Could Your Hunterdon, NJ Home Get Damaged This Hurricane Season?

In 2012, Hurricane Sandy struck, causing immeasurable devastation across parts of New England, including our own state of New Jersey. Hurricane season is upon us once more, and it gives us pause to consider whether or not our homes could be affected, should a similar disaster strike again. If another storm hits us our county could be at risk, so here are things to keep in mind regarding emergency storm damage, provided by the Department of Public Safety and Health Services of Hunterdon County.

If you don’t know already, it is very important that you find out if your property is in a flood zone. Severe flooding is a common side effect of a hurricane, and water damage can cause as much harm and devastation to your home as a fire could. If you are in a flood zone, this means that you need to take extra steps to protect your home from water infiltration.

So what about sand bags? Yes, it’s highly recommended that you stock up on sand bags to put in front of possible water entrances. You should also identify if there are any levees or dams around you. If these overflow, it could result in a water disaster for your area. If you have a basement, make sure it is waterproofed, and reseal all windows or doors that have spaces or gaps that could potentially let in water. Elevate appliances and electrical outlets above flood level, and monitor the situation closely throughout the duration of the storm.

At its highest point, Hurricane Sandy reached wind speeds of 115 MPH. Intense winds of that magnitude call for reinforcement of many exterior parts of your home that will be facing the brunt of it. Here it’s highly recommended to board up your windows with marine plywood. Pre-cut sheets (such as 5’x8’) are easy to put up on short notice. Another thing you’ll want to effectively reinforce is your garage door. When faced with very forceful winds, a garage door is relatively easy to cave in – which is especially bad if it’s attached to the main house. Once it is breached, your entire home is now vulnerable. And up on the rooftop, you can install clip mechanisms or straps that will help minimize potential damage there.

In natural disasters like hurricanes, remaining informed and up-to-date on developments is vital. The situation can change in an instant, and could mean a real difference in the safety of you and your family. Have a radio of some sort that can keep you posted if you lose power and cannot watch the local news. You should also have flashlights and batteries (please, more than one flashlight!) for this reason as well. If a hurricane is predicted, take all of the above steps in advance to help prevent extensive damage. And if you are ever told to evacuate and can do so safely, heed that advice and get out of there. The lives and safety of your family, friends, employees and co-workers is always the top priority. Have a plan on where to go if you are forced to flee the area.

Once the worst is over and it’s time to confront the damage, you can put your trust in the expert team at Restoration 1 of Hunterdon County. We offer high-quality, professional emergency services, and will work around the clock to make your home livable again after a hurricane. Call us whenever you need us, 24/7, at 908-364-7854. We serve the surrounding cities of Flemington, New Jersey.

Jovanny Galarza is the owner of Restoration 1 of Hunterdon County, an IICRC-certified company. Jovanny has years of experience and is proud to have put together a team that works together to reach goals and serve clients with five-star satisfaction.