Is Your Miami Home Ready for Hurricane?

Hurricane season is inching closer and closer, so it’s time to start preparing your home for storm conditions. Here at Istueta Roofing, we’ve been through more than 27 years of hurricanes, so we really know what to do in order to be ready for whatever is thrown at us.

The list I’m providing here is very helpful, but not all-inclusive. I encourage you to do more research by studying news sites and asking nearby neighbors for advice.

Decide, will you stay or go?

This is the first decision you need to make.

If you feel that your home won’t be safe, you need to find a shelter. There are plenty in the Miami area, so choose one that’s nearby.

You definitely don’t want to be in your home during a worst-case scenario situation.

Whether you decide to go to a shelter or not, you still need to prepare your home.

How to Prepare Your Miami Home for a Hurricane

Protect Your Windows

There are 3 ways you can protect your windows:

1. Cover them with duct tape.

2. DIY with plywood boards.

3. Hire an expert to install shutters.

Although duct tape is offered as an option, it falls as one of the least effective in offering protection.  I still see some people doing it, but I advise trying a different option first!

We highly recommend hiring an expert to install shutters. You can even use our method for finding a contractor to make sure you get the right person for the job.

Why do we recommend an expert?

• Once they’re installed, you don’t have to do it again the following year.
• Shutters look much nicer than plywood.
• Plywood will leave behind scars from the nails and screws.

Whatever you do, remember that windows are an important part of the structure of your home. If a window blows in, it can cause a lot of damage.

Even with protection on your windows, once the storm hits, make sure to stay clear of them. Ride out the storm in a dedicated “safe room” where there are no windows, such as a laundry room or pantry. It isn’t worth the risk of being vulnerable near a window.

Yard Maintenance

Scope out your yard. Are there any branches or dead trees you have been meaning to clear? Now is the time! You definitely don’t want the wind to carry them off and damage yours or anyone else’s home.

The same goes for any loose objects that you may have laying around your property. Any of these things can become high velocity projectiles:

• roof tiles
• tiki torches
• patio furniture
• trash cans
• hanging plants
• general debris

Prevent flooding by cleaning your gutters. Better yet, if you are a member of our Platinum Client Maintenance Program (PCMP), we will come out and do it for you! Even if you’re not, though, give us a call. We can check your roof for any areas that might leak or need special attention.

Protect Your Valuables

If you are worried about valuables getting destroyed in the storm, find ways to protect them. Some can simply be placed in plastic bags and kept off the ground. If that won’t work, ask friends and family if they have safe areas where those precious and expensive items can be temporarily stored.

Refrigerate

Hurricanes can cause power outages, so make sure you are prepared. Set your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest temperature. Then, if the power goes out, it will keep your food cold and safe for longer.

Start Early

I can’t emphasize this enough! Start early in order to avoid the madhouse that will ensue leading up to the hurricane. If you get everything done early, you won’t have to fight for necessities.

Stock Up on Food, Water, Etc.

There are many things you need to stock up on – more than I can mention here. Next week, check back to see a list of my recommendations.

~Frank Istueta