The best ways to protect your home during storm season
Most people know that it’s best to stock up on water, food, and batteries when severe weather may be headed their way. Here’s what else you should do to protect your home during storm season. Some of these are relatively easy for you to complete, while others may require some professional assistance.
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Clear Outdoor Items
One of the best ways to protect your home during the storm season is to clear away any outdoor items. When a storm is near, make sure all of your sporting equipment, gardening tools, lawn furniture, and any other items are safely stored away. High winds can possibly pick these items up and send them through one of your windows. Otherwise they can potentially damage someone else’s house.
Make sure your gutters are regularly cleaned out. Also be sure that your doors and windows are closed and secured. If your home is in an area prone to hurricanes, roofs can be fastened to frame of a house using hurricane straps or clips to reduce roof damage. You can also consider re-enforcing your garage door with door braces.
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Trim Trees
In preparation of the storm season, take some time to examine the trees in your yard. Strong storms can often break large tree branches, possibly damaging the side of your home, your car, or causing power outages by toppling power lines. Carefully climb a ladder and check how the branches surrounding your house are attached to the trunks. If a large branch seems to have a loose connection, consider sawing it off. If you do this, be sure not to cut down branches when a storm is on its way, as they could be dangerous if left in the yard. While on the topic of landscaping, if you have a gravel pathway, consider either replacing it with shredded bark, or covering it so no gravel gets airborne.
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Install Storm Shutters
Heavy rains and high winds can easily damage your windows no matter how many precautions you take. If you live in an area that is prone to severe storms, a great way to prevent your windows from shattering is to invest in storm shutters. Impact resistant storm shutters offer another level of security to windows’ fragile glass panes.
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Consider a Generator
Power lines are particularly vulnerable during the storm season. Lightning strikes can damage transformers and fallen tree branches can snap power lines, causing significant power outages. A whole-house surge protective device can help protect your home from a power surge. If your area is prone to more severe weather, you may want to consider buying a home generator in case of long-term power outages. It’s also important to known how to turn off gas and electricity to your home.
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Flood-proof Your Home
Heavy rainstorms can cause flooding, which can possibly lead to home damage. Not only can water damage cause significant foundation problems, it can also devalue your house. One way to prevent flood damage to your house is to make the base watertight with concrete, preventing water from entering enclosed areas of your house. Another option is to modify areas of your house that aren’t inhabited, such as a crawlspace, to allow floodwater to enter and exit. Be sure to seek guidance from a professional before implementing a flood-proofing method. Caulk around windows and doors to better prevent moisture damage from wind-driven rain.
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Prepare a Disaster Kit
Having a “disaster kit” can be helpful if you lose power during a storm. It should include flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-operated radio. It’s also recommended to have a three-day supply of water and food, a first-aid kit, a seven-day supply of medications, some extra cash, and phone charger that can be used in your car. If you live in an area prone to hurricane or other severe weather, it’s also advised to have a “go kit.” Put together a box that can be grabbed quickly in case you need to evacuate the area. The “go kit” should include insurance policies, and contact information of insurance companies and other emergency contacts. It should also contain any important personal and financial records, as well as your home inventory.
Nobody can control weather, so as a homeowner you should always be prepared for the worst. Doing what you can now to protect your home from storms can save you major headaches and money later. While having a good insurance policy is recommended, it’s better if you don’t need to use it.
If you’re on a mission to live in the safest condition, and are on the hunt for the best Gold Coast electrician, MC Power Electrical Solutions are the ones to call on 0432 022 294. We can help with anything and everything electrical!