are interested in getting hurricane resistant windows installed or would like to get your old ones replaced, our team can get the job done in a timely manner while providing quality craftsmanship.

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