The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30. Disaster preparedness is essential to making it through storm season. Some simple tips will go a long way toward helping you, your family, and home withstand any strong winds and rain this season might bring.
Anything left loose during a storm can become hazardous. For example, a loose shutter, shingles on a roof, potted plants, or patio furniture are items that will need to be safely secured so they do not blow around. You want everything on the exterior of your home either strapped down, nailed down, or brought indoors.
Additionally, you’ll want to pay close attention to your windows as you secure your home to withstand a storm. The best way to weather-proof your windows is to install storm windows. Another option is to buy plywood sheets and hammer them into place over the windows. This will keep the glass protected from flying debris. If you are in an area that is lower risk, you can use a heavy-duty tape and make an x-shape over the windows. This easy precaution can protect your windows from shattering during a storm.
Trimming your trees is another excellent way to prepare for storm season. Flying tree limbs can cause major damage during a hurricane or other severe storm. Trimming your trees ahead of time will help keep any damage and clean-up to a minimum.
Trees with several trunks can become hazardous to people, your home, and other property as they grow. It is a good idea to remove these from your yard before the next big storm. If your property has trees with thick canopies, they should be trimmed 25-30% annually. You will also want to remove some inner branches. Horizontal branches are better if they are attached to the trunk of the tree. Branches that grow upright can become a second trunk and easily split from the tree during heavy wind and rain. Lastly, never top a tree. Sprouts that grow because of topping can split from the tree as they grow.
We offer a variety of chainsaw and trimming parts to help you with your tree trimming needs. You can also find bar and chain oil (a great item to keep your bar and chain running smoothly) on our store’s site here.
Severe weather can be unpredictable and devastating, so it is best to plan for a potential emergency. You can take several steps to get ready for a storm.
First, you will want to have enough gas in your vehicle to carry you to safety if you need to evacuate. Filling your car with gas before the storm hits will help you avoid becoming stranded. Secondly, it’s a great idea to stock up on food and water before a storm. If flooding from the storm prevents you from leaving your home, then you should have enough supplies for every person to last at least three days. Other items you should have on hand include first aid kits, flashlights (with spare batteries), blankets, and any essential medications. In addition, storms are one of the leading causes of power outages in the United States. The active storm and hurricane seasons are bringing more intense storms, severe weather, and rainfall to states all along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. If you live in an area that is prone to storms and power outages, we highly suggest keeping a generator on hand. Some of the generators we recommend include the Generac GP6500 COSENSE 49ST Portable Generator with PowerRush Advanced Technology, Generac GP6500 COSENSE Portable Generator (W/CORD), and Generac GP Series 8000E Portable Generator.
The possibility of facing storm season can be daunting. However, reinforcing the exterior of your home as well as general emergency preparedness will help prevent damage and injury when the next storm strikes. We hope these tips will help you create a plan and know what to do if there is a natural disaster where you live.
