Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season in Baldwin County, AL
As residents of Baldwin County, we are no strangers to the challenges of hurricane season. During the fall, especially, the Gulf Coast is particularly susceptible to these mighty storms, which can bring heavy rains, high winds, and potentially catastrophic damage. Preparing your home ahead of these natural events is essential to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of your family and property. Follow these tips to prepare your home for hurricane season.
Secure the Exterior
Begin by inspecting the exterior of your home. Look for loose shingles on your roof and secure them. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water backup. Trees should be trimmed back from your house to reduce the risk of branches causing damage during high winds. Additionally, consider installing storm shutters or boarding up windows to protect against flying debris.
Create an Emergency Plan
Have a clear emergency plan that every family member understands. This includes evacuation routes, a safe meeting point, and an emergency supply kit stocked with non-perishable foods, water, medications, and other essentials like batteries, flashlights, and a first aid kit. Keep important documents in a waterproof container and make digital backups when possible.
Review Insurance Policies
Well in advance, review your homeowner’s insurance policies to understand exactly what is covered. Consider additional flood insurance if necessary, as standard policies often do not cover flood damage. Document your home and belongings with photos or videos for potential insurance claims.
Prepare Your HVAC System
One component that is often overlooked is the HVAC system. It’s crucial for your air conditioning unit to be in top shape before a hurricane hits. A well-maintained HVAC system can help manage indoor humidity levels and prevent mold growth after the storm. Before hurricane season:
- Secure your outdoor unit with hurricane straps or a protective cage to prevent wind damage.
- Elevate the unit if you live in a flood-prone area to avoid water damage.
- Have a professional perform a pre-season maintenance check to ensure the system is functioning properly and efficiently.
Remember to turn off the system during the storm to prevent electrical damage or hazards. Once the storm has passed, inspect the system for any obvious damage before turning it back on, and consider having a technician check if there were significant floods or winds.
Have Backup Power Ready
Consider investing in a generator for power outages. Make sure it’s powerful enough to support your needs, such as keeping refrigerators running to preserve food and powering fans or space heaters. Never run a generator inside the home due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning; always operate it outside in a well-ventilated area.
Stay Informed
Lastly, stay informed throughout the hurricane season. Monitor weather forecasts regularly and heed warnings from local authorities. Smartphones apps, NOAA weather radios, and community alert systems are excellent resources for timely updates.
Preparation is key to facing hurricane season in Baldwin County confidently. By taking proactive steps, you can help safeguard your home, belongings, and loved ones from the unpredictable nature of these severe storms. Stay vigilant, and remember that the community stands together, ready to support each other when needed.
Contact Us
If you are ever in need of air conditioning service in our area, contact us. Bama Breeze is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Dealer in Baldwin County, AL.
Call us at (251) 952-2915 for more information and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We are locally owned and family operated, and know coastal Alabama like no one else!