Video:How to Hurricane-Proof a Home

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Transcript:How to Hurricane-Proof a Home

Hurricanes can easily devastate an improperly protected home. If you live anywhere near the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic coastal areas, sooner or later, you probably will experience a hurricane. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help protect your home and minimize damage.

Information About How to Hurricane-Proof a Home

Sustained hurricane force winds range from 74 to 115 miles per hour and can gust even higher. Preparing your home to withstand that force is a must. A good place to start is with the garage, if you have one, which are weak points and considered an easy place for wind to make its way through the rest of your home.

How to Hurricane-Proof a Home

If you can afford it, replace your existing garage door with an impact-resistant model. A less expensive option is to hire a contractor to reinforce your garage door. Or, you can even reinforce it yourself with plywood or steel.

The roof is another vulnerable point, so you might thing about getting a roof covering approved for wind and impact resistance. You can also glue down your roof with premium flooring adhesive at the point where your roof and support beams meet.Windows are another part of the home easily and often damaged during a hurricane. Hurricane shutters are a relatively inexpensive way to protect your windows that also don’t require you to be Bob Villa. Hurricane shutters come in a variety of types, including Accordion, Bahama, panel, roll and clear. There are even screens available that are made from Kevlar. Once you’ve got your doors and windows secured and protected, be sure to inspect any trees and shrubs around your home.

Falling trees are a common source of injury and property loss that can be prevented. Be sure your trees are trimmed regularly and check that they are healthy and in good condition.

Another Step in How to Hurricane-Proof a Home

The next step in hurricane-proofing your home is to simply look around outside. Anything from potted plants to barbecue grills can become a damaging, deadly projectile during hurricane force winds. Be sure to bring in any garbage cans, furniture, toys and anything else that could easily fly the coop during gale-force conditions. Finally, building a safe room or storm shelter is something you might consider. A storm shelter just needs to have walls that can withstand high winds and flying debris. Your basement is one potential safe room that’s already in place. While there is no fail-safe way to keep your house in one piece during a hurricane, these tips just might help you be prepared and increase the chances of protecting you, your family, and your home.

I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.