How to secure your home before a hurricane
By hrseditor // 2024-07-26
 
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be a dangerous one, with as many as 33 named storms expected this year. With the threat of dozens of storms looming, you should prepare your home and property before SHTF. Remember that while making your home hurricane-proof can be expensive, experts have advised that it will pay off with less damage and a quicker recovery after the storm. (h/t to USAToday.com) Preppers know that it's better to start getting ready for a hurricane or other weather-related disaster before things go south. If you are worried about going overbudget, you can prep your home in stages. Before disaster strikes, assess your property for potential vulnerable areas. Below are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you get started:

Clear your yard of items that may blow over

Clear the yard of large items that could be blown over during the storm, such as potted plants, furniture and lawn decorations. Things like backyard grills, bicycles and stored building materials should also be secured. Gravel Replace gravel or rocks near your home with a lighter, fire-resistant material that won't cause as much damage if it is blown by strong winds. Trees Cut tree branches that could fall on buildings or your car. Keep all shrubbery trimmed to prevent damage to windows. Roof Check your roof for missing or loose shingles or a sagging roofline. If there is damage, you may need to reinforce the roof before the hurricane hits. (Related: Why being prepared is a game-changer.)

Make your home hurricane-proof

After clearing your yard, you should make your home hurricane proof. Doors Make sure all the exterior doors are hurricane-proof, with at least three hinges and a deadbolt lock at least one inch long. Generator If possible, get a generator as a backup power source. Gas-powered portable generators must be stored outdoors and dry to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Do not operate a gas-powered generator indoors, including the basement or your garage. Place generators at least 20 feet from structures with exhaust directed away from doors and windows. Get a carbon monoxide detector to monitor gas intrusion and prevent CO poisoning. Power Before SHTF, learn how to safely turn off your electricity in case of flooding or downed power lines, or if you have to bug-out/evacuate. Wall openings You can prevent water intrusion by sealing vents, electrical outlets and cables with a high-quality urethane-based caulk. Windows Reduce the likelihood of broken glass by covering all windows with storm shutters or plywood if shutters aren't available. You can also nail wood panels to window frames.

Check your garage

Don't forget to make your garage hurricane-proof. Because of their size and structure, garage doors are vulnerable to high winds, warned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). If possible, replace old door systems with wind-resistant doors and tracks.

Where to buy lab-verified food for your stockpile

The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you prepare for different kinds of emergencies, such as hurricanes. That’s why we’re proud to introduce a variety of lab-verified food products for your prepping needs. The Ranger Bucket Organic Emergency Storable Food Supply is certified organic and laboratory-verified. All the food items are organic, non-GMO, laboratory tested for heavy metals and completely free of chemical ingredients such as MSG or preservatives. All these products can be stored for up to 10 to 15 years, depending on storage conditions. Commonly known as "red diamonds" or "wolfberries," goji berries are the small, red berries produced by the Lycium barbarum plant, a member of the nightshade (Solanaceae) family. These nutrient-dense berries get their signature bright-red hue from their high levels of potent antioxidants. They are also among the healthiest and most delicious superfoods on the planet. The Health Ranger Store wants you to experience the incredible health-supporting properties of one of the world's most nutritious superfoods. That's why we're bringing you an ultra-clean new lot of Health Ranger Select Organic Goji Berries. Carefully grown and harvested by trusted suppliers in the pristine regions of the Tibetan plateau, our ultra-clean goji berries undergo a natural drying process to preserve their original taste and nutrient content. This means they contain no preservatives or artificial flavoring and are just as nutritious as fresh organic goji berries. Health Ranger Select Organic Goji Berries contain no gluten or GMOs and are extensively lab-tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology. Our premium goji berries are also vegan, non-irradiated and certified organic. Visit FoodSupply.news for more ideas on how to build a reliable food stockpile. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies for your prepping stockpile. Click on this link to learn more about other essential food items for your survival needs. Watch the video below to learn more about the health benefits of goji berries. This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

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Surviving natural disasters: How to prepare for 5 extreme weather events. The best foods to dehydrate for your survival food stockpile. Survival essentials: Best budget-friendly foods for prepping. 5 Essential urban prepping tips. Sources include: USAToday.com HealthRangerStore.com 1 HealthRangerStore.com 2 HealthRangerStore.com 3 HealthRangerStore.com 4 Brighteon.com