How to prepare for storm season
For most people, their home is their largest investment, so protecting it from natural disasters is a top priority. In the case of a storm, you want to prepare your well-being along with your family as well as your home and property. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do to prepare for the storm season.
Assess the Risk
It’s important to watch the weather and track storms that may be coming toward you and your home. Create an evacuation route ahead of time in order to best prepare in case the storm becomes a threat. If you live in a storm-prone area, you need to create a plan with your family, including your pets, and ensure that your cars are full of gas and that you have extra cash on hand.
Non-Perishable Items and Emergency Supplies
- Canned food
- Can opener
- Bottled water
- First aid kit
- Toiletries (i.e. toilet paper, toothpaste, soap)
- Candles
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Charged portable battery packs for your phone
- Generator
Ensure you are familiar with where your fusebox is located, in the event that the power goes out.
Review Your Insurance Policies
Make sure your insurance policy covers the full cost of rebuilding if you lose your home in a storm, and consider flood insurance. Also, take inventory of your possessions each year so you know exactly what you’ll need to be replaced and how much it’s worth.
Protect Your Home
Secure and Seal Your Rook
The roof is the largest potential opening of the house, and in the event that something happens, wind and water can do extreme damage. Inspect your roof and ensure the shingles or tiles are secured.
Also ensuring that your gutters and downpipes are clear of any debris that might possibly clog up by a lot of rain. Hail guards can also be fitted to downpipes to prevent blockage, should you encounter a hailstorm.
Seal Windows and Doors
Check the seals around your windows and doors since normal wear and tear on the house can cause damage to these seals, and with a storm approaching, this will be an entrance for rain.
If cyclonic wind gusts are expected, it is advised to tape them up in a cross-style to give additional strength to the glass upon movement.
Seal Holes
Any hole that has been made through the exterior wall is a potential danger. Seal these holes with caulk to prevent water from getting in.
Clear the Lawn
Anything loose on the lawn, including the BBQ, planters, outdoor tables, and chairs, are an imminent threat when a storm approaches since they can be picked up by heavy winds.
Use Sandbags for Flooding
Divert floodwater away from your home by placing sandbags around your property.
In the case that your home or property does incur some type of damage due to a storm, One Call Handyman is here to assist in the cleanup and repairs.
