June marks the beginning of hurricane season. For the seventh year in a row, forecasters predict an above-average hurricane season, with potentially 14-21 named storms, 6-10 hurricanes, and 3-6 major hurricanes. Bordering the East Coast, North Carolina and South Carolina are in the top five states most affected by hurricanes. Even cities as far inland as Charlotte, NC, or Columbia, SC, can feel the devastating effects of a hurricane. With hurricanes come torrential rain, high wind, and flooding, leading to property damage. That’s why it’s essential to know how to prepare your house for a hurricane so you can be ready at a moment’s notice.
Hurricane Preparation Tips
The CDC says the first step toward preparing for a hurricane includes planning and gathering emergency supplies. However, they also make several suggestions on how to prepare your house for a hurricane:
- Be ready to evacuate or stay: Pay attention to the news and listen to authorities for evacuation orders. And if the orders say to evacuate, ignoring them could mean putting yourself and your family in danger. Likewise, other measures call for sheltering in place. Whether evacuation is required, it’s vital to get your home ready to weather the storm.
- Cover doors and windows: Since glass easily shatters during a hurricane, boarding up the windows using plywood or hurricane shutters can prevent injury.
- Get ready to shut the power off: Electricity and flooding are a no-no. If it gets to that point, be prepared to hit the power switch to kill the electricity to your home.
- Save water for drinking: Storms can easily cut off access to water. Have extra drinking water on hand or fill up clean containers with drinking water.
- Clean up the yard: Anything out in your yard when the storm hits can quickly turn into a projectile that can damage your home. Be sure to store anything that’s lying out in the garage or inside until the storm passes.
- Check your carbon monoxide detector: When storms cause power outages, using alternative sources for electricity or fuel can cause carbon dioxide buildup. That’s why it’s crucial to ensure your carbon monoxide detector is fully functioning and the batteries are charged.
All these steps are essential measures to take to protect your home and its occupants from a hurricane. However, an affordable and easy way to offer your home further protection is through window film.
Prepare for a Hurricane with Window Film
Hurricanes have the incredible ability to cause sheer destruction and tear right through homes. Ensuring your home has the most protection possible is key to preventing damage. The International Window Film Association suggests window film as a cost-effective way to add a layer of defense to your home during a storm. Because glass is easily shattered due to high winds and airborne objects, using a product like 3M Safety & Security Film can hold glass together in case of breakage.
3M Safety & Security Films for Storm Protection
3M™ Safety & Security Window Films are designed to offer home protection in the event of break-ins and burglaries as well as natural disasters and storms. With a variety of products available, you can choose the level of protection for your home. These safety and security films are designed to defend homes against storms by:
- Utilizing strong, micro layered, tear-resistant film
- Holding shattered glass together
- Using thicker, stronger adhesives
3M Safety and Security Films can also combine with Impact Attachment Systems that adhere the window to the frame for extra protection. When a storm hits, there’s not always much warning notice. Investing in window film is one simple step you can take toward preparing your home for a hurricane. Speak to one of our window film experts today to discuss options for your home and to receive a free quote!
Mr. Tint provides 3M Window Film installation to homes and businesses throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. As a 3M Authorized Window Film Dealer, we offer only the highest quality materials and employ the most skilled technicians. Contact us for a free window film consultation.