Severe storms like hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms cause severe damages to American homes annually.
According to the New York Times, Mid-western states experienced severe thunderstorms with hurricane-like potentials. These extreme weather conditions make it imperative to protect your home to prevent loss of life, injuries, and high costs. That said, how can you safeguard your living space? Here are some practical tips to help you out.
Inspect your roof for damages
Your roof protects your family and home interiors from the weather, making it vital to keep it in good condition. Consequently, conduct a thorough inspection of your roof for damages and fix them immediately. Areas with mold, piles of leaves, and algae indicate water damage, so keep this in mind.
You also want to look out for curled, damaged, and missing shingles, as they may not withstand the wind and rain. It’s best to conduct roof repairs to protect your family and prevent costlier damages. You’d also want to seal your chimney or roof vents to prevent water from seeping into your home.
Secure your doors and windows
It’s essential to secure your doors and windows ahead of impending storms. Not only will you prevent their damage, but you’ll also keep your family and belongings safe. Fortunately, you can choose from various options for the best results.
For instance, you can replace your windows and doors with impact-resistant ones or board them up with plywood sheets. You can either tackle it yourself if you have the required skill or employ professionals for the best results.
You can also leverage storm shutters to reduce damage caused by flying debris or a hurricane window film to prevent glass shards from entering your home. By all means, employ the services of certified installers, as substandard products can be life-threatening.
Ensure that your sump pump is working
Your sump pump is placed in your basement or crawlspace and is an essential asset for storm protection. It removes excess water from your home and drains it into a storm drain, keeping your basement dry and preventing flooding. Therefore, you should purchase one if you haven’t already.
You’d also want to check if your existing one is in stable condition to avoid surprises when storms form. You can fill your sump pit with water and observe if your device will activate to help you determine if you need a new one. Furthermore, you can install a moisture barrier under house to prevent water and mold damage that the storm may bring.
Repair loose fence posts
You also want to protect your home’s exterior by fixing any loose fence. Loose fence posts can fly around your house and cause significant damages to it. Therefore, you should immediately address the issue to ensure your safety. Fortunately, you can DIY, as several online resources help you out. You can also leverage professional services if you aren’t keen on DIY methods.
While there are other ways to protect your home from storms, the damage is sometimes inevitable. Therefore, it’s vital to update your home insurance to cushion the costs in your home.
