5. Reinforce your home’s attachment to its foundation.

Your home could be blown or shifted off its foundation in a tumultuous storm, if not reinforced. Often, older homes lack proper reinforcement between foundation and walls. A qualified contractor can check to see if your wall-to-foundation area needs reinforcement and which kind you should use.
 

6. Install impact-resistant windows or hurricane shutters.

“Often, the problem is not survivability of your structure, it’s preventing failure in areas of weakness, such as windows and doors,” says Hickox. “Failure of these elements allows water in, and water is the No. 1 cause of damage in a hurricane.” Many newer windows have a high DP (or design pressure) rating for wind protection. Locally, high DP-rated windows are available through many companies, including Pella Windows & Doors, which offers its Architect® Series® line.

For added protection, consider installing hurricane shutters. They provide a stronger barrier against flying debris from your neighbors’ homes, should your area be hit with high winds.

7. Make sure you have enough insurance.

“You want to insure your home to 100 percent of value and nothing lower,” says Paula Powell of Hawaii Insurance Consultants, a company owned by Farmers Insurance Group. However, you may need additional coverage to round out your plan. For this, Powell suggests a package policy. “A package policy covers the home, personal property and any structure that’s not attached to the home. It also covers for loss of use in the event that you cannot live in your home after the incident,” Powell says.  Remember to ask for details. “Not all insurance companies provide hurricane coverage as part of their homeowners policies,” Powell says.

Finally, make sure you have flood insurance. Homeowners policies exclude coverage for flood damage. However, you can purchase flood insurance separately through most local insurance carriers.

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