Preparing for Hurricane Season: Essential Tips for Gulf Coast Homeowners

True North Restoration of NW Florida is a local, family-owned and operated property restoration business based in Destin. Serving communities from Tyndall to Pensacola, we’ve seen firsthand the impact hurricanes can have. That’s why we've developed a comprehensive guide to help you take proactive steps to secure your home and ensure your peace of mind this hurricane season.

Secure Your Home's Exterior

Your home’s exterior is its first line of defense against a hurricane. Even small vulnerabilities can lead to significant damage if not addressed before a storm. Begin by inspecting your home for any weaknesses that high winds could exploit. Installing storm shutters or plywood on windows is a smart move, as is reinforcing your doors to ensure they can withstand the storm's force. Don’t forget to trim trees and shrubs around your property– loose branches can easily become dangerous projectiles during a hurricane.

Maintain Your Roof and Gutters

A strong roof is crucial for protecting your home during a hurricane. Regularly check for loose or damaged shingles and repair them immediately to prevent leaks and water damage. Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water flow, reducing the risk of water backing up and penetrating your home. 

If your roof or gutters fail during a storm, True North Restoration is ready to respond quickly with expert water damage restoration services. Our team is on call 24/7 to ensure your property is restored as quickly as possible.

Implement Flood Prevention Measures

Hurricane-induced flooding poses a serious threat to your home’s structural integrity and can cause extensive property damage. Take proactive steps to reduce this risk by elevating utilities such as your HVAC unit and water heater. Installing flood barriers and using sandbags can also help keep water out of your home.

If flooding occurs despite your efforts, True North Restoration provides expert flood damage restoration to minimize structural and property damage.

Reinforce Your Garage Door

Garage doors are often the weakest point in a home during a hurricane. Strengthen your garage door with braces or consider upgrading to a wind-rated garage door to prevent it from being blown in by high winds. This simple step can make a significant difference in protecting your home from severe storm damage.

Secure Outdoor Items

Loose outdoor items like patio furniture, grills, and garden tools can become hazardous projectiles in hurricane-force winds. Make sure to secure these items or bring them indoors well before the storm arrives. Doing so not only protects your belongings but also reduces the risk of damage to your home and neighboring properties.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Before hurricane season intensifies, take the time to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure that your coverage is adequate for both hurricane and flood damage. If your policy doesn’t include flood insurance, now is the time to consider adding it. 

True North Restoration can work directly with your insurance company to streamline the restoration process and get you back on your feet faster after a storm.

Know Who to Call for Help

If your home suffers damage during a hurricane, True North Restoration of NW Florida is here to help with 24/7 emergency services to ensure your home is quickly and thoroughly dried out and repaired after a water damage event. 

Our team of experienced and certified professionals uses the latest technology to identify all sources of water, extract it, and dry out your property completely.

Our Restoration Process

When disaster strikes, immediate action is essential. True North Restoration’s comprehensive flooding and water damage restoration process includes:

• Damage Assessment: We begin with a detailed damage assessment, ensuring any standing water is addressed immediately.
• Water Extraction and Drying: Using powerful pumps, vacuums, and air movers, we extract water and dry impacted areas thoroughly.
• Dehumidification and Sanitization: Dehumidifiers purify the air to prevent mold growth, and we sanitize affected areas to eliminate hazards.
• Final Restoration: Our project managers oversee the final steps, which may include replacing carpets, flooring, or drywall.

True North Restoration of Northwest Florida is your trusted partner in recovery. Whether it’s water damage, fire damage, or mold remediation, we are dedicated to restoring your property quickly and efficiently.

Available 24/7, our team is always ready to respond when disaster strikes. Call us today at (850) 830-4157 for immediate assistance or a free consultation. Let us help you protect your home and ensure it’s ready for whatever hurricane season brings!