As hurricane season approaches, it’s more important than ever to ensure your family and home are ready for whatever Mother Nature may bring. Storms can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation and knowledge, you can minimize risks and protect what matters most. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started.
- Plan Ahead: Your Family’s Safety Comes First
Create an Emergency Plan
Start by sitting down with your family to discuss what to do in case of a hurricane. Make sure everyone knows the emergency contacts, including fire, police, family, neighbors, friends, tree services, utility companies, and your insurance agent.
Develop a Communication Strategy
Choose someone outside the danger zone as your central contact. Use text messages during the storm, as they often work even when calls don’t. If all else fails, communicate through social media.
Decide on Meeting Locations
Pick safe spots both inside and outside your neighborhood where you can meet if you get separated or if an evacuation order is issued.
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. Plan for at least three days’ worth of supplies.
Practice Your Plan
Run through your emergency plan with your family so everyone knows what to do and where to go.
- Stay Informed: Knowledge Is Power
Set Up Multiple Alert Systems
Don’t rely on just one source for weather updates. Purchase a NOAA weather radio (preferably with a hand crank), enable wireless emergency alerts on your cell phone, and follow reliable weather apps or websites.
Monitor Updates Regularly
Keep an eye on forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service office. Follow them on social media for real-time updates.
Know Your Location
Familiarize yourself with your county and location on a map. This will help you understand evacuation routes and local warnings.
- Review Insurance and Document Belongings
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered. Keep your insurance agent’s contact information in your phone and in a safe, accessible place offsite.
Create a Home Inventory
Use your cell phone to video each room of your house, including the contents of cabinets and closets. Make a detailed list of your belongings and store the video and list in the cloud for safekeeping.
Why It Matters
A thorough home inventory can speed up the claims process and ensure you receive fair compensation if your home is damaged.
- Inspect and Repair Your Roof
Hire a Licensed Professional
Have your roof inspected by a trusted and licensed roofing company. They will check for damaged or loose shingles, tiles, or panels, as well as issues with vents, skylights, and chimneys.
Look for Warning Signs
Pay attention to curling, loose, missing, or torn shingles; cracked or unattached tiles; dents, loose screws, or rust on metal panels; and leaks around vents, skylights, and chimneys.
Address Problems Promptly
Repairing minor issues now can prevent major damage during a storm.
- Secure Soffits
Use Stainless Steel Screws
Attach soffit material securely to the fascia and channels using stainless steel screws.
Apply Sealant
Use polyurethane sealant over the screws and allow it to dry for 72 hours. This extra step helps protect your home from wind and water damage.
Why Choose a Fortified Roof? The Gold Standard in Storm Protection
RoofPro Roofing is proud to be the area’s only provider of Fortified Roofing—a system designed to meet the strictest standards for wind and storm resistance.
Fortified roofs are built with enhanced features such as sealed roof decks, ring-shank nails, and impact-resistant shingles, providing superior protection during hurricanes and severe weather.
The Science Behind Fortified Roofs: Proven Results
Recent research highlights the effectiveness of Fortified construction:
A groundbreaking study by the Center for Risk and Insurance Research (CRIR) at the University of Alabama examined over 40,000 properties affected by Hurricane Sally. The findings are clear: homes built to the IBHS FORTIFIED standard were 70% less likely to have an insurance claim compared to traditional construction.
Peer-reviewed and real-world tested, the study confirmed that FORTIFIED homes suffered significantly less damage and required fewer insurance claims. When a claim was filed on a FORTIFIED home, the average damage was 22% less severe than on a standard home.
The financial impact is equally impressive. The report estimates that if every affected home had been built to the FORTIFIED Roof standard, total damage would have been reduced by more than $147 million—saving homeowners $42 million and insurers $105.6 million in losses.
Even more compelling: Homes with a FORTIFIED Roof designation outperformed homes roofed to building codes with very similar requirements by nearly 40%. This demonstrates the importance of the program’s rigorous documentation and review process, ensuring that every Fortified Roof meets the highest standards.
Take Action Today: Protect Your Home and Family
Don’t wait until the storm is on the horizon. By planning ahead, staying informed, and investing in a Fortified Roof from RoofPro Roofing, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is built to withstand even the toughest storms.
Ready to protect your home? Contact RoofPro Roofing today for a free estimate and learn more about Fortified Roofing solutions!
Your family’s safety and your home’s resilience are worth it.
Author: Sowal Editor
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