9 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Storm
1. Unplug all electronics
You don’t want your computer or TV to fry, so unplugging all your electronics before a storm is the best way to protect them and avoid any damage to your electronics.
2. Shutter your windows
Secure all your doors and close all your shutters. If your windows do not have shutters then close any curtains or blinds you have.
3. Make sure large furniture that could fall is properly secured down
Heavy and tall furniture such as cabinets or bookshelves should be moved away from doors and windows. Anchoring them to a wall so that they won’t fall when the storm hits is an added precaution we suggest all homeowners take.
4. Being Aware! How to turn off every utility in your house (just in case!)
In exceedingly heavy storms, you may have to turn off your utilities. Make sure you know how to do this before a storm hits, with each individual utility! Preparedness is the key to optimal post-storm survival of your home.
5. Check for Cracks and Gaps inside your home
Another way to avoid unnecessary water damage during a storm is to inspect your walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors for any cracks or gasps. If left unchecked this can cause water from heavy rain to seep in causing unwanted damage. Repair any gaps or cracks you come across and contact a professional if you need help.
6. Make sure to clean your gutters before the storm hits
We understand that with soggy leaves and dirt, the gutters are gross and not fun to clean! However, all those leaves and dirt can prevent storm water from off your roof. With all of the water building up and settling on your roof, it can cause severe water damage to your home. To avoid this it’s important to clean out your gutters before a storm hits.
7. Pack all of your outdoor furniture inside your house
During a storm your patio chairs and table can get picked up by strong gusts of wind and turned into massive projectiles that get throw right into your house. Be sure to pack up all of your outdoor furniture and decorations to prevent that from happening.
8. Get your yard checked for and remove dead or sick trees
This an overlooked but highly important step in avoiding extra storm repair. Have an expert on trees come to your home’s yard for sick and/or dead trees. Why is this so important? If trees in your yard are sick or dead then they will likely not being strong enough to stand up to strong winds and will crash into your home. While home insurance can occasionally cover this, it is best to just get unsafe trees removed from your yard.
9. Make sure to have a roof inspection at least once a year
We cannot stress enough how important it is to have your roof maintained and inspected every single year. Doing this ensures that you find and can fix any problems before they get too serious and costly. On top of that, getting your roof inspected and maintained can save you money and your home! Consider it your homes monthly oil change & tune-up!