Planning for Your Home
Retrofitting Your Home
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your home and property is to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, it's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing these five critical areas:
ROOF | STRAPS | WINDOWS | DOORS | GARAGE DOORS
A great time to start securing - or retrofitting - your house is when you are making other improvements or adding an addition.
Remember: building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past catastrophes. Contact the local building code official to find out what requirements are necessary for your home improvement projects.
Florida Building Commission & Florida Building Code
Make Your Landscaping Hurricane Resistant
Hurricane Shutter Comparison Table
When to Safely Shelter in Place
If your home is not located in an evacuation zone, you may be able to shelter at home during a storm. The newer the home is in relation to Florida Building Code (2002 or newer), the more resistant the home may be to hurricanes – as long as the exterior system (Roof, Hurricane Straps, Windows, Doors, Garage Door) are in proper condition.
Additionally, it very important that windows, doors and garage doors be impact resistant or have a protective covering (rated hurricane shutters, or properly secured 5/8” inch plywood) properly secured to the opening.
Flood Insurance
The National Flood Insurance Program is a pre-disaster flood mitigation and insurance protection program designed to reduce the escalating cost of disasters. The National Flood Insurance Program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners
Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance. Do not make assumptions. Check your policy.
Visit FloodSmart.gov, call (877) 336-2627, or email FloodSmart@FEMA.DHS.gov for more information.
