Hurricanes

A hurricane is a severe tropical storm, that forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico or in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricanes need warm tropical oceans, moisture and light winds above them. If the right conditions last long enough, a hurricane can produce violent winds, incredible waves, torrential rains and floods. Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs between June 1 and November 30.

There are improvements you should look for to strengthen your home against hurricane force winds and to save money on your home insurance premium. These improvements include:

Gable end bracing. A Gable roof design peaks at the center ridge and extends downward on two opposite sides. This type of roof is cost effective for builders due to the use of a single truss but the design allows wind pressure to more easily pull the roof apart. A 2-by-4 brace inside the attic to strengthen the gable end helps to alleviate this problem.
Garage doors. Install pressure/impact-resistant protection devices on garage doors.; install garage doors made of pressure/impact-resistant materials; install a garage door-bracing system to increase the wind-pressure resistance.
Roof straps. Ensure you get the roof inspected to determine if roof straps are present on each truss/rafter and if they are installed per the manufacturer's recommendations. Homes built before 1995 are likely candidates for improved fastening of the roof to the exterior walls.
Shutters or Impact resistant products. Ensure the home has shutters or impact resistant products for the windows. If the home does not have shutters factor in the cost of shutter installation for the home

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