Don’t let the nice warm weather trick you, summer still comes with its fair share of storms. With downpouring rain and heavy wind, you want to make sure that your home is protected. Today, we will go over a checklist with a few important things to do to prepare for summer storms.
Have an Emergency Disaster Kit
A key part of staying safe in a storm is being prepared. You should keep an emergency disaster kit with things like flashlights, batteries, phone chargers, first aid kits, cash, a food supply, a water supply, and a week’s supply of medicine. You want to be prepared when a storm suddenly occurs or gets worse so that you have time to figure out what is going on and form a long-term plan if necessary. You will also want to have a family meeting so that everyone knows where the emergency supplies are and what their role is in a storm emergency like where to meet. Having these protocols in place is essential for your family so that if a storm does occur, you won’t panic about what to do.
Protect Valuables
While protecting your life and the life of your family is most important, you should still spend time protecting your valuables in case of a bad summer storm. To prepare, you can take inventory of your valuable items. This will help you to know what you have and what you want covered by insurance if damaged by a storm. You can also gather things like important documents and put them in a safe place. You can even consider buying a safe to put them in that is resistant to the wear and tear that storms can cause on your home.
Know Your Insurance Coverage
Another thing to think about ahead of time is your insurance policy and coverage. While you may know some of the basics of your policy, you might still want to take some time to refresh your knowledge of what exactly is covered if a storm occurs. Having this knowledge can give you peace of mind knowing that your valuables are protected and covered in case something happens.
Secure Your Windows
The last thing you want to worry about when a storm hits is if your windows will protect you from the rain. You need a durable window with a strong seal. You need Pella. Our windows are crafted and installed properly to prevent air and water from getting through. Our windows are also strong and durable so they can withstand the extreme weather that occurs during a storm, including the high winds and downpouring of rain. Schedule your free in-home consultation today to take the first step in protecting your home with Pella windows.
Watch for Trees
Trees are one of the main things that cause damage in a storm. To prepare, trim the trees surrounding your home. Check for tree branches that hang over electrical wiring too. These branches will likely need to be trimmed by a professional for safety reasons. Cutting these branches down will make it so that if a storm does come, the branches won’t fall on the power lines and cause the power to go out so easily. You will also want to clear any tree branches that are dangling over your home and valuables.
Check Gutters
Gutters are important when it comes to storms; they help channel water away from your home. This summer, check your gutters are free from any build-up of leaves and debris and clear them out so your gutters can do their job. To fight against the wind, make sure that your gutters are securely attached to your home. If you want a professional to check them and give a thorough clean, reach out locally.
Check Your Roof
Another area of your home that you won’t want to put off maintenance on is your roof. You can check your roof for any holes or missing shingles that could lead to leaks. These leaks can start out small but can get larger with more rain pouring down in a storm leading to water damage in your home. High winds during a summer storm can also rip off any loose shingles leading to leaks as well. If there are several areas that need work, you may need a new roof. If you do, there are many professionals out there to do this to be sure you are covered.
Secure Your Fence
Depending on what type of fence you have, high winds can have different effects. You want to make sure that your fence is secured in the ground so that it isn’t uprooted (at least not easily) during a summer storm. You want to protect your home from having pieces of your fence thrown at it causing damage.
Anchor/Secure Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture is another thing that you don’t want to fly toward your home during a storm. If a storm may be approaching, be sure to take the appropriate action for your outdoor furniture. If the items are light, you may want to relocate them to a safer area inside your home, otherwise, you will need to anchor them down to the ground in some way so that they are not lifted up and thrown at your home causing damage during a storm with high winds.
Invest in a Generator
If you live in an area with many storms or are worried about losing power, you can invest in buying a generator. Having a generator is a great backup for powering your home, including important systems like your A/C and alarm system.
Preparing and protecting you, your family, and your home from summer storms is important. You don’t want to worry about things to gather and what to do if a bad summer storm hits, you want to know that you prepped well and are safe.