One of the scariest things about living in beautiful parts of the world is the extreme climates and frequent storms.
Whether you live in Florida, facing seasonal hurricanes and storm surges or in some of the central states in the heart of Tornado alley, it can be rather terrifying making sure everyone you love is safe with the looming possibility of having to evacuate.
If you have enough time to protect your home, there are several steps you can take to ensure it's ready for the worst.
In this article, we will share some quick and easy ways you can protect your home in a storm.
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Check your roof
Obviously, some storms that mother nature brings our way can not be avoided and unfortunately, we may not be able to take any measures to stop carnage and destruction.
However, most of the time with a few simple steps you can greatly decrease damage to your house and home.
Your roof's integrity is at risk at any time but especially during a storm of strong winds and heavy rain. Check for any damage beforehand, and if it looks ok you can do a little extra by sealing the chimney or vent pipes.
This is a great way to limit water from seeping into your house. By cleaning your guttering and downspouts you help the heavy rainfall flow nicely into the drainage area.
If not, it can flow over the side into areas of the house’s foundation which can create flooding and chances are the water will again find its way into your home.
Seal the doors and windows
Wind coming directly at your house will be pushed up, potentially lifting your roof, meaning rainfall coming into your home.
Sealing the doors and windows can prevent water and wind from entering into any cracks, and entry points and forcing the wind in different directions.
You can even make your own DIY storm shutters with ¾ inch marine plywood or metal storm panels.
It is very important that these panels overlap each side of the window by 4 inches. Great for hurricanes and any storm with very strong winds.
Clean up outside
Anything in your yard is a potential projectile that may fly toward your house during the apex of the storm.
Make sure you trim any trees with loose or dying limbs. Tie down any large garden furniture or items such as doghouses, boats, flowerpots, swings, etc.
Trashcans and the like need to be secured or put in the garage to prevent them from flying at high speeds toward your house or a neighbors.
To help your home against floods place sandbags outside of your home.
Stacking them up to build a wall to stop the water from finding its way into the crevices and cracks in the foundation of your home.
Preparing the inside of your home
If you live in the colder part of the country where cold winters are a big factor for you and your home, there are a few things that can be done to help before the bad weather approaches.
It is a good idea to have snow shovels and other equipment handy to remove snow in the aftermath.
Having some rock salt somewhere is also a good idea to melt the ice on walkways, steps, and driveways.
Insulating the attics, basements, and walls can help heat your home more effectively, as well as putting plastic over the windows.
Power outages are notorious in winter storms so keeping warm is essential in such extreme weather.
Conclusion
It is good to always have some of this in store just in case a storm hits and you do not have time to go to the store to get some .
In the situation that there is a flash flood or storm approaching it is just a matter of putting up the shutters and bringing in potential projectiles.
Preparation goes a long way and even if you only have to use them once in a blue moon it is worth being prepared when you are protecting yourself, your family, and your home.
Be safe. Be ready.
If you have an inherited home, a probate home, or just a home you are wanting to sell, give me a call, and let's discuss the best options to get your home sold quickly and for the most money.
I look forward to speaking with you.
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Denise Harper Davis
Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist
Licensed Realtor
252-902-9006
* NOTE: North Carolina Probate Solutions and the author of this article is not a licensed attorney or CPA. This post should not be considered legal or tax advice. Always consult an estate attorney or tax professional when needing legal answers and legal advice.
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