FEMA urges property owners to take steps now to minimize damage from future storms. To better protect your family and yourself in the event of an emergency, ensure your home is a safe structure.

The following are some house maintenance tips from Ready.gov, FEMA.gov and FloodSmart.gov on how to strengthen and protect your property from storms with sustained high wind speeds.

• Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking. Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.  Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Read more about the mitigation model of Louisiana homes using similar roof technology.
• Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
• Reinforce your garage doors. If wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage. Read how two families updated their garages to minimize recent flood damage.

For more information, go to Ready.gov/hurricanes or fema.gov/protect-your-property-or-business-disaster.