As we officially enter into fall and commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo it is a necessity as Lowcountry residents to take several moments to consider hurricane preparedness. It is imperative to have a plan in place to protect yourself and your investments: are your family and home hurricane ready?
As the National Hurricane Center emphasizes, there are a multitude of natural threats that are introduced by a hurricane: heavy rainfall and flooding, high winds, tornadoes, storm surge and dangerous rip currents. When these factors are in play, it’s important to already have a plan in place to fall back on. Websites such as www.ready.gov can help you make sure you’re covering the basics. Prior to a storm, know where your evacuation zone is, develop a communication strategy with your family and stock a pre-ready supply of emergency items (72 hours' worth of items such as food, water, batteries). Know an accessible route to higher ground.
Protecting your home is another big factor. Most of the Charleston area is right at sea-level with some areas even dipping below. Know the elevation of your property and home and make sure you have the necessary insurance to cover any flood damage. Analyze any nearby water sources (lakes, marshes, etc.) that could contribute to potential flooding. When it comes to physically protecting your home, be sure to address the following*:
- Cover your homes windows. Have storm shutters or appropriately sized plywood at the ready.
- Minimize roof damage by installing straps or clips that secure the roof to the frame of the home.
- Keep landscaping and trees trimmed away from your home.
- Secure and clean rain gutters and downspouts.
- Minimize potential wind damage by reinforcing garage doors.
- Bring in all unsecured items from outdoors (patio furniture, grills, garbage cans).
- Consider the installation of an emergency generator.
Thankfully, it is not uncommon in the Charleston market for new home builders to have addressed some of these items in the initial construction of your home… Ask if there are any structural reinforcements or window coverings that can help give you peace of mind. One of the great benefits of new construction is that safety is a big consideration… your new home likely has some built-in safety features, literally from the foundation up, that can help your family and your investment safely weather the storm.
*list compiled from www.ready.gov/hurricanes
###
Thank you for reading and sharing our articles from The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide. Our business is to know Charleston, SC's new home construction, home builders, neighborhoods and homes so we may assist you as you take your new construction home journey. Please take the time to explore our site. The Greater Charleston New Homes Guide is considered the best and most reliable ‘local’ resource to new home construction, builders, neighborhoods, and homes throughout the Lowcountry since 2004.
9.11
Tagged as: Home Maintenance
Categories: The Guide Tools