If you live in an area prone to hurricanes and other wind-related events, then you may be concerned about the safety of your home. It can be a challenge to properly board up your house each time a storm threatens, never mind the investment in materials and time. Built-in storm protection is the better option if you want to keep your home as safe as possible.

1. Storm Shutters

Standard practice when a hurricane is predicted to make landfall is to board up the windows. While this can work well, it can be difficult or expensive for those with mobility issues or those that aren't in town during the expected storm window. Impact-resistant glass is an option, but this glass is very expensive and not fool-proof. Hurricane shutters are made of metal and they completely cover all the windows on the house. You can even get automatic versions that you can shut remotely, which is an excellent way to ensure vacation homes are protected when you are away.

2. House Strapping

House strapping literally straps your house down to the ground, which can help prevent it from blowing over during extremely high winds. This strapping was first developed for modular and mobile homes, but you can also strap down one story stick-built houses to good effect. Strapping is an excellent choice for those in open areas with few natural wind blocks to help deflect high winds from the house.

3. Door Protection

A hurricane can twist a metal or vinyl garage door beyond recognition, as well as force open or destroy entrance doors. Fortunately, you can get specially made hurricane shutters for doorways as well as windows. There are also hurricane-resistant overhead garage doors on the market that have good ratings for wind resistance. Hurricane resistant garage doors are only as strong as their installation, so make sure the door frame is properly anchored with code-approved hurricane anchors.

4. Metal Roofing

The roof is a weak point on many homes. Shingles can easily be torn off and blowing debris will destroy clay tiles. Plus, blowing shingles and tile can cause injury or damage to anything in the vicinity. Metal roofing is nearly impervious to damage, and even if it becomes dented the roof won't actually leak. The main concern is making sure that the roof is anchored down with the latest code-approved hurricane straps and bolts.

Contact a company that specializes in storm protection, such as a hurricane shutter dealer, for more help.