Annual Home Maintenance Inspection And Hurricane Season

While Florida’s hurricane season has already launched (June 1st), many homeowners are just starting to take the appropriate steps to prepare for potential hurricanes as the season begins to pick up with named storms; typically stocking up on canned goods, bottled water, flashlights, batteries, and propane or charcoal for the grill. Some may be pulling their hurricane panels and shutters for the windows out of the garage or attic to have easy access should they need to install them quickly.

There are many other things a homeowner should take care of leading up to and throughout the rest of the summer to prepare their home if a hurricane hits or to prepare for the major storms it can cause to surrounding areas.

An annual home maintenance inspection can provide you with a hurricane preparedness to-do list—what to clean, trim, repair, or update before the storms hit to keep your home safe. An annual home maintenance inspection report will identify areas of concern and prioritize the tasks, so you know what you can put off and what needs to be done immediately.

What Is Inspected During An Annual Maintenance Inspection?

  • Roof and roofing structure
  • HVAC unit and duct system
  • Electrical components and wiring system
  • Plumbing systems
  • Foundation, basement, crawlspaces, attic, and insulation levels
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • Bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas
  • Interior and exterior walls
  • Appliances and water pressure
  • Windows, doors, and other points of entry
  • Garages, sheds, and other structures
  • Landscape grading, gutters, porches, patios, and decks
  • Pool and related areas
Indoor Home Maintenance You Should Be Doing This Fall And Winter

Additional Hurricane Tips: Before, During, and After

In addition to having an annual home maintenance inspection done, there are several other things to do in preparation for a hurricane. Some of the following items are meant to keep your home safe, while others are meant to keep you and your family safe.

Before

  • Make (or restock) a hurricane preparedness kit. This kit should have key supplies you may need if you are at home during the storm or to grab-and-go should you have to evacuate. This should include first aid supplies, batteries, at least one flashlight, important documents, change of clothes, bottled water, and cash.
  • Stock up on other supplies like canned goods and bottle water.
  • Store outdoor furniture, décor, and toys in a shed, garage, or screened patio to keep it from blowing away.
  • Conduct the major repairs or tasks from your annual maintenance inspection.
  • Install hurricane shutters and panels (or plywood) over your windows and glass doors.
  • Conduct general maintenance to your vehicle and keep the tank full—just in case you need to evacuate quickly.
  • Share your plans with family members and discuss how you plan to communicate if you lose power.
  • Turn off propane tanks, unplug small appliances, and conduct other electrical safety practices in preparation for the storm and potential flooding.
  • Evacuate if you live in an area that has been mandated to do so or if you

During

  • Avoid windows during a storm. Depending on the material used for your window coverings, you may still experience broken glass caused by high winds or projectiles.
  • Turn off your air conditioning system to avoid severe damage caused by an electrical shortage or flooding. Avoid using plugged in electronics.
  • If you lose power, avoid lighting candles as they can be a fire hazard. Use a flashlight instead.
  • Adjust the temperature settings of your refrigerator/freezer to their coldest setting and only open when necessary. If you lose power, this will help preserve what is inside for longer.
  • Use a battery-powered or crank radio to receive storm and evacuation updates.
  • Avoid going outside. If you are outside when the storm hits, go for higher ground or try to get inside a safe location.
  • Do not drive, walk, or swim through floodwater.

After

  • If you were evacuated, do not return home until authorities have advised to do so.
  • Be cautious going outside to access for damage.
  • Be vigilant around any flooding or pooling of water and check for downed power lines.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through floodwater.
  • Cover any broken windows or roof damage to minimize further damage.
  • Create a list of needed repairs and determine whether you need to file a homeowner’s insurance claim.
  • Prioritize repairs with those that will cause more damage or are dangerous to leave unfixed at the top of your to-do.

Contact AcuSystem Inspections to conduct an annual maintenance inspection now, so you can handle the necessary repairs and have your home prepared throughout the hurricane season.

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