Roofs
If
your roof was built before 1994 and is gabled, brace all gable end
framing with horizontal and vertical beams. Also, make sure that
there is wood sheathing (planks or plywood) behind the stucco of
the triangular gable end walls.
Using
a caulking gun, apply a 1/4 inch bead of APA AFG-01 certified wood
adhesive along an intersection of the roof deck and roof support
element (rafter or truss chord) on both sides of the beam. This
technique can increase the wind uplift resistance by up to three
times, but should not be used if you are going to re-roof in the
near future.
Entry and garage
doors
Entry
doors are easily damaged by high winds. Bolt all doors with foot
and head bolts with a minimum 1-inch bolt throw length.
Garage doors should be able to withstand hurricane wind loads and
the impacts of flying debris. If yours does not, replace with a
hurricane-resistant one that meets the Dade County building code
(look for the product approval number). Approximately 80 percent
of residential hurricane wind damage starts with wind entry
through garage doors.
Windows
Protecting your windows is perhaps one of the most important
factors in securing your home or office from total destruction in
a hurricane or severe storm.
Make
sure all doors and windows are properly caulked and/or weather
stripped. Replace gravel/rock landscaping material with
fire-treated, shredded bark to reduce damage. Cover all large
windows and glass doors with securely fastened, impact-resistant
shutters with proper mounting fixtures or replace them with
impact-resistant laminated window and door systems, if feasible.
Some methods of
window protection:
Plywood sheets (at least 3/4 inch) are inexpensive but difficult
to handle and install. They should be pre-measured, predrilled,
labeled and stored where they can be installed quickly.
Window security film is becoming a popular method due to its
"passive" protection Ñ once installed, it provides
24-hour protection from violent weather or possible criminal
invasion. Some key factors to consider are a wind load rating of
400 pounds per square foot (ANSI standards); Dade County small
missile impact testing (gravel, small branches, etc.); energy
savings; and quality of installation.
Shutters offer good window protection, but make sure they are
strong enough to withstand airborne debris. Steel panels are
cost-effective and tend to be easier to handle and store than
plywood. Colonial and Bahama style shutters offer convenience of
minor preparation and no storage. Roll down shutter systems offer
protection with little maintenance; however, a motorized system is
more expensive than the alternatives. Choose shutters that pass
both the small and large missile impact tests, especially on the
first and second floors.
Building or
remodeling
When
replacing soffits, check for hurricane clips; install connections
between roof truss and walls.
When
repairing roof, check the decking. Make sure it is secure and
nailed properly.
Install roof covering that is rated for hurricane force winds and
(Class 5) fire resistance.
When
replacing windows or doors, consider impact-resistant glass or
some type of shutter/wind abatement system.
Replace your old garage door with a hurricane-resistant one.
For
tips, go online to www.flash.org
(Federal Alliance for Safe Homes)
Building a new home? Be safe and smart. Ask for a
hurricane-resistant fortified home. For information, go online to www.ibhs.org,
the Institute for Business and Home Safety, or www.tbrpc.org
For mobile home
residents
Anchor mobile homes with tie-downs. Inspect tie-downs annually.
Never
stay inside mobile homes to ride out the storm. Always evacuate to
a friend or relative's home, hotel or motel or nearby designated
storm shelter.
Generators
Fueled by gas, generators can run appliances and fans. Sizes range
from 750 watts, which will run a fan and a light, up to 8,000
watts, which will practically run a house (except for the air
conditioner). Refrigerators require 400-1,000 watts.
If
you have lost power, don't connect a portable generator to
building wiring (this could injure or kill neighbors or electrical
crews). Plug appliances, etc., directly into the generator. Place
generator outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Don't forget to
check the oil every time you add gas.
Conserve fuel by alternating appliances. For example,
refrigerators can be kept cool by supplying power eight hours a
day.
About flood
insurance
The
National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) offers flood insurance to
residents in communities like ours, which adopt appropriate
standards and land-use controls.
The
NFIP requires new construction and reconstruction in flood-prone
areas to elevate at or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) to
reduce the risk of flooding in the building itself. The NFIP also
requires structures damaged more than 50 percent of the value to
be rebuilt to current standards, including elevating the
structure.
Make
sure your insurance policy will cover the replacement costs of
your home and belongings and any additional costs to rebuild. For
information on how to flood-proof your home, call your local
building or planning department.
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