A hurricane is a severe tropical cyclone. Every year, an average of 11 tropical storms occur, and 6 of these become hurricanes. A hurricane often causes devastating damage to coastlines and can travel hundreds of miles inland. If you live near the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico or another area with frequent tropical storms, you need to know how to prepare your home for a hurricane.
Confirm that your hurricane shutters are in good condition. If you do not have hurricane shutters, consider installing them. You can also replace your windows with hurricane glass. Both will provide protection from shattering glass during strong winds.
Determine whether you need to replace your roof with a hip roof. This style of roof has a 30-degree pitch or less. On older homes, retrofit existing roofs with hurricane straps, gables, and end brackets or braces.
Check your gutters to be sure they are clear of leaves and other debris to prepare for hurricanes. Clean gutters can prevent damage to your home during long periods of heavy rain.
Remove dead or damaged trees, especially those near the house. Pick up and dispose of all limbs, sticks and other debris on or near your property. Items like these can become airborne during high winds.
Collect outdoor items from the yard and bring them inside when you hear a hurricane advisory. These will become flying projectiles in the high winds, and can get swept away by floodwaters if your house is near the coast.