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Hurricane preparation guide
Outside your house

Clean your yard of loose objects, such as fallen tree limbs, lawn furniture, bicycles and trash cans. Anchor storage shed to permanent foundation or tie down with straps and ground anchors. Secure trash cans with cables or chains attached to ground anchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground. Trash can lids should be tied to cans with cables or chains. Store lawn ornaments away. Make sure shed doors are closed tightly: otherwise, they could end up blowing off their hinges and becoming dangerous projectiles. Bring in flags and awnings.

Pool

Do not drain your pool. The water helps protect the tiles and surface from flying objects. Add extra chlorine to the pool to prevent contamination. The pool provides a handy source of water for washing and flushing if your house water supply fails. Turn off all the electrical power to the swimming pool and cover the filter pump. Remove all patio furniture and loose items from the pool area. Check pool covers to ensure that they are secure.

Garage doors

Check with your local government building official to see if there are code requirements for garage doors in your area. Check with your local building supplier or garage door retailer to see if a retrofit kit is available for your garage door. Reinforce your double-wide garage door at its weakest points. This involves installing horizontal and/or vertical bracing onto each panel, using wood or light gauge metal girds bolted to the door mullions. You may also need heavier hinges and stronger end and vertical supports for your door.

Source: The National Hurricane Center, About.com, and Texas Children's Hospital