Chance of Rain: 10 Spring Storm Safety Tips

Spring storms can be unpredictable and cause significant damage to your property, leaving you feeling helpless. However, there are several things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property before they arrive in the forecast. From trimming shrubs and branches near your home and power lines to preparing an emergency kit and reviewing your insurance coverage, these tips will help you weather the storm with confidence. 

What Can You Do to Prepare for Severe Spring Storms?

We can’t change the weather, but we can prepare ourselves to handle it better when it comes. Follow these 10 spring storm preparedness tips to protect yourself, your family, and your property from severe spring weather.

1. Trim Shrubs and Branches Near Home and Power Lines

Make sure no trees or bushes hang over the roof or any windows. During spring storms, these hanging limbs might shatter glass and roof shingles and cause other harm. A strong spring storm may easily rip away a loose branch and hurl it through the air. Remove all dead and broken branches. Clear trees and bushes away from power lines.

2. Check the Gutters

If your gutters are clogged, water can back up into your roof, meaning spring storm damage to your roof is much more likely. This often happens when the ice melts after accumulated winter debris blocks gutters. Keep drains and gutters clean and clear to ensure proper drainage. Also, ensure gutters are securely attached to the house to safeguard against strong winds.

3. Clear the Lawn of Debris

Ensure fallen branches and yard debris are picked up and not allowed to accumulate against your home’s foundation, windowsills, or doors. Strong spring storm winds can cause them to become projectiles. When a storm is imminent, secure all loose items in your yard, bringing them inside if possible, and move vehicles and equipment to high ground.

4. Caulk Windows and Doors

The windows and doors in your house may be susceptible to fractures that create the opportunity for spring storm damage that wouldn’t have occurred otherwise. Seal all cracks and gaps around doors with caulk, protecting them from spring storms. Caulking windows and doors help prevent leaks, which can lead to water damage.

At their most severe, spring storms can cause significant property damage.

5. Inspect The Roof

No matter what type of roof your home may have, inspect it in the springtime for signs of anything that may have been weakened over winter. Spring storms are usually turbulent and gusty, so any weakness will most likely be taken advantage of.

6. Prepare an Emergency Kit

In case of spring storm emergencies, it’s a good idea to have an emergency kit ready in your house. Include nonperishable foods and water bottles to last 3-5 days minimum, necessary prescription and non-prescription medicines, and first aid supplies in your kit. Blankets, warm clothes, and personal hygiene products are also recommended. If you have a pet, ensure you also have a spring storm emergency kit prepared for them. You should also have a working fire extinguisher handy.

7. Create a Disaster Preparedness Plan

Create a disaster preparedness plan. Establish an outside meeting place and escape routes from each room in your house. Also, practice the plan with family members. Include your pets in the plan and make sure they wear an ID tag. Ensure you and your family know how to turn off utilities and use a fire extinguisher.

8. Review Insurance Coverage

When planning for spring storm preparedness, review your insurance coverage with your agent and ensure you understand what’s covered and what isn’t. Obtaining flood insurance is generally a good idea since it isn’t included in standard homeowners’ policies. But don’t wait – flood insurance policies take 30 days to go into effect.

Take a home inventory in case you need to file an insurance claim. Also, secure critical information in a waterproof container, such as documents, personal numbers, and insurance policies. After a spring storm passes, take note of any damage to your home so you can follow up with insurance companies who may need proof of spring storm damage. This includes photographing damaged items, such as broken windows, fallen trees/branches, etc.

9. Prepare the Garden Shed

Make sure your garden shed and all your tools and equipment are secured. You may not need to go into it during a spring storm, but knowing what needs protecting is better than nothing. Don’t forget to include the garden shed and other outbuildings in your inventory.

Need to Find a Property Restoration Company Near You? Call PuroClean Emergency Restoration Specialists!

When a spring storm damages your property, immediate action is crucial. PuroClean Emergency Restoration Specialists is available 24/7 for expert assistance and comprehensive property damage restoration services. We’ll assess, mitigate, and restore your home or business to its pre-loss condition with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques. Don’t wait to take action! Contact PuroClean Emergency Restoration Specialists today at (813) 703 8686 and let us help you navigate the aftermath of spring storm damage.