Storms bring several hazardous conditions to your home, from strong winds to flooding and even the risk of electrical issues. Insight Restoration can help repair your home from storm damage, but prevention is key. Here are some ways you can protect your home if you know a storm is on the way.
Pre-Repair
An already damaged home is more susceptible to additional storm damage. Loose shingles and siding can more easily be ripped away in a strong gust, and missing ones let in rain and snow. Getting your roof and siding repaired or replaced ensures that your home has the structural integrity to withstand more storms.
Also, clear out your gutters to prevent any water backing up from heavy rain. And make sure your sump pump is functioning in case of flooding. Finally, check for any loose or untethered yard supplies, such as fences or tree branches. If you want your home to survive a storm, make sure it’s in tip-top condition before the storm comes around.
Add Additional Support
A strong home is a good starting point, but adding additional safety measures will keep it sturdy. Board up your windows to protect the inside of your house from broken glass, rain, and any wind-swept objects. This is especially crucial if you are staying in your home during the storm, as unprotected windows can cause serious injuries to you and your family.
Sandbags are a great way to prevent flooding, and most local municipalities offer them before a storm, especially in locations where hurricanes and tornadoes are most common. Placing sandbags around your outside doors and low windows will divert flooding from your house. You’ll especially want to get sandbags if your home doesn’t have a sump pump or it’s not in working order.
Double-Check Security and Hazard Alarms
Storms cause more than just flooding. Strong winds and lightning can knock out power or even start fires. Making sure your security features are current and functioning is vital to keeping you and your house protected.
A lot of fire alarms and other hazard detectors run on electricity, so having battery-powered backups with fresh batteries can save you and your home in case of a power outage. It’s essential to have a working carbon monoxide detector during a storm if you are using a generator to keep home essentials running. Generators produce carbon monoxide, and if you have everything boarded up to prevent flooding, you’ll want advance notice if the CO2 levels are getting too high in your house.
A decent-sized storm can wreak havoc on your life and your property. With proper prevention, you can reduce the damage that these storms cause. But not all damage can be avoided. If your home has recently suffered through a storm in North Idaho’s Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai Counties, call Insight Restoration today at (208) 427-2825 for a fast response and quality storm damage cleanup and restoration.
