How To Prepare Your Home For The Santa Ana Winds

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

Fall has officially arrived in Southern California. Unlike other parts of the country where fall means leaves changing colors and brisk temperatures, here it means it's wind season, Santa Ana winds to be specific. 

The Santa Anas are very strong and dry winds, and can wreak major havoc on a home. The first winds of the season were some of the strongest we've seen in decades, with gusts reaching up to 75 mph! The winds are expected to last as normal from October through December, so it is important to make sure your home is protected for when they pick up again. 

What can you do to prepare your home or apartment before the Santa Ana winds return?

• Clean your yard of any dead or fallen trees and limbs. Keep as much excess debris as possible out of your yard so that when the winds do come again, the debris isn't blown into your home causing structural damage.
• Trim your trees and bushes regularly. This goes along with keeping your yard clear of debris. A well maintained bush or tree will have less loose debris to blow into your home. This is especially important of any trees in close proximity to the structure. Cleaning up lose branches before the winds hit will make sure you don't wind up having any branches in your windows. 
• Duct tape your windows. Strong winds can stretch  your windows inward when it blows directly at them, and that can often lead to shattered windows. It's not the most aesthetic choice, but reinforcing your windows with duct tape could save you from having to replace a shattered window. 
• Check your roof shingles annually and replace any loose shingles. You should also store extra shingles on hand in the event some are pulled up or blow away when the winds hit. 
• If you have an exterior television antenna, satellite dish, or any outdoor decorations, you should tighten them up or remove them for a short while when high winds are expected.