The week of May 7 – May 10 marks Hurricane Preparedness Week, and at Banko Overhead Doors, we’re committed to helping you stay safe and prepared for the upcoming storm season. Hurricanes can bring destructive winds, heavy rain, and flooding, so it’s crucial to take the right steps to protect your home, especially your garage door. Here’s a guide on how to prepare your garage door, inside your garage, outside your home, and yourself for hurricane season.
Preparing Your Garage Door for Hurricane Season
The garage door is often the largest opening in your home, making it a key focus for hurricane safety. Here are some tips to ensure it’s hurricane-ready:
- Inspect and Maintain: Schedule a professional inspection to check for wear and tear. Make sure the springs, tracks, and cables are in good condition.
- Reinforce Your Door: If your garage door isn’t hurricane-rated, consider reinforcing it or upgrading to a hurricane-rated door. This will help it withstand high winds and prevent structural damage.
- Test Safety Features: Ensure the auto-reverse mechanism and other safety features are working properly. This helps prevent accidents during a storm.
Inside Your Garage
Your garage can be a potential hazard if not properly organized before a hurricane. Here are some steps to take:
- Secure Loose Items: Remove or secure any items that could become projectiles during high winds. This includes tools, bicycles, and garden equipment.
- Elevate Valuables: If flooding is a concern, elevate items off the ground or store them in waterproof containers.
- Prepare for Power Outages: Keep flashlights, batteries, and a backup power source in your garage in case of a power outage.
Outside Your Home
To minimize damage from a hurricane, take these precautions outside your home:
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead branches and trim back overgrown trees to reduce the risk of them falling on your home or garage.
- Clear Gutters and Drains: Ensure gutters and drains are clear to prevent flooding around your home.
- Secure Outdoor Furniture: Bring in or secure outdoor furniture and decorations that could become hazardous during a storm.
Preparing Your Family
Beyond preparing your home, it’s essential to be ready personally for a hurricane:
- Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Keep the kit in an easily accessible location.
- Develop an Emergency Plan: Discuss evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and meeting points with your family.
- Stay Informed: Keep a weather radio or smartphone app to monitor hurricane alerts and updates
Start Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season with Banko
By taking these steps during Hurricane Preparedness Week, you’ll be better equipped to handle the storm season ahead. At Banko Overhead Doors, we’re here to help you with all your garage door needs, from inspections and reinforcements to upgrades and repairs. We also carry a wide selection of hurricane rated garage doors to keep your garage safe. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare for hurricane season. Stay safe, and let’s get ready together!
