No one wants to feel vulnerable in their home - whether from accidents, intruders or natural disasters. And while many states are adopting and enforcing stronger building codes to better safeguard residents from the natural hazards they face, those measures can't protect the millions of people who aren't planning to build new homes.

The good news is that there are ways to harden existing homes exposed to extreme weather, including wind storms like hurricanes. According to the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), a number of affordable projects can make a big difference in how a home survives a hurricane. These protective actions also reduce the chance wind-driven rain will damage the home.

If you're handy with a hammer, saw, caulk gun, and can work on a ladder, you can do much of this yourself. Most of these projects can be accomplished in a day or less. And by doing them now, you'll have ample time if a hurricane threatens to focus on your family's safety as well as last minute protection chores.

SHUTTERS

The most important thing you can do to improve the chance your home will survive a hurricane is to protect all windows and doors. The range of products on the market today means it's easier to find protection that fits your budget. Whatever you choose, make sure the product has the proper approval for impact resistance. If it's not a permanent feature, such as roll-down shutters, install fasteners ahead of time so installation is easier when storms come.

Garage doors can buckle and twist off their tracks or be hit by flying debris. Protect the garage door with a shutter or screen product, or budget to replace the door and its tracks with a door that is code approved for both wind pressure and impact protection.

Water entering your attic space through gable end vents can soak the insulation and lead to collapsed ceilings. Gable vents can be sealed with sheets of plywood or polycarbonate as if they were windows. They may have louvers, but they are not designed to keep out water driven by hurricane force winds.

SHINGLES

Keeping shingles on your house is extremely important. If the edge shingles are not well fastened or extend beyond the drip edge more than the 1/4", high wind can lift them off and create a peeling process or domino effect. If they come up without much effort (older shingles become brittle and may crack when bent too much), secure them with three one-inch dabs of roofing cement under each tab.

SEALS

Water can invade homes in a number of ways, especially when it's being blown horizontally. And if there's a loss of power for air conditioners or dehumidifiers to dry things out, that water damage could lead to mold. Fill holes where wires, cables and pipes enter and exit the house, and seal all the way around electrical boxes and circuit breaker panels. Seal cracks around wall outlets, dryer vents, bathroom and kitchen vents and electrical devices such as wall lights.

SURROUNDINGS

Limiting possible sources of wind-borne debris before a storm will help protect your home and those around you. Replace gravel/rock landscaping materials with shredded bark. In a particularly strong hurricane, gravel has been found in mail boxes and has shredded vinyl siding. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed. Cut weak branches. Limit yard objects and remove chairs or other furniture when not in use so there's less work to do to prepare for a hurricane.

Other projects to consider include strengthening your soffits and trimming your risk of tree problems. For more information, call the Institute for Business & Home Safety toll-free 1 (866) 657-4247 or visit their Web site www.disastersafety.org.

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