Your home is an incredibly important part of your life. Not only is it your small, personal space in a big world, it’s also where you rest and rejuvenate, make memories and enjoy key moments with your loved ones.
While you cannot control unforeseen events or move your home out of the path of danger, you can take some steps to protect your home and reduce the impact of natural disasters and extreme weather on your family and finances. Here are a few ways you can prepare:
Obtain and Review Homeowners’ Insurance
The right Homeowners’ Insurance will cover any significant number of repairs in extreme weather or natural disasters. Be sure to review your policy and obtain more coverage if necessary to ensure your home is best protected and covered in case of an emergency.
Caulk Around Windows and Doors
During a storm, high winds can blow rain hard against your home. If your windows and doors have small holes or cracks around them, the moisture can make its way in and cause water damage. Check your window and door seals and apply a fresh layer of caulk around your doors and windows to prevent this problem before the rainy season begins.
Clear Storm Drains
Excess groundwater and rain are expected to drain through the storm drains. But if the storm drains are clogged with debris, the water will have nowhere to go and may lead to flooding. If hurricanes or tropical storms often hit your area, ensure that your community storm drains are cleaned regularly to prevent flood damage.
Trim The Trees
Large branches of untrimmed trees can snap off during high winds and turn into dangerous projectiles. Trim the trees around your property and remove dead branches as soon as you spot them to protect your cars, patio/deck and home from falling branches and trees.
Repair Damaged, Missing, or Loose Roofing
Tornado and severe storm winds can rip damaged, missing or loose shingles from your roof. This can result in leaks throughout your ceiling. Hire a professional to inspect your roof before the storm season begins and make the necessary repairs before it is too late.
Clean Your Gutters
If you have a clogged gutter, rainwater will begin to accumulate around your foundation or on your roof. The collected water may eventually leak through your foundation or roof during a heavy storm and cause thousands of dollars in damages. Keeping your gutters clean during the hurricane season can help to avoid this problem.
Install Backflow Valves
During a flood, the waters can push the sewage in your sewer lines into your home. Sewage is injurious to health and can also damage your home. Don’t wait for a flood to happen before you act! Contact a plumber and see how you can install backflow valves to prevent sewage from flowing back into your home.
Repair Holes and Cracks in Your Foundation
When severe storms bring heavy rain, the flooding water can seep into your home through holes and tiny cracks in your foundation. This water can damage your personal belongings, drywall, and flooring. By inspecting, filling in and repairing the holes and cracks in your foundation, you can save yourself from expensive and lengthy water damage repairs.
Prepare Your Evacuation Plans and Emergency Kit
Take time to prepare a family survival plan. You should also have a designated safe room or spot and an emergency kit with first-aid supplies, clothing, food, water, medications, flashlight, battery-powered weather radio, and pet supplies stored in a safe place.
Bottom Line
Understanding the risk associated with the location of your home is very important. Making preparations and taking precautions means you and your family will be ready when mother earth throws you a curveball.
Dealing with the after-effects of a natural disaster and extreme weather is never easy. However, Josh Smalling’s restoration services have you all covered. With plenty of experience in storm, wind, water, hail, and smoke damage restoration and insurance home repair, we can be trusted to assess the damage, bring your home or business back to repair, and help to prevent future damages.
Our experts are available 24/7 to help with all-natural disasters and extreme weather damages. Call us today for an inspection and estimate.
