Here at the Jersey shore, we are preparing to head into hurricane season. Since Hurricane Sandy made landfall here in 2012, hurricane season continues to instill a sense of fear and uneasiness in most Jersey shore residents. From high winds to storm surges that cause flooding to loss of power and utilities, it's important to be prepared for any situation.
Even over the course of this summer, we've been faced with heavy thunderstorms that have caused extensive damage from downed trees as a result of powerful winds. Whether it's the summer storm season or hurricane season, here are 5 tips for preparing your home and yourself to stay ahead of the game.
1. Create a Hurricane Supplies Kit
This kit should contain essentials that you'll need in the event of loss of power or if you become stranded inside your home. Plenty of batteries, bottled water, blankets, candles, coolers filled with ice, and if you have a gas or charcoal grill, be sure to have the gas tank filled and extra bags of charcoal so that you can cook.
2. Determine an Evacuation Plan
If you live in an evacuation zone, be sure to know the route you will need to take to leave a dangerous area. They are most often marked with signs, but you can call local authorities to get the specific and direct routes. Also, allow plenty of time to evacuate and expect traffic as you exit your area. Also, have a bag packed in the event that you may need to evacuate mid-storm. If you have pets, have supplies read to go for them, including carriers and cages. You don't want to be scurrying at the last moment looking for a carrier that is at the back of the attic.
3. Strengthen Your Home
The first place to suffer the effects of a hurricane or strong storm is the exterior of your home. Roofing, siding, and gutters are most likely to become damaged during a storm.
Peter's Roofing Company offers before and after-storm services to inspect your roof, siding, gutters, and even skylights before a problem occurs. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having suffered damage to the exterior of your home, Peter's Roofing specializes in expert repair of roofs, gutters, siding, skylights, and more. The experts in
New Jersey EPDM roofing, Peter's Roofing employs expert estimators who can help you determine which roof is best for your home and your budget. When it's time for installation, Peter's Roofing pays careful attention to project timelines and budgets to remain within the parameters while adhering to quality and safety standards.
Founded by Pedro Guaman, Peter's Roofing Company is recognized as one of the best roofing contractors in New Jersey. Pedro, his brothers, and other related families continue to exceed their clients’ expectations with their professional and efficient work, which includes roofing, siding, gutters, doors, windows, skylights, chimneys, attic fan, roof leak repair, flat roof repair installations and replacements, roof pipes, exterior renovations and exterior home improvement that will bring joy to you and your family for years to come.
4. Get an Insurance Check Up
Make sure you are up-to-date on all required insurances. If you live in a flood zone, be sure you have flood coverage on your homeowner's policy. Also, confirm with your agent, what will be covered if your home suffers damage whether it's to the exterior of your home or to the interior (basement flooding, etc.).
5. Complete a Written Plan
If you can't complete a written plan, at a minimum, have a plan in mind and communicate it to the entire family so that everyone is one the same page. Make sure everyone knows where emergency supplies are located. Let the family know when you will evacuate should you need to do so.
Take action today, so you are prepared for the 2020 hurricane season.
