You may think that the Greensboro, Burlington and Triangle areas are far enough inland that you don’t have to worry about hurricanes, so there’s not much need for storm preparation.
Think again.
While hurricanes may not be among the top concerns, it’s vital to prepare your home for summer storms because violent weather can quickly appear without warning. The Piedmont region of North Carolina is susceptible to severe conditions such as tornadoes, floods and devastating thunderstorms. It may surprise you to know that, on average, North Carolina has 26 tornadoes a year.
At First Call, we want you to be prepared for the unexpected, so we’ll take a closer look at the top 10 tips on how to prepare your home for summer storms, and what to do if your home is damaged by them.
Our Top 10 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Summer Storms
1. Understand Your Risk
Do you live near a creek that could easily flood? A key to preparation is understanding the inherent risks in your area. Once you do you can prepare and do research on what to do during severe summer storms.
2. Create an Emergency Plan
First, the safety of your family is vital. Everything around your emergency plan should be centered around keeping everyone secure and prepared for an evacuation if necessary. That’s why we believe you should not only create an emergency plan, but you should have practice drills to ensure everyone has a thorough understanding of what to do.
Second, there are things you can do ahead of a storm that should be a part of an emergency plan. These include reviewing your insurance policies to be sure you have a comprehensive understanding of what is covered.
3. Seal Your Windows and Doors
Wind and water can find their way through even the tiniest spaces into your home, causing damage not only to the structure but to your furnishings and the cherished items that you love. Don’t forget that it is possible that wind can funnel through your house and actually lift the roof, especially in areas that are prone to tornadoes and high winds. Sealing windows and doors is a crucial part of preparing your home for summer storms.
4. Install Storm Shutters
These can be easily installed or you can also make your own. If it’s a DIY project, be sure to follow specific instructions to the letter ensuring there’s enough overlap. Don’t overlook the importance of protecting skylight windows as well.
5. Trim Trees and Secure Loose Objects
Your patio furniture is a great addition to your deck, but when threatening weather arrives, be sure these items are secured inside. Likewise, trimming trees is a good way to prepare your home for summer storms—it dramatically decreases the likelihood that large branches will fall onto your house or damage windows.
6. Clear Your Yard
Do your kids love to play in their treehouse? Maybe you’ve set up a small playground with slides and swings. When serious weather strikes, it’s important that your yard is clear. Even something as small as a flowerpot can become a dangerous projectile.
If you cannot remove the playground or other objects, have a plan in place on how to secure them.
7. Examine and Secure Your Doors
Do you live in an area that’s notorious for severe weather? Do you frequently get tornado warnings? If so, take a closer look at the type of doors you have. Remember, high winds can easily tear double doors, sliding doors and French doors. You may want to consider installing steel doors as a precaution.
8. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
This is not the time for your gutters to be clogged! Making sure they are clean helps ensure more efficient draining. This can also help you avoid roof damage. Don’t forget to check for clogs.
9. Keep Up With Roof Maintenance
When was the last time you checked your roof? Your roof is a vital part of your home’s protection. Apply sealing where needed to prevent water damage from oozing into your home.
10. Inspect–and Seal–Any Cracks
You can’t protect yourself when you don’t know what’s there. We recommend a thorough home inspection, paying careful attention to any cracks in your foundation. If you find them, seal them immediately.
If You Do Get Water Damage, Remember That First Call Is the Right Call
Don’t delay.
Excess water can cause damage within minutes. It can also cause permanent damage. But more than that, it can also have detrimental long-term effects on your health: Water damage paves the way for mold and other problems.
Have you experienced storm damage? Want to know more about how to prepare your home for summer storms? Has your basement flooded and you need reliable water restoration?
See why First Call has fostered a reputation for excellence from our decades of serving customers as the leading restoration company in Triangle, Greensboro and Burlington. Contact us for more information.
