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Protecting Your Southeast Georgia Home During a Hurricane

As Southeast Georgia residents, we’re no strangers to the threat of hurricanes. The time to prepare for these powerful storms is NOW, before one heads your way. There are some simple things you can do to safeguard your home but a few of our tips may take a bit of planning. Keep reading and see what’s right for you.

  1. Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or tie down patio furniture, grills, potted plants, and other loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds. This is easy to do and can make all the difference when a storm of any significance hits.
  2. Protect Your Windows: Glass is vulnerable to flying debris. Use plywood and board up your windows or invest in storm shutters for even more protection.
  3. Clean Gutters: Ensure proper drainage by clearing out leaves from gutters and downspouts. This is an easy job to hire out if you’re leery about spending time on ladders.
  4. Trim Trees: Remove dead branches and trim back trees near your house to reduce the risk of falling limbs. If you have trees close to power lines on your property, your electric company may trim the trees for free if you notify them.
  5. Stock Up On Essentials: Gather non-perishable food, water, batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. We have all lived through a pandemic – it’s really a good idea to have a decent supply of these things on hand, anyway.
  6. Prepare For Power Outages: Consider investing in a portable generator, but never operate it indoors. Or have an outdoor burner and propane tank that will allow you to cook decent meals.
  7. Protect Important Documents: Store vital documents including hard drives with family photos in a waterproof container or digitize them.
  8. Safeguard Your HVAC System: Your heating and cooling system is a significant investment. Here’s how to protect it:
    • Turn off your HVAC system: Shut it down at the thermostat and the circuit breaker to prevent damage from power surges.
    • Cover the outdoor unit: Use a manufacturer-approved HVAC cover or secure a tarp with bungee cords. This helps protect against flying debris and water damage.
    • Secure the unit: If possible, use hurricane straps to anchor the outdoor unit to its concrete pad.
    • Elevate the unit: If your area is prone to flooding, consider having a professional raise your outdoor unit on a platform.
    • Remove nearby objects: Clear the area around your outdoor unit of any items that could damage it during high winds.
    • Schedule a post-storm inspection: After the hurricane passes, have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system before restarting it.

While we can’t help you with all these preventative measures, we can help you protect your HVAC unit or ensure it’s ready to operate once the storm passes. One last thing to mention – your safety comes first! Always follow local evacuation orders and guidelines from emergency management officials.

Need help preparing your HVAC system for hurricane season? Contact our Air Concepts team of experts today for professional advice and services: (912) 261-9013