Top Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Home During a Storm or Hurricane

Protect From Hurricane
protect-yourself-and-home-hurricane-storm

People react differently to storms and hurricanes. For some of us, a storm can actually be quite exciting and as long as we’re safe, warm and dry indoors, it can be almost soothing to hear the weather outside. For others, however, this can be a highly frightening experience and one that leaves us anxiously watching the window and unable to relax. Whether it’s your home or family-or both-that you need to protect from hurricane / storms, East Coast windows has the tips to keep you safe.

Either way, it’s important that you know what to do during a storm. Furthermore, you need to know what to do before a storm in order to ensure that you stay safe. Read on to find out some of the best ways to protect your home and to prevent a storm from causing any damage…

Have a Hurricane / Storm Safety Kit

If you live in an area where the weather can be violent and unpredictable, then it’s a very good idea to create a storm safety kit for yourself. This kit will provide you with all the supplies that you need in order to see you through the worst weather.  You should keep this somewhere in a plastic box with a sealed lid. At the very least, this kit should include:

  • Flashlights
  • Food supplies
  • Basic first aid
  • Extra batteries
  • Small fire extinguisher
  • Blankets
  • Bottles of water
  • Battery operated radio

Knowing the Drill

It can also be useful to know what you’ll do in the case of a storm. Have a plan of action and discuss with your family where and how you’ll seek shelter. It’s always important to stay indoors but if the storm is particularly severe, you may choose to retreat to the basement. Make sure your family knows what to do!

Hurricane Impact Windows Protect From Hurricane

One of the weakest and most vulnerable points of any home during a storm is the windows. Make sure that you have installed suitable hurricane windows to keep your property as secure as possible and to prevent damage that might cost a lot to repair. Storm shutters can also be useful to provide an additional layer of support against storms, as well as security.

Note that the quality of the installation here is just as important as the windows themselves. Use a reputable company with good reviews such as East Coast Windows (for the South Florida area) and be sure that your home is well protected!

Roofing & Hurricanes

Another vulnerable point is your roof. Consider using shingles rated as Class 3 or 4 by UL 2218 or FM 4473. This will mean they can withstand harsher weather without being damaged. This is also important to protect from hurricane the rest of your property, as roof tiles can be very dangerous when thrown by strong winds.

Think About Your Garden

In your garden, it pays to keep storms and winds in mind when choosing furniture and plants. Maintain your trees by removing weak branches that might get broken off. Likewise, replace rock or gravel landscaping and think about nailing down your furniture. A little work now can save a lot of problems in the long term!

Protect From Hurricanes with East Coast Windows and Doors

To secure your home against the ravages of hurricane season, taking proactive measures is paramount. By fortifying your property with top-of-the-line hurricane protection solutions, such as impact-resistant windows and durable doors, you can ensure the safety and security of your loved ones and your cherished belongings. East Coast Windows and Doors stands as a trusted ally in this pursuit, offering unparalleled expertise and a wide array of home improvement options tailored to your specific needs. Don’t wait for the next storm to hit—take the first step towards safeguarding your home today. Contact East Coast Windows and Doors for a comprehensive assessment and fortify your home against the unpredictable forces of nature.

How to Get Your Dream Storm Windows

dreams-storm-windowsThere is nothing like scrimping and saving your hard earned dollars and then spending it on a home improvement project that goes horribly wrong. If there are costly mistakes that you or your contractor makes, not only will this hit you in the wallet but, it will leave a bad taste in your mouth for future projects. If you’re considering getting new hurricane windows, don’t hire the first contractor you find. Instead, there are certain steps you must take to ensure that they are installed properly and efficiently. Companies like East Coast Windows, are not only well-known and established but their business is windows and pleasing their customers. Here are 5 tips that you should consider when choosing a contractor to install your dream storm windows:

1. Know what type of windows you’re looking for! It is not easy to know what type of window you desire, if you have never had storm windows installed in the past. It is beneficial to do some research into various storm windows to ensure you know what you want and what is right for your home. Be open and honest about what you’re looking for and the look you desire to make your room pop. Look at home improvement guides and magazines to give you a better idea for your personal style. Also, keep in mind these characteristics:

a.      Laminated glass that is double strength is good for hurricane and storm areas. If you live in a high storm area, you may want to choose laminated glass. These types of windows can withstand high winds and provide and air tight fit. Plus, if air is able to seep through the window, it can cause potential damage. These types of windows prevent this from happening.
b.      Good storm windows will have vinyl reinforced with steel. Not only will this look very nice but, it can add a solid layer of impact resistance. Many times, during a hurricane, objects can become airborne, allowing wind, rain and foreign objects to enter the home.
c.      A good storm window should never peel, fade, or flake off.  In fact, they should look good during good and bad weather. In fact, they should stay strong during inclement storm conditions. Be sure to check for this when conducting research. For instance, East Coast Window’s windows are affordable, beautiful, strong and can stand up to the toughest storm!

2. Be aware of various types of windows. Although nailing plywood over windows is a good temporary emergency technique to protect your windows during a hurricane, it is also a huge undertaking to put it up and pull it down every time a storm comes through. There are technically advanced options, like hurricane storm windows, that are available. For instance, most are made of high-impact glass and are able to withhold their strength and beauty for many years. Plus, they keep you and your family safe during threatening hurricanes and violent storms.

3. Research your glass options. There are 2 types of residential impact glass. One contains multiple layers of polyvinyl butyral (PRB). This is good to stand up against small projectiles and other airborne objects. The other is laminated glass that comes in hand for larger impacts. Impact windows have been tested against Category 5 winds and debris.

4. Be clear when communicating your expectations to potential contractors. Knowing what you want ahead of time will help you communicate your vision clearly to potential contractors. The right contractor will be able to help guide you with his expertise. This will help the contractor properly quote the amount of what the job will entail. Put a list together of contractors in your local area and look through reviews and interview prospects. Compare prices, quality of material and warranties. Don’t hesitate to ask for examples and references to ensure that you’re on the same page.

5. Discuss any and all concerns. If you have any questions, be sure to ask the contractor everything that you want to know about the price, the installation, and the projected completion date of the job. If you have any concerns, voice them to the contractor. Most importantly, have the contractor issue you a written warranty and guarantee. This will help ensure that they will not just walk away from the job and leave you hanging.