The first question we need to ask ourselves is what a Hurricane is, a hurricane is a rotating low-pressure tropical storm. Storms with surface wind of less than 39 miles per hour are tropical depressions, storms with surface winds between 39 and 74 miles per hour are tropical storms, and if the winds reach 74 miles per hour the storm is a hurricane. Hurricanes are rated on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale from 1 – 5, the rating is based on the maximum sustained winds recorded. The higher the category the storm is rated at the greater the potential for damage to your home.

Hurricanes often cause widespread devastation, and the devastation can affect coastal and inland areas.  It is important to prepare you home against the threats posed by the hurricane, storm surges, strong winds, heavy rain fall, flooding, and tornadoes, can all cause serious harm to your home. In Massachusetts hurricane season is June 1^st through November 30^th, with the most active season being August through September, this means that just as your summer fun is winding down you need to start thinking about making sure your home is ready for the season.

So, what can you do to protect your home from this huge and unpredictable threat? The first big step is just to be informed, you can watch the news or download the Massachusetts Alerts App, both will help you prepare for any upcoming weather. When there is a storm on the way make sure you take the following steps:

• Secure any outdoor items, patio furniture, toys, and trash cans so they can not be swept away by a flood or the wind
• Clear all rain gutters to help water flow away from your home
• If you are expecting damaging winds cover all windows with storm stutters or 5/8” marine plywood
• Turn off your propane tanks if you don’t need to use them
• Prepare for flooding in your basement, check your sump pump, unplug sensitive electronics, and elevate items off the floor
• Make sure to seal any areas that may leak such as windows, doors, or powerline and plumbing entrances

Following these steps will help to better protect your home during any upcoming storms and flooding situations. For help with flooding clean up please visit Aspen Environmental or give us a call (978)681-5023.