Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: How to Prepare Your Yard for a Storm
Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage every year. Disaster preparedness is national, state, and local effort to mitigate these impacts, as well as keep people safe.
On a micro level, hurricanes wreak havoc as well. They can turn common items into projectiles. They might challenge the integrity of even the healthiest trees, causing falling or flying limbs.
The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to minimize the potential for hurricane damage. The key is having the right information and using it to make changes to your property.
This hurricane preparedness checklist below will help you get your yard in shape for hurricane season. Keep reading to find out how to keep your home and family safe.
Conduct an Assessment
Each yard is unique, so there is no one-size-fits-all solution to storm preparedness. That is why the first thing you should do in formulating a hurricane preparedness checklist is to conduct an assessment of the environment.
Look for large trees that are near your home, as well as ones that have large branches that would possibly fall on your roof or power lines if they broke away. Consider the size of your roof and your drainage system, as well as any potential problems that could arise.
Address Problematic Plants
Tree trimming is a good place to start. If you have dead trees or ones with large, dead limbs, have them removed. Do not take any chances to see if they hold up during an emergency.
Most people will remove a dead tree from their yard. But one of the biggest dangers in a hurricane is a tree this alive yet unwell, with weakened roots or dying limbs. If you are uncertain, have an arborist examine them––some will do so for free.
Update Drainage
Especially if you have a large roof, make sure your gutters have the capacity to handle extended downpours. If not, consider upgrading them. If you get a lot of debris on your roof that could potentially clog your gutters, you might consider installing gutter guards.
If you have problems with flooding in lower levels of your home, like crawl spaces or basements, in-ground drainage systems can help. They move water away from your home so that it does not have a chance to accumulate.
Replace Gravel and Rocks
Hurricanes can have winds approaching 200 miles per hour. They can lift heavy objects that you may not have to worry about in regular storms.
These include yard debris, as well as gravel and rocks in driveways, walkways, or gardening spaces throughout your yard. Replacing these with a lighter material, like shredded bark, can minimize potential damage should the material get whisked toward a window.
Secure or Store Furniture
Flying furniture also can cause a lot of damage during storms. Consider securing furniture to the outdoor surface on which you use it. If this is not possible, then have a dedicated area where you can quickly move it during hurricane prep.
Learn More About Making a Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
We hope this hurricane preparedness checklist helps you get your property ready for storm season. With a little diligence and effort, you can have the peace of mind that your yard and everything in it is ready for the unforseeable.
One Two Tree has more than 30 years of experience in tree and lawn care in South Florida. We can further help you make adjustments to your property that gets it ready for even the most volatile weather conditions. Reach out to us for a free quote or to schedule service today.
