Hurricane and Tornado Winds and Rain: 5 Tips to Home SafetyUse this search feature to quickly find the information you’re looking for. Hurricane and Tornado Winds: 5 Tips to Home Safety. Whipping rain through broken windows or a patio or garage door can be devastating. 
In addition to exposing your home to greater damage, it can quickly weaken the structure of your home. 1 To protect your windows from breaking, have storm shutters installed. Or, create your own with precut sheets of 3/4-inch (2cm) plywood to fit each window. Make sure they fit snugly and can be attached onto the window quickly. Many companies offer braces that will protect your vulnerable patio and garage doors from high winds. You might want to consider installing a new garage door that has been hurricane rated it you haven't already. 2 Check any roof-top wind turbine. They're vulnerable to being blown off during high winds, potentially leaving a gaping hole for rain to come in. Consider replacing the turbine with a style of wind vent that is less vulnerable to violent gusts. 3 While you're up there, check the roof for leaks. Seal as needed. 4 Keep large plastic trash bags and drop cloths on hand to spread over furniture, computers, and other home valuables in the event that your roof springs a leak. 5 During storm season, clear your yard of all loose objects. This means potted plants, bicycles, trash cans, and patio furniture - and anything else not bolted to the foundation. These can quickly become flying lethal weapons in the grip of a raging storm. Before a Tornato HitsMake sure you and your family have a personal evacuation plan and and a safe zone in your home to escape to in case of a tornado.Determine where or how you'll find each other should a hurricane hit. Choose several places - a friend's home in another town, a shelter, or a hotel. Each family member should keep handy the phone numbers of your designated spots. You'll also want each family member who drives to have a local road map safely stashed away. If your regular routes are clogged or closed, you may need to take unfamiliar roads. You're at the mercy of Mother Nature when she unleashes her strongest elements, but with a bit of preparation, you can keep your family - and your home - safe. For a complete guide to storm season safety preparation, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) brochure Are You Ready? An In-depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness. Create a Family Disaster Preparedness Kit
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