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<p>Whether a hurricane is forming out in the Atlantic or not, you know that hurricanes are sure to arrive. NOAA has predicted a “near normal” hurricane season this year with a 70 percent chance of 9-14 named storms. Of those tropical storms, 4-7 may grow into hurricanes with the possibility of at least one being a category 3 or above system. Hurricanes are a fact of life for those living along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast. Hurricanes are coming; are you prepared?</p> <p>Right now is the perfect time to prepare – long before the next monster strikes. By getting ready in advance, you won’t have to scramble nor will you need to compete with other residents for scarce supplies. Time is on your side and supplies are readily available.</p> <p>You will need to focus on two major areas: protecting your home and your family. You will also need to consider surviving the wrath of the storm as well as its aftermath. Where will you seek shelter and what will you do after the hurricane roars through the region, isolating you for several days without power or water?</p> <p><strong>Protecting Your Home</strong></p> <p>Hurricanes with their strong winds, torrential rains, storm surges, and tornados cause massive amounts of property damage each year. Roofs are blown off, windows shattered, and homes are flooded. Securing your home’s weak spots is one of the best preventative steps that you can take to protect it from the fury of a hurricane. Among the retrofit options recommended are:</p> <p>Hurricane straps – These straps strengthen the roof-to-wall connection. This can be a do-it-yourself job. In addition, a qualified roofer denver can do the job for you.</p> <p>Roof retrofitting – If you have a gabled roof, invisalign cost are available that secure the gable truss to the wall. For those with shingled roofs, shingles can be reinforced by applying additional adhesive. In addition, applying wood adhesive to the roof deck from the attic helps to reduce the roof’s uplift resistance. Seek the assistance of a roofer denver.</p> <p>Storm shutters – Invest in impact resistant shutters for all windows and glass doors and make sure that the fasteners that will hold them in place are up to the job.</p> <p>Door bolts – Inspect your doors. Can they withstand high winds? Install head and floor bolts on any inactive double doors and make sure that all exterior doors have dead bolt locks containing one inch (or more) bolts and three hinges.</p> <p>Garage door invisalign cost – Double garage doors often fail in a hurricane. Garage door retrofit kits are available; however, because of spring adjustment issues, this job is best left to professionals.</p> <p>In addition to shoring up your home’s most vulnerable components, consider its belongings. If you live in an area where storm surges are likely, consider moving valuables upstairs where they’re less likely to be flooded.</p> <p><strong>Protecting Your Family</strong></p> <p>All families need a plan. Start by asking yourself questions such as: Where will you stay if evacuated? Which rooms are the safest if you stay? Do you have flood insurance? Do you have a hurricane deductible?</p> <p>Formulate a plan and share it with your family. Designate a place to meet should you later become separated, plan your escape routes, and create a list of emergency phone numbers. Make sure that everyone understands the plan.</p> <p>Because you’ll be without services such as power and water for many days, put together a disaster kit and load it with non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, a radio, batteries, a mechanical can opener, toiletries, cash, and other essentials. You should have enough food and water for you, your family members, and your pets to last you from three to seven days.</p> <p>Preparing now makes taking action later much easier. Your house will be strong, you will know what to do, and you will have the supplies that you need to weather the storm. Now’s the time to begin.</p> <p> Whether a hurricane formed in the Atlantic or not, you know, that pass through the hurricanes safely. NOAA predicts a "quasi-normal" hurric