CasaSugar

How-To: Secure Your Home For a Hurricane

CasaSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

With Tropical Storm Gustav making its way through the Caribbean, I've got hurricanes on the mind. When I lived in New Orleans, to prepare for a storm, I'd basically move my bed to the center of the room away from the windows, and move things off the floor onto my mattress: pretty amateur and useless preparations. I lived in a rental then, so I guess I didn't really care about protecting the property. If that weren't the case, the most important precaution I'd take to reduce damage would be to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, you should strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris don't tear large openings in it. There are five critical areas of your home to protect and reinforce. To hear about them, and the steps you should take, read more.

Here is a summary of tips from the National Hurricane Center.

Retrofit your roof.
If you have a gabled roof, you'll want to strengthen the gabled end walls, as they can take a tremendous beating during a storm. To do so, "fasten eight-foot-long braces to the bottom chord of the gable truss and the adjacent trusses with sixteen-penny (16d) nails." Make sure they are perpendicular to the truss, spaced four feet apart on center, max. "Tie back the gable truss with at least one eight-foot-long brace, along the ridge of the roof, to several of the interior trusses."

Shingles also aren't made or installed to be wind resistant, and furthermore, sometimes their adhesives haven't adhered properly. Have a professional check to see if this is the case. If so, "use a quick-setting asphalt cement to bond them together." To do so, "place two spots of quick-setting asphalt cement about the size of a quarter under each tab with a putty knife or caulking gun," and press the shingle's tab into the adhesive.

Install hurricane straps.
You should also install metal hurricane straps to ensure that your roof and walls are properly connected. To do so, "remove the roof sheathing around the perimeter of the roof to reveal the top of the wall [ and . . . ] the soffit and exterior cladding to reveal the top 12 to 18 inches of the wall." And, "If your roof has trusses, make sure you tie them to the wall by either anchoring to the top plate and then the top plate to the wall stud, or strapping the truss directly to the wall stud."

Install impact-resistant shutters.
To protect doors and windows from wind-borne objects, and reduce sudden pressure changes when a window or door is broken, you should install impact-resistant shutters to your windows and doors. A simple plywood panel will do, and manufactured shutters (or those already on your house) may work as well, but you should lean against it and see if it yields; this will tell you if it can resist the impact of debris. In either case, you must make sure the shutters are adequately fastened, or they'll just fly off. You can also invest in impact-resistant windows and doors, which won't require temporary shutters during a storm.

Secure entry doors.
Your home's entry doors can probably resist wind pressure and debris, but there are a few precautions you can take. "Install head and foot bolts on the inactive door of double-entry doors." Ensure you door has "at least three hinges and a deadbolt security lock, which has a minimum one-inch bolt throw length." And on a double entry door, check the connections at the header trim or threshold, making sure "the surface bolt extends into the door header and through the threshold into the subfloor."

Brace garage doors.
Double-wide garage doors are particularly susceptible to wind damage because of their width, and they can be forced out of their roller tracks. Your local building supplier or garage-door retailer may actually sell a retrofit kit to withstand hurricane winds, which will secure it. Otherwise, you should reinforce it at its weakest points, "installing horizontal and/or vertical bracing onto each panel, using wood or light gauge metal girds bolted to the door mullions, [using] heavier hinges and stronger end and vertical supports for your door."

To learn more, check out the National Hurricane Center's website.
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What's Your Natural Disaster?

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:00:08 -0800

According to CNN, Hawaiian homeowners living in proximity to Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, have chosen to outrun lava flows instead of picking up and moving to greener pastures. Lava destroyed three abandoned houses there just this week in a nearly deserted neighborhood there, but one local said:

It's the safest place I've ever lived, safer than the mainland. They have forest fires over there that burn up 3,000 homes in Southern California. I'm here for the duration, whatever happens.

Tell me, if any, what natural disaster do you face where you live?
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How-To: Stay Safe During a Wildfire

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:24 -0700

Since the breakout of the August wildfires north of Los Angeles, at least 53 buildings have been destroyed, and 4,300 people have been evacuated. As of this writing, more than 12,000 homes are under threat.

While some families have been reluctant to leave their homes, in the end, your home is just a house. It's the nonmaterial things you fill it with - namely your family, pets, and memories - that make it truly a home. This is why I urge readers to listen to firefighters' warnings, and to leave their homes if a mandatory evacuation is issued. Your life is much more important than any piece of property, no matter how much you love it.

Want to know how to protect your family and your home from a wildfire? Check out these smart pointers from the City of Napa, CA's fire safety page:

Maintain a "defensible" space around your home by clearing all flammable vegetation a minimum of 30 feet around all structures.
Clear dead leaves and branches to leave widely spaced ornamental shrubbery and trees.
Clean all needles and leaves from the roof, eaves, rain gutters, and yard.
Trim tree limbs within 10 feet of your chimney and trim all dead limbs hanging over your house or garage.
Cover your chimney outlet or flue with a spark arresting half-inch mesh screen.

To see the rest of the tips, read more.

Make sure your address is clearly visible for easy identification in an emergency.
Check to see if a fire hydrant is located near your home. If not, you should have a water storage supply of at least 2,500 gallons for use in an emergency situation.
Stack woodpiles at least 30 feet from buildings, fences, and other combustible materials.
Clear all vegetation and other flammable materials from beneath your deck. Enclose undersides of elevated decks with fire-resistive materials.
Remove "ladder fuels." They link the grasses and the tree tops.
Create "fuel breaks" - these can be driveways, gravel walkways, or well-maintained lawns.
Maintain your irrigation system regularly.
Prune tree limbs so the lowest is between 6-10 feet from the ground.
Dispose of cuttings and debris promptly, according to local regulations.
Keep at least two means of escape (either a door or window) in each room.
Mark your driveway and access roads clearly.
Keep ample turnaround space near your house for fire equipment.
Prevent sparks from entering your house by covering vents with wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch.
When possible, use construction materials that are fire resistant or noncombustible.

Are You Preparing For Hurricane Season?

CasaSugar — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:00:20 -0700

If you live in an Atlantic coastal area, chances are your mind's on hurricane season. Today marks the official start of hurricane season, which runs from today through November. Gerry Bell, lead hurricane forecaster at NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, says residents should "[p]repare for each and every season regardless of the seasonal outlook. Even a near- or below-normal season can produce landfalling hurricanes, and it only takes one landfalling storm to make it a bad season."

Residents can protect their homes and families by contacting companies such as Family Shutters. In this shot, an employee of Family Shutters places Plexiglas hurricane panels on a home to help protect it from high winds in Miami.

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Are You Afraid of Wildfires?

CasaSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:00:56 -0700

Today marks the three-month anniversary of "Black Saturday." On Feb. 7, as many as 400 fires were recorded in Victoria, Australia, and resulted in 173 confirmed deaths and over 2,000 destroyed homes. With fires burning again in Santa Barbara, CA, I know that my fears of wildfires are growing.

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Have You Ever Been in a Wildfire?

CasaSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:00:25 -0700

In Southern California, homeowners have been in close proximity to wildfires, which have been made even more dangerous by gusting Santa Ana Winds. Even closer to my home, a Napa Valley area fire has threatened homes and wineries. I have, luckily, never been in or close to a wildfire. Have you?

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Primer: Making an Emergency Preparedness Kit

CasaSugar — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 08:26:16 -0700

Hurricane season is in full force, and here in California, there's always the chance of an earthquake. Even if you don't live in storm or quake country - but especially if you do - you should have an emergency preparedness kit stashed away.

The American Red Cross recommends having enough food and water on hand to support every member of your household for at least three days. They've also got a great list of other must-haves you may not have thought of, including bleach and a non-electric can opener. Tune in tomorrow, when I'll feature some ready-made kits you can buy. Until now, here's a checklist of everything you should have on hand.

Water. The Red Cross recommends one gallon per day per person, including pets. If you don't have any stored, why not make a habit of picking up a gallon or two every time you go to the supermarket?
Food. Concentrate on ready-to-eat canned fruits, veggies, juice, and meat, as well as protein-rich snacks like trail mix and granola bars. Don't forget vitamins and special supplies for any elderly family members, babies, and pets.
A first-aid kit with Band-Aids, latex gloves, gauze pads, a thermometer, over-the-counter drugs, and necessary prescription medications.

For the other essentials, read more

Tools such as scissors, tweezers, a sewing kit, a manual can opener, a knife, and a wrench to turn off gas and water.
Moist towelettes and antibacterial hand gel
Sunscreen
Paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils
A hand-crank or battery-operated radio, with batteries
Flashlights with extra batteries
Candles and matches
Cash
Small fire extinguisher
Toilet paper, feminine products, and garbage bags
Dish soap
Bleach
Blankets or sleeping bags
Rain gear
Important documents, such as wills, deeds, passports, family records, and a bank account numbers.
A list of important phone numbers

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Does Your Household Have an Emergency Plan?

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 11:00:25 -0700

It occurred to me today, while I was listening to the 9/11 coverage on NPR, that my household really has no solid plan in case of an emergency. While earthquakes and wildfires are probably the two biggest dangers we face in our neighborhood, my husband and I haven't figured out an emergency plan, and that's definitely a mistake. Whether you're concerned about natural disasters, a burglary, or an international incident, it's important to have a plan and an emergency kit prepared.

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Steal of the Day: Trovata Round Umbrella Cover

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:00:15 -0700

I'm sure your mother told you to lather on your SPF so you don't get skin cancer, but sometimes it's just a smart move to stay in the shade. There's nothing nerdy about being pale — especially when you're hanging under this stylish Crate & Barrel Trovata Round Umbrella Cover ($99, reduced from $169), which blocks out 98% of the sun's UV rays. Its seaglass and khaki colored stripes will show all of your patio guests what a true sophisticate you are. More importantly, its Sunbrella fabric will stand up to the elements (unless maybe you encounter a natural disaster), so there'll be no need to replace it next season. Now all you need is some outdoor dinnerware and a good margarita recipe, and you'll be set for the season.

Ask Casa: A Home Security System for My Rental? (Part 2)

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:00:22 -0800

Recently Arielb38 wrote to me asking about whether or not a home security system was necessary for her new rental home. You can read the first half of my response here.

To see the rest of my tips, just read more

Are all of your window and door locks in working order? When you move into a rental unit, the landlord should be willing to either change the locks or have the tumblers replaced. If he or she is not, invest the money and do it yourself. Many communities now require rental properties to have deadbolts that can only be opened with a key. Check your local and state rental laws and request that your landlord meet these standards.
Additionally, if you live in a sketchy neighborhood, you may want to request that your home has bars installed on ground-floor windows. Though not the prettiest to look at, they do deter theft.
Make friends with your neighbors - they are your best allies in keeping your neighborhood safe. Join or consider founding a neighborhood watch organization in your building or on your block.
Buy renters insurance! It's cheap (as little as $150 a year) and is a small price to pay if you lose your belongings due to theft or natural disasters, such as a fire or earthquake. Most major insurance companies underwrite renters policies, and many online insurers specialize in providing coverage to renters.
If you still need a security system, and your landlord won't work with you to provide one, look into the company Protect America, which recently began offering its wireless GE home security systems with an innovative program that allows renters to take the system and the monitoring service with them when they move.

Good luck with your move, and be safe!
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