Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Storm

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Some people love to watch storms roll in, while others get nervous for a variety of reasons. You might be thinking about hail hitting your car that is parked outside or what debris the wind is carrying that could damage your house. As much as we wish we could, we cannot control the weather to make it sunny and 75°F every day. Let us give you some tips on how to make your home more prepared for storms to come.

Seal Your Roof

Making sure that your roof is in good condition is an important first step in keeping your home safe from potential storm damage. Roof seams could be sealed with a ‘peel and stick membrane’ or with a polyurethane foam to prevent cracks and leaks. Keeping your roof in good standing now is in investment in your home and the things inside of it.

Secure Your Windows and Doors

High winds put your windows and doors at risk. Doing annual checks for rusty hinges and missing or loose screws can prevent serious damage. Also making sure that your door threshold is in good condition can prevent water from getting into your home through the front door. If you live in places where hurricanes, tornadoes, or other extreme storms can happen, it is wise to invest in impact resistant windows.

Secure Fences

If you live in a home that has fencing, or you are thinking of putting a fence in, it is important to consider how storms may impact them. You need to consider the strength and resilience of the materials and how they are installed. Fences can be struck down by strong winds or debris. Even though the less expensive option for fencing seems like the best choice right now, it might end up costing you more later.

Have an Emergency Plan

Preparation is key when it comes to minimizing loss during a storm. This goes towards your home and your family. Creating a plan with members of your house on how to stay safe can go a long way. Know what the safest place in your home is. Have a kit with batteries, food, and medical supplies. Know important phone numbers. And if you have pets, factor them into this plan as well.

Be Mindful of Loose Objects

After storms, you can usually look out on the street and see trash cans or other miscellaneous objects knocked over on the ground. Anchoring loose objects in your yard such as trampolines, grills, bikes, patio furniture, umbrellas, or inflatable above ground pools will keep them from becoming a risk that could damage your house or your neighbors.