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July 23, 2008
Posted: 09:06 AM ET
As Hurricane Dolly heads for Texas—residents there are bracing for the storm. Here’s how your home can be hurricane-ready.  1) Clear your yard Bring in trash cans, grills, toys, and potted plants. These could become flying objects that can cause additional injury or damage during storms with high winds. 2) Secure your garage About 80 percent of residential hurricane damage starts with wind entry through garage doors according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. Many garage doors are made of lightweight materials to conserve weight and expense which makes them vulnerable to high winds. Look for a sticker on the inside of your garage door that gives you a pressure rating. If you don’t see a sticker, chances are you’ll need to reinforce your doors. It makes better sense to replacing your garage system with impact resistant garage doors. 3) Reinforce your windows Forget about taping your windows. It’s a waste of time. If you live in a hurricane or storm-prone area, you may want to think about installing impact resistant windows, recommends Leslie Chapman-Henderson of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. These windows are designed to withstand flying debris. But keep in mind, you’ll be paying for the extra protection. Impact resistant windows may cost twice as much as regular windows. These windows are designed to withstand the impact of a standard missile traveling at 34 mph. If you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes, you may also want to think about investing in storm shutters which can cost $50 to $60 per square foot of window. For more Top Tips, watch CNN weekdays at 10:15 am Eastern Time. Posted by: Gerri Willis, Personal Finance Editor |
 
About this blog
CNN's team of experts share their top tips to help you become a wise consumer. We know you're busy, and that's why our tips are quick and effective. From health to personal finance, we'll arm you with the information you need to make smart choices.  Contributors
Gerri Willis is CNN's Personal Finance Editor, hosting Open House and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Ali Velshi is CNN's Senior Business Correspondent, hosting Your $$$$$ and appearing regularly on American Morning.
 Dr. Sanjay Gupta is CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent and host of House Call.
 Elizabeth Cohen offers up medical advice in her weekly Empowered Patient report.
 Judy Fortin's Health Minute segment runs daily weekdays on Headline News.
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