August 21, 2008 —NASSAU, BAHAMAS— It’s midway through hurricane season in the Caribbean and if they haven’t done so already, there are several steps homeowners can take to protect themselves and their Nassau real estate from damage.

The building industry has a wide variety of home improvement items built to protect property from hurricane-force winds and prevent water damage caused by these storms, which hit this area between June 1 and Nov. 30 annually.

Some items can be addressed before a home is even purchased, said Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate in Nassau, Bahamas.
“I’ve mentioned previously in another article the importance of having a home inspection  prior to purchasing,” Pinder said. “A homebuyer can determine during an inspection whether a home meets current building code requirements relative to hurricane protection.”
After a home is purchased, many other provisions can be made to protect a home from potential damage.

Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters, which protect windows, hollow-core doors, double-entry doors and glass door openings during storms, are an excellent item to have on homes in the Bahamas, Pinder said.

Adding barrel bolt restraints to the inactive door on double-entry doors can help keep them from bursting open during a storm. For optimum protection, the bolts should extend through the door header and threshold into the subfloor, according to the Institute for Business and Home Safety (http://www.ibhs.org/publications/view.asp?id=555 )

Pinder said most experts recommend permanent shutters, as opposed to those that have to be hung prior to a storm.

“There are so many other, simpler preparations that people need to make at the last minute,” Pinder said. “In my opinion, hanging shutters shouldn’t be one of them.”

According to the IBHS, the highest level of protection typically available for windows is professionally-produced shutters that can resist the impact of a nine-pound 2×4 traveling at 34 miles per hour without penetrating the shutter or breaking the glass behind it. (http://www.ibhs.org/publications/view.asp?id=555 )

Protection for Doors
All doors in the home should have three hinges and a dead-bolt lock with a minimum 1-inch bolt throw length. Doors made of solid wood or metal usually are capable of withstanding most of the pressure and airborne debris caused by a hurricane.

Garage Doors
Garage doors designed for two-car garages are more prone to wind damage during a hurricane than single-car garage doors, according to the IBHS. Winds can cause the doors to come off-track or to buckle. Hurricane-resistant garage doors are available on the market today and can go a long way toward protecting a home from wind and water damage.

Dispelling the Myths
There is a great deal of misinformation out there about what to do during a hurricane. Here is some clarification:

• Placing tape on windows does not prevent them from shattering if hit by heavy debris.
• Although it keeps shards of glass together if a window breaks, window film does not provide adequate protection from flying debris.
• Do not open windows during a storm. This does nothing to protect your home. In fact, it allows wind and rain into your home, which could cause additional damage.

Hurricane Protection for the Family
Preparing for hurricane season means more than making improvements to your home. Families need to have a plan in place when a storm hits, Pinder said.

• Make sure you have at least one gallon of water per person per day.
• Have canned food items on hand.
• If you have a generator, ensure that it is in good working order and topped off with fuel. Don’t run generators in enclosed areas, as it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death.
• Store exterior furniture and plants where they won’t become flying debris during high winds.
• Maintain a list of emergency numbers and available shelters in your area.
• Have an escape route planned out, should your family need to evacuate.
• Have a battery-operated radio with extra batteries on-hand.

Learn More
If you are in the market for Bahamas real estate and would like to look at homes that have been designed to be more hurricane resistant, or homes that feature after-market protective items, please visit Island Living’s Web site: www.islandlivingrealestate.com, or call them for a consultation: 1-242-322-7979/80.

About Island Living Real Estate
Island Living Real Estate has more than 25 years of experience in real estate sales and rentals throughout the Bahamas. Island Living’s main office is located in one of Nassau’s oldest historic buildings on Bay Street, named “Red Roofs.” Red Roofs was built in 1896 and has been home to various families, a Gourmet Deli and now Island Living.

We don’t just help you get the keys to your new home… we give you the keys to your new life.  Welcome home!

© 2008 Sinai Marketing and Island Living Real Estate. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

                                                                               -end-