What To Do With Patio Furniture During Hurricane?

During a hurricane, you should move your patio furniture indoors, store it in a secure shed, or tightly anchor it down. The main goal is to prevent items from becoming dangerous wind-borne projectiles or suffering damage.

Your actions for patio furniture during a hurricane are a critical step in protecting your property and ensuring everyone’s safety.

• Get your patio furniture indoors or into a sturdy storage shed as soon as possible.
• For items you cannot move, like built-in grills, secure them tightly with straps or anchors.
• Empty all planters and lightweight decorative items, bringing them inside too.
• Never wait until the last minute; start securing your patio furniture as soon as a hurricane watch is issued.
• Check your homeowner’s insurance policy to understand coverage for storm-related damage.

What To Do With Patio Furniture During Hurricane?

When a hurricane looms, your patio furniture can quickly become a hazard. The simplest and safest solution is to move everything indoors or to a secure location.

The Golden Rule: Move it Inside

We found that the most effective way to protect your patio furniture, and your home, is to bring it inside. Treat all items like potential projectiles.

Think about where you can store things. A garage, a basement, or even an unused room can work. This step keeps your outdoor items safe.

When Bringing Inside Isn’t an Option

Sometimes, moving every piece of furniture indoors just isn’t possible. Maybe your garage is full, or the items are too large. What then?

You still have options. Securing heavy items is your next best strategy.

Securing Patio Furniture That Stays Outside

For furniture you cannot move, strong anchoring is essential. Many experts say that proper securing can prevent significant damage.

You want to tie down or group these items effectively. This step minimizes their risk of blowing away.

Heavy Items: Tables, Benches, Grills

For sturdy items like heavy dining tables or stone benches, consider strapping them together. Use heavy-duty rope or bungee cords.

Many homeowners also tie them to a permanent structure, like a porch column. This gives them extra stability.

Lightweight Items: Chairs, Small Tables, Decor

What about those lighter patio chairs or small side tables? These are often the first to take flight.

Gather them into a sheltered corner, if possible. Then, use ropes or chains to bind them together tightly. Some homeowners stack them to reduce wind surface.

Patio Furniture During Hurricane: Specific Items

Different furniture types require specific attention. We found that a one-size-fits-all approach often misses key safety points.

Let’s look at a few common patio items and their hurricane prep needs.

Umbrellas and Awnings: Your First Priority

Umbrellas are like giant sails in strong winds. Always close them, remove the canopy, and store them inside.

Retract any retractable awnings fully. If fixed, many experts suggest contacting the manufacturer for specific hurricane preparation guidelines.

Grills and Fire Pits: Fuel Safety

Gas grills should have their propane tanks disconnected and stored upright in a safe, outdoor location. Never store propane tanks indoors.

For charcoal grills and fire pits, empty them completely. Then, either move them inside or secure them firmly.

Planters and Decorative Items: Don’t Forget Them

Even small planters or garden gnomes can become dangerous. Empty all planters of soil and plants.

Bring these items indoors. This prevents them from breaking or causing damage.

Pre-Hurricane Checklist for Your Patio

A little planning goes a long way. Many safety organizations encourage creating a checklist well before storm season.

Here’s a simple checklist to guide your patio preparation:

• Bring all small, loose items indoors.
• Close and store patio umbrellas.
• Disconnect and secure propane tanks from grills.
• Strap down or group heavy furniture if it must stay outside.
• Clear gutters and drains around your patio.
• Take down hanging decorations or wind chimes.

Mistakes to Avoid When Securing Your Patio

Even with good intentions, some common errors occur during hurricane prep. We found that avoiding these can significantly improve safety.

Don’t underestimate the power of wind and water. A proactive approach is always best.

Waiting Until the Last Minute

Time is a factor during a hurricane threat. Don’t wait until the winds pick up. Start preparing as soon as a watch is issued.

Gathering items in strong winds is dangerous and difficult. Early action makes a real difference.

Underestimating Wind Strength

What feels like a gentle breeze can turn into hurricane-force winds quickly. Even items that seem heavy can be lifted and carried.

Many research articles show that wind speeds can create surprising lift and force. Always err on the side of caution.

Table: Patio Furniture Hurricane Preparedness at a Glance

After the Storm: Inspecting Your Patio Furniture

Once the hurricane passes and it’s safe to go outside, carefully inspect your patio and furniture. Look for damage.

Check for structural integrity, broken pieces, or rust. This helps you plan for repairs or replacements.

Insurance Considerations for Patio Furniture

Do you know what your homeowner’s insurance covers? Many policies have specific clauses for outdoor items during storms.

We found that understanding your policy beforehand helps immensely if damage occurs. Keep an inventory of your patio furniture.

Conclusion

Preparing your patio furniture for a hurricane is a key part of storm readiness. Your main goals are protecting your belongings and keeping your surroundings safe.

Whether you move items indoors or secure them firmly, quick action and thorough preparation can prevent major headaches. Stay safe, and take care of your outdoor space!

How far in advance should I secure my patio furniture for a hurricane?

You should begin securing your patio furniture as soon as a hurricane watch is issued for your area, which is typically 48 hours before the expected arrival of tropical storm-force winds. This gives you ample time and avoids rushing in bad weather.

Can I just cover my patio furniture instead of moving it?

Simply covering patio furniture is not enough to protect it during a hurricane. High winds can easily rip covers off, turning both the cover and the furniture into dangerous debris. Covers offer minimal protection against the actual forces of a hurricane.

What should I do with built-in or very heavy patio items that cannot be moved?

For built-in or extremely heavy patio items, your best option is to secure them with heavy-duty straps, chains, or anchors. Tie them down to a permanent structure if possible, like a house foundation or a sturdy concrete slab, to prevent movement.

Is it safe to store propane tanks from my grill in the garage during a hurricane?

No, it is not safe to store propane tanks indoors, including in a garage, during a hurricane or at any other time. Propane tanks should be disconnected from the grill and stored upright in a secure, open-air location away from your home, such as a detached shed if available.

Will my homeowner’s insurance cover hurricane damage to patio furniture?

Many homeowner’s insurance policies do cover damage to patio furniture caused by hurricanes, but coverage can vary. It’s important to review your specific policy details or contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage limits and deductibles for outdoor items.