Investing in your property is a cornerstone of securing your future and providing a haven for your loved ones. But when storms brew on the horizon, why leave your investment vulnerable to nature’s fury?
From hurricanes to tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, serve winds bring the threat of flying debris and downed trees, endangering lives, property, and utilities alike. However, fear not! While we cannot control the weather, we can certainly fortify our homes against its wrath!
Discover simple, cost-effective methods to safeguard your sanctuary and protect your future from the unpredictable whims of severe winds. Let’s dive into these essential strategies to bolster your defenses and ensure peace of mind when the next storm rolls in.
1) Review your Insurance Policy before the storm
Take a few minutes to review your homeowners home insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage. This proactive step can facilitate future claims processing and expedite recovery after a storm.
2) Document your Home’s Contents
Creating a comprehensive list of your belongings is essential for insurance claims. Consider visually documenting your possessions by taking photos of high-value items or videotaping a walkthrough of your home. This documentation will serve as a valuable reference material. Always do a video walkthrough before any major storm to keep it updated!
3) Power Outage Precautions
During any major storm, there is a chance for power outages. To prevent power surge damage, remember to unplug all appliances until after the storm passes and power is restored. Safeguard your electronics by using surge protectors to mitigate the risk of power strikes.
4) Install Storm Shutters
Shield windows and glass doors from windborne debris by installing storm shutters. Additionally, consider adding shatter-resistant film or stormproof high-impact glass for enhanced protection against breakage.
5) Reinforce Garage and Entry Doors
Strengthen garage doors with girts and reinforce wheel tracks to withstand wind pressure. Double-entry doors can be further secured with heavy-duty deadbolts and slide booths, along with longer hinge attachments for added stability.
6) Strengthen Your Roof
Your roof is your first line of defense against high winds. Reattach any loose shingles and consider installing impact-resistant shingles. Anchor roof framing to wall framings using roof strappings to prevent uplift during storms.
7) Tree Maintenance
Mitigate the risk of falling debris by regularly trimming or removing dead, damaged, or rotting trees and limbs. Maintain a safe distance between trees and your home to minimize potential damage.
8) Secure Outdoor Objects
Prevent wind-borne objects from causing damage by securing outdoor furniture, gutters, and downspouts. Loose items can become projectiles during storms, posing a threat to your home’s integrity.
9) Seal Cracks and Gaps
Protect against wind and water infiltration by sealing cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and utility penetrations with waterproof sealants. Replace any deteriorated caulking to maintain integrity.
10) Anchor Structures and Utilities
Secure your home to its foundation using anchor bolts, especially if located in a floodplain. Ensure proper installation by consulting a professional engineer or architect. Additionally, anchor exterior fuel tanks and utilities to prevent overturning and sliding during storms.
Finding Shelter
In the face of impending severe weather, finding shelter becomes paramount if fortifying your home isn’t an option. Whether it’s the looming threat of hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms, seeking refuge in a sturdy, designated shelter can mean the difference between safety and danger. Look for community shelters, designated safe rooms, or the lowest, most centrally located room in your home away from windows and exterior walls.
If evacuation is necessary, heed local authorities’ warnings and head to designated evacuation centers or the homes of friends or family outside the affected area. Prioritize safety above all else, and ensure you have an emergency kit prepared with essentials such as food, water, medications, and important documents. By planning ahead and knowing where to find shelter, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from the hazards of severe weather.
If You Are Experiencing Water Damage, Contact PuroClean Disaster Restoration of Charleston
Water damage can be devastating and overwhelming. This is why it’s crucial to have a property damage restoration company ready to call so that the mitigation of your property can begin as soon as possible. At PuroClean, we promise to work with you quickly and efficiently to restore any water damage.
Our certified technicians are dedicated and experienced in providing top-notch customer service with the latest advancements in technology-based solutions and services. We go above and beyond to ensure that our clients receive excellent care. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (843) 972-4200. We work 24/7, 365 days a year to restore your property!