- Create an emergency kit for storm preparedness. Check the kit regularly to ensure it is in working order.
- Regular maintenance checks of your home are important when preparing for an upcoming storm.
- Secure outdoor furniture or loose items in your yard, as they can become windborne during a storm.
- Invest in a backup generator so that you have power when the electricity goes out during an intense weather event.
- Utilize professionals, such as roofers and plumbers, to ensure that your home is in top condition.
With climate change causing extreme weather events, like tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods, it’s essential to know how to prepare your home for upcoming storms that could cause damage to your property or harm your family.
As a homeowner, it’s crucial to have an emergency plan, stock up on essential supplies, and conduct regular property maintenance checks to ensure your safety and security during an intense weather event. This blog will provide tips to prepare your home for the next storm to protect your family and minimize damage.
Emergency kit preparation.
As a priority, create an emergency kit, ensuring that it is fully stocked with essential supplies like food, water, medications, batteries, a flashlight, blankets, and clothing. Ensure that you have a first aid kit that has all the necessary supplies to attend to minor or major injuries. The emergency kit must be kept in a designated location that is easily accessible, even in the dark.
Regular maintenance.
Schedule a regular maintenance check for your home, focusing on your roof, doors, and windows to ensure they’re strong enough to withstand heavy rain, wind, or hail. Ensure the doors and windows close and latch tightly and there are no loose roof tiles. Trim tree branches that overhang your house, as these can damage the roof and windows or even cause accidents should they fall during a storm.
Secure outdoor furniture.
Secure outdoor furniture or any loose items from the yard that could become windborne during a storm. Move such items inside the garage or shed or, if not possible, chain them down so that they do not become airborne during the storm.
Invest in a backup generator.
A generator can prove useful during a power outage that commonly occurs during extreme weather events. Invest in a backup generator that can power your essential home equipment like refrigerators, heaters, and medical equipment that rely on electricity for their operation. Test the generator regularly to ensure it is in perfect working order.
Employ the help of professionals.
If you have an older home or are unsure about the current condition of your property and how it will fare in a storm, enlist the help of professionals. There are many kinds of professionals that can help you prepare your home for an upcoming store. Here are the experts you will need:
A roofing company
A professional roofing company can inspect your roof and make the necessary repairs to ensure it is in optimal condition. For example, they can help you with rain gutter installation and maintenance to ensure the rainwater is directed away from your house. This will reduce the risk of water damage.
A home inspector
A home inspector can inspect your house inside and out, identify any potential problem areas, and recommend solutions to ensure your home is safe and secure during a storm.
An electrician
A professional electrician can inspect your wiring and check that all electrical appliances are up to code, reducing the risk of fires or other hazards during a storm.
A plumber
A professional plumber can check all water systems, including faucets and pipes, ensuring that your water supply is safe in case of contamination from floodwater during a storm.
Employing the help of professionals will ensure that your family’s safety is not put at risk in the event of a storm.
Review and update your homeowners’ insurance policy.
It’s essential to review your homeowners’ insurance to check what is and what is not covered when it comes to damage from natural disasters before the storm strikes. It’s better to review a policy early enough to fix any loopholes or gaps in coverage that may cause more significant damages later.
Preparing your home for an upcoming storm is critical to protecting your family and minimizing damage. From creating an emergency kit, conducting regular maintenance checks of the property, securing outdoor furniture, investing in a backup generator, and employing professionals to help you with any necessary repairs or inspections – these tips should provide you with everything you need to prepare your home adequately.
Don’t forget to review and update your homeowner’s insurance policy to cover damages from natural disasters. With these strategies in place, you can ensure that your family and house are safe during storms.
