Getting your rental home prepared for hurricane season is serious business. Hurricanes bring heavy rainfall and terrifyingly strong winds. The whole objective is to minimize as much property damage as possible. Thankfully we know when the hurricane season is so we can prepare. It’s from June to November but the height of the season starts now in September. It’s a good idea to have any supplies that you may require on hand. Here are some effective measures that you can take to prepare your rental home for the hurricane season.
Board Up Windows and Doors
During a hurricane, there can be a lot of flying debris. This could break glass windows and doors, leaving your rental home totally exposed to the damage that can be caused by the wind and rain. Your appliances, furniture, and other valuables could be destroyed during a storm of this magnitude. If a storm is approaching you can use plywood to board up the windows and doors.
Waterproof Your Property
Flooding is a real threat in this area when a hurricane hits. Your goal is the keep the water out. Check all the windows and doors to make sure that they shut tightly. You can use a tarp and duct tape to further seal off the windows and the doors. Sandbags are particularly effective to prevent water from coming through the doorways during a hurricane. They should be filled only 2/3 of the bag and stacked without any gaps.
Clear Drains and Gutters
You want to make sure that there is no accumulation of water around your rental home if you can help it. Clearing your drains and gutters, are an added measure to keep water out.
Be Prepared For Power Outages and Water Shortages
During the hurricane, it is highly likely that the electricity supply will be interrupted. If you can afford it, buy a small generator that can at least keep the refrigerator running so food will not spoil. You can provide battery-operated lanterns that provide additional sources of light. While bottled water can be bought and stored, a great addition to your rental might be to install a water tank that can be accessed easily. You can set it up with just a tap where a person can fill a bucket.
Provide a First Aid Kit and Containers to Secure Valuables
Being prepared for any eventuality is important. These are inexpensive additions that can be placed in your rental home. A first aid kit can be stocked with bandages, disposable gloves, plasters, tweezers, dressing pads, and gauze. Plastic containers are excellent for keeping valuables dry and protected.
Double Check Your Insurance Policy
This measure is often overlooked since you may have insured your property years ago. It is a good idea to peruse your insurance policy and ensure that you are covered for the kind of damage that occurs during a hurricane. If you realize that your coverage could be improved take the necessary steps sooner rather than later.
When it comes to hurricane season, “be prepared” should be your motto. It can significantly minimize the damage to your rental home and keep you and your family safe!