You’ve seen the way blockbuster movies present a windstorm (whether straight-line winds, tornado, or hurricane). The lesson from Hollywood? If you don’t own an underground storage cellar, you’re going to end up flying through the air and swallowed up by a big, dark cloud. But forget the silver screen – Paul Davis of Northeast NJ has seen the aftermath of real storms, right in our area. Although hurricanes and tornadoes are rare events here, New Jersey gets its share of pummeling during the storm season. We’ve experienced the true-life heartbreaking stories…and have proudly helped families restore their property after they’ve thought there was no way to repair the damage. In the process of helping property owners recover after a windstorm, we’ve also learned about some other surprising lifesavers that can protect you and your property from a windstorm. Here are 8 tips we hope can help you.

1. Your Door

Wind pressure can rip your home open at its weakest points. You may think the most likely points of damage are the windows, but doors are also vulnerable. Doors manufactured before 1994 aren’t usually rated for pressure. Consider replacing your exterior doors with newer models that are code approved for both wind pressure and debris impact. Have them installed to open outward rather than inward.

2. Wooden Furniture

Ikea may be the store of choice for [Boston]-dwellers, but invest in at least one sturdier, more solid piece of wooden furniture. It can be your best friend during a tornado or hurricane. As part of your emergency preparedness plan, think about which table, desk, or workbench you can easily move to the safest part of your house such as the bathroom or closet (make sure the furniture fits through the door). When you hide under this piece of furniture, you will have an extra shield against falling debris – including heavy pieces like roofing materials or tree branches.

3. Mulch

Gravel and rock are lovely choices for landscaping. But they can easily become deadly projectiles in high winds. They can break your windows and cause shrapnel-like damage to the human body. To avoid this danger, use materials such as wood mulch instead of gravel in your flowerbeds, and pave your driveway with concrete instead of pebbles.

4. Trimmed Greenery

Speaking of power lines, you can decrease your risk of electric shock by making sure the city is doing its job. Anytime you see vegetation and trees growing into the utility lines near your home, give the city a call to report this unsafe condition. When they cut back vegetation, this reduces the risk that you will step outside after a windstorm and find that downed power lines are energizing the puddles of sleet around your home.

5. Duct Tape (Duck Tape)

Don’t laugh! This adhesive really is very useful during and after a windstorm. Securing windows with duct tape does little to improve protection from broken glass (boarding up your windows is ideal). But it can be helpful for other last minute safety adjustments since this tape is strong and waterproof. For instance, duct tape can also help prevent water leaks around windows and doors from wind driven rain and snow. Plus, you can use duct tape to secure blankets around windows and doors to help stay warm when the power goes out when a windstorm is accompanied by a blizzard.

6. A Whistle

If you get trapped under debris, blowing a whistle may save your life. A whistle’s sound will travel farther than your voice with far less effort, and it can sometimes be heard through solid structures. A safety whistle will get the attention of rescuers faster and save you from losing your voice from shouting.

7. Waterproof Heavy Duty Flashlight

You can use a bright flashlight to signal rescuers in low light situations. If you sustain injuries that prevent you from speaking, flashing a light can draw attention to you when you need help most. Take a moment to learn SOS in Morse code if you don’t know it already (· · · — — — · · ·). Power may be out immediately after a windstorm. A reliable emergency light source will help you get around in the dark without injury. Keep in mind that a flashlight may require backup batteries to ensure longer life.

8. Air Purifier

If you’re an apartment dweller, an air purifier that removes both particulates and chemicals may help keep your family comfortable indoors during a severe-weather event (assuming the power stays on). As staying inside is your safest option in any windstorm, you might as well still have access to fresh air!