Hurricane Protection Tips for Your Home

-Hurricane Protection Tips for Your Home-

Anyone living in Hillsborough, Pinellas, or Pasco County knows the importance of hurricane protection. Storm preparedness is an essential task for protecting your home and investments.

To help plan your to-do list, our Tampa Bay real estate team is listing some exterior updates and interior projects to help protect Florida houses, condos, and townhomes.

Florida Home Upgrades to Protect Your Property

If you want to add value to your real estate while also adding a layer of hurricane protection — consider budgeting for some home exterior and interior upgrades at your Florida home.

Of course, we can refer customers to contractors and home experts around Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco. Some home upgrades may require more time to complete. If you cannot finish or afford projects this hurricane season, consider putting items on your list for next year.

Exterior Updates and Outdoor Areas:

– Inspect, repair, or replace roof if needed
– Hire professionals to trim or remove trees
– Add hurricane shutters or have boards ready
– Strap, bolt, or elevate platform to protect A/C
– Consider investing in a generator
– Add garage door reinforcements
– Weatherproof storage areas for stowing items
– Secure pool covers or drain water levels if needed

Home Updates for Interiors and Indoor Areas:

-Install high-end hurricane impact windows
-Update and seal doors for greater protection
-Install flood-proof flooring with waterproof materials
-Install secure locks, lighting, and security cameras
-Elevate or secure interior storage areas
-Update shut-off valves and label electrical box
-Add surge protectors or battery back-up systems

Home Insurance and Storm Preparedness

Of course, in terms of hurricane protection and storm preparedness, home insurance is a must for Florida homeowners. In addition to proper home insurance coverage for building and contents, the homes and condos in designated zones will also require flood insurance.

In recent years, insurance rates have been rising. Some homeowners have had trouble finding affordable coverage. It is important to begin researching your options at least 30 to 60 days before any renewal is due. This will help ensure you do not have any delay or loss in coverage.

Also, storm preparedness includes a long list of other to-dos, emergency supply kits, and evacuation plans. For official guidance, review FEMA’s website, www.floodsmart.gov, and local sites like www.hillsboroughcounty.org, www.pinellascounty.org, and www.pascocountyfl.net.

We hope these hurricane protection tips help protect your Tampa Bay homes. Contact Dick and Karla Nielsen at 813-294-5786 for more information about buying, selling, or investing in Florida.