The weather alerts are scrolling across your phone and people are scrambling to the grocery store to stock up on food. It’s important to know how to prepare your home for severe weather to prevent unnecessary damage. When the storm hits, are you and your family going to be ready?
A storm is headed your way! Get your house prepared with this emergency checklist! Share on X
Your Storm Preparation Checklist
According to a recent survey from an insurance company, 75% of homeowners don’t prepare their homes for incoming storms. Unfortunately, neglecting the maintenance of your home can result in costly damages and unnecessary repairs. If severe weather is headed your way, be sure to keep this storm preparation checklist close at hand.
- Maintain your roof
- Trim your trees
- Move outdoor furniture inside
- Clean your gutters
- Assemble an emergency kit
1) Maintain your roof
Have you checked your roof for leaks? Are there any shingles missing? The roof of your home is one of the most protective features of your home. If a natural disaster or heavy rainstorm is headed your way, inspect your roof for any damages or weak points.
2) Trim your trees
When a storm is headed your way, don’t forget to look up. Heavy rain and wind can break tree limbs and send falling debris to your home. In the days leading up to the storm, trim your trees and remove any dead plants from the yard.
Pro Tip: Unfortunately, dead trees or plants can cause just as much harm since they’re more susceptible to being pulled out by their roots and damaging your lawn
3) Move outdoor furniture inside
Between the chance of hailstorms or strong wind, your belongings outside of your home will undoubtedly be affected. Be sure to move all outdoor furniture, playground toys, and loose equipment inside your garage or shed. It might require a little effort to move everything, but the members of your family will be thankful their personal items are kept safe.
4) Clean your gutters
The gutter system on your home was designed to minimize flooding and to protect your roof. However, if it’s clogged with falling leaves and branches, it will hardly have a chance to work correctly. To protect your home, clean your gutters and double-check that rainwater will be able to flow freely.
5) Assemble an emergency kit
If the electricity was turned off and the roads were closed, would your family be prepared to stay in your home? No matter how severe the storm is, it’s important to have a basic emergency kit to ensure the safety of both your home and family. In addition to an emergency supply of food, we recommend gathering a flashlight, batteries, candles, and any other items that will help in the time of a power outage.
Stay Alert and Plan Ahead
If you know a storm is headed your way, it’s a good idea to make sure you and your family will be safe in your home. It’s important to heed warnings and severe weather alerts from your local meteorologist. If you’re asked to evacuate or take shelter outside of your home, preparing your house ahead of time will help prevent damages or future repairs.
Do you need to get your house ready for an incoming storm? Connect with one of our technicians to schedule a service appointment!