IBHS advises East Coast buildings to prepare for 2014 hurricane season

by Brianna Crandall — July 25, 2014—The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) advised all residents along the East Coast during the first week of July to closely monitor weather conditions and get their homes and businesses ready now for the first possible tropical storms or hurricanes of this year’s season. The organization also provided a checklist to prepare the potentially affected properties.

Julie Rochman, president and CEO, IBHS, said, “It only takes one hurricane to devastate an entire community. The evidence is clear that communities in which home and business owners have prepared for hurricanes have less property damage, lower disaster recovery costs overall, reduced government post-disaster aid, and most importantly, fewer lives lost.”

IBHS recommends using the following checklist to prepare properties now for the high winds, rain and flooding that often accompany tropical weather systems.

OUTSIDE SURROUNDINGS

  • Secure any parts of a fence that appear weakened or loose.
  • Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures and remove any weakened sections of trees that might easily break off and fall onto structures.
  • Anchor fuel tanks to prevent them from being torn free by floodwaters.
  • When a storm is approaching, move any outdoor furniture, potted plants, garden tools and other loose objects inside; anchor heavier objects deep into the ground.

WINDOWS and DOORS

  • Make sure any accordion or roll-up storm shutters are properly functioning and in good condition. For metal, polycarbonate or plywood shutters, install permanent anchors to make it easier to install them quickly when a storm threatens.
  • Check doors, windows, and walls for openings where water can get in; use silicone caulk to seal any cracks, gaps, or holes—especially around openings where cables and pipes enter the building.
  • Inspect garage doors for signs they are pressure-rated—look for a label, solid steel wheels, large metal braces spanning width of the door, and brackets attaching the tracks to the wall. If not pressure-rated, purchase a bracing kit from a local hardware store to brace it, or hire a licensed contractor.

ROOFS and ATTACHED STRUCTURES

  • Inspect roof cover AND overhang to make sure:
    • Shingle tabs on roof covers are well-sealed to the top of the shingle below, tiles are not loose, and metal is in good shape and well-attached.
    • All vents and soffits (panels that cover the underside of the roof overhang) are made of sturdy material and securely attached.

  • Inspect porches, carports, canopies and storage sheds to make sure they are firmly attached and in sound structural condition.

WATER DAMAGE REDUCTION

When flooding is possible, take the following steps to reduce potential water damage:

  • Place all appliances that are on the ground floor, including stoves, washers and dryers, on masonry blocks or concrete.
  • Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor, particularly in basements and first floor levels.
  • Roll up area rugs, and get them off the floor to reduce the chances they will become wet and grow mold or mildew. This is particularly important if the property will be left unattended for an extended period of time and if long-term power outages are a possibility.
  • Inspect sump pumps and drains to ensure proper operation. If a sump pump has a battery backup, make sure the batteries are fresh.
  • Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets could possibly be under water.

Find more information on IBHS’ Hurricane resources page.

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit, scientific research and communications organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks on residential and commercial property by conducting building science research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparedness practices.