JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Hurricane season will continue through November, with the highest probability of a major hurricane occurring between mid-August and October. Due to a hurricane's capacity for damage, preparation is the key. Weekly hurricane tips provide need-to-know information for staying ahead of the weather.
This week's hurricane tip is:
Is your roof sheathing properly installed? During a hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground. Roof sheathing, the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or trusses, can fail during a hurricane if not properly installed. You can examine the sheathing from the attic. If many of the nails have missed the rafters, you may need to re-nail the sheathing. If you're putting on a new roof, make sure the sheathing complies with current recommended practices. Personal preparation is always your first line of defense. To help prepare, the 2010 South Carolina Hurricane Guide is available for download at
www.scemd.org.