20 Expert tips to prepare for Hurricanes/Storms

20 Expert tips to prepare for Hurricanes/Storms
This is part 1 in a two part series we are doing on Expert tips to protect your home and family from Hurricanes/Storms.
On Long Island, we are dodging a bullet with Hurricane Florence a Category 4 charging toward the Carolina coast,We are lucky The storm is set to miss Long Island, though it's still expected to have an effect on the area.
With several more large storms brewing in the Atlantic, this is a great time to look at some important steps we can take to protect our families, neighbors, and property in the face of these storms.
Coastal living inevitably means severe storms, and it is best to remember that it a lot smarter, cheaper, and safer to prepare ahead rather than repair after one.
While the storm will make landfall in the Carolinas, Florence will still have an impact on our area. We should expect strong rainfall, rough rip currents along with intense surf in our area. The National Weather Service has said coastal flooding could send a foot of water into low lying areas in the new York area. So flooding and water damage to your property is a real concern at this even with a storm so far away.

Remember, any type of water damage, whether small or large, should be dried and sanitized as soon as possible to limit the impact, and the water damage is often far greater than it may appear . Hopefully, you find these tips helpful before any damage does occur. If you run into any water damage issues,JS Services INC.(http://jsfirefloodmold.com/)(631-862-6288) has been serving the Hamptons (Sag Harbor, NY) area for over 15 years.

Cover windows with Storm Shutters or Plywood-Protect against strong hurricane winds and dangerous flying debris. Although plywood may seem expensive, it is a wise investment, as it will be far more costly to replace broken windows and deal with the water damage that result. Impact resistance windows are also a effective method to protect the inside of your home from winds and dangerous debris, and shutters are a proven method for storm protection. While it is an investment, it is a one time expense that will make getting ready for storms easier in the future.

Taping windows is not a proven method for protecting windows from breaking.

It is a good idea to stack sandbags at least two feet high in front of entrances to prevent floodwater entering your home/dwelling. This can make a big difference in a storm surge or high time.
Trim shrubs and trees. Make sure any old trees and limbs are taken down before the storm. Broken limbs and fallen trees can be deadly and very destructive to your property. If you have larger trees, a tree service can be a wise investment, as it is easier than replacing a roof or a car.

It is critical to bring any outdoor furniture/equipment inside or it could become a
deadly flying missile causing bodily harm or damage to your property. Anything that can become Airborne needs to be tied down or brought inside. Look around you entire property to make sure everything is secured. This includes hanging baskets and planters. Anything that can become Airborne needs to be tied down or brought inside.Be aware and try to get equipment (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, snow blowers, etc) off the floor.

Your dishwasher is a real asset in a storm, especially if you have to evacuate your home. Dishwashers are waterproof and almost always secured to the cabinets in your kitchen. A dishwasher is an excellent storage space for things that you want to keep safe and dry during the storm.

Make sure you unclog your rain gutters and drains to prevent water build up and create leaks. Make sure all downspouts are secure, and the run-off is unobstructed. Especially in the Fall, this can be a costly oversight.

Do not forget to protect your garage doors, especially if they are older-Try bolting Horizontal supporting beams to the frame of the door. Support the beams from top to bottom of the doors frame. You can add vertical braces to help support the garage door.

Take a minute to watch this hurricane preparedness video to help keep you safe (Maryland Emergency Management Agency) Accuweather:

This series will continue tomorrow with more valuable tips for you and
your family. If you have experienced Water Damage call JS Services Inc.

To read Part 2- Click here...20 Expert tips to prepare for Hurricanes/Storms-Part 2