Even though it is winter in Florida (and well outside the time period for anticipating a hurricane), it is never too early to think about whether your home and personal property are prepared for the start of hurricane season. The National Hurricane Center makes clear that hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and as such Southwest Florida residents do not need to worry about the risk of hurricane damage during the winter months. However, according to an article from CBS Moneywatch, some aspects of hurricane preparation can take months. It is never too early to begin preparing your home for one of these devastating storms.
Be Prepared for the Costs of Hurricane Preparation
Perhaps you recently purchased a new home in Florida. Or maybe you have not yet weathered a serious hurricane. Regardless of the reason that you have not prepared your house for the potential of hurricane damage, the first aspect of preparation is considering the financial costs involved. When you are thinking about ways to prepare your house for June 1st and the start of hurricane season, you are likely to be spending “upwards of $4,000 or more,” according to CBS Moneywatch. While that might seem like a lot of money to spend just after the holiday season, you should keep in mind that this type of spending is likely to “be worth it in the end.”
Update Your Insurance
Before you make any purchases to protect your home from hurricanes, you should ensure that you have enough insurance coverage in the event that hurricane damage requires that you replace or roof or rebuild your home altogether.
As the article points out, reviewing and updating your homeowners’ insurance is particularly important if you have “added or changed anything structurally about your home.” For example, did you renovate your kitchen as part of a holiday gift to your family? Or did you build a swimming pool or install a new lanai? Regardless of the specific changes you have made, it is important that your insurance coverage reflects your current property.
When you review your insurance coverage, take a close look at your deductible for hurricane losses. You should see both a percentage and a dollar amount for your deductible, and it is essential to have the money in the bank to pay your deductible in the event that you must file a claim.
Trim Your Trees
When you are getting ready for the next hurricane season, it is worth the financial and time investment to get your trees pruned. The goal of tree trimming, according to the article, is “to take the weight out of tree canopies.” As one expert explains, “taking some of the density out of these trees means wind can pass through branches and leaves more easily without taking them down.” You should also cut down any trees branches that directly face your home. If high winds do take down the tree, you want to avoid having that tree fall in the direction of your house.
Install an Impact-Resistant Garage Door
Garage doors with “twice as many steel struts and stronger tracks help keep it secure,” the article emphasizes. And an impact-resistant garage door can also help to keep water and debris from entering your house.
The tips above represent just a few ways you can invest money and time now to protect your house from summertime hurricanes. If you have questions about preventing hurricane damage or filing a claim, you should contact a West Florida hurricane damage lawyer as soon as possible. Contact the Valrico Law Group to find out more about our services.