Living in an area with frequent bad weather can cause a lot of extra anxiety about your house. The next big storm could be the one that really does some damage to your home. The key to alleviating these thoughts is proper preparation. This guide explores how to prepare your home for bad storms so you can sleep a little easier at night.
Good Roofing
Perhaps one of the larger projects to take on when storm-proofing your house is to reexamine your roofing. Your roof takes the brunt of the elements, after all, and it is the only thing standing between you and a leaky ceiling. Upgrading to a more weatherproof roofing option, such as metal roofing, could be exactly what your home needs to weather the storm.
Remove Possible Hazards
If you live somewhere that has frequently bad weather, you may want to make this a regular chore. Clearing away things that could damage your home, such as broken tree limbs or rotting trees, can help ensure you don’t have any unnecessary debris flying through your windows when the wind starts to pick up.
Windows and Doors
These two features are the weakest parts of your home’s exterior. As such, you need to inspect them closely before and after bad storms. Look for any leaks or cracks in the glass to make sure water, wind, or debris won’t sneak in when you’re not looking. Wind shutters and heavy-duty door materials will help fill in these gaps securely.
Build an Emergency Kit
All homes should have an emergency kit, but creating one is even more important if you are in an area with regular storms. Preparing for a power outage is essential to keeping you and your family safe. Stock your emergency kit with water and non-perishable food items, a battery or crank-powered flashlight, a first-aid kit, and external chargers for phones and other electronics.
Secure Outdoor Furniture
Aside from natural hazards such as rocks and trees, you should also be aware that your own furniture may take a tumble during bad storms. Items such as patio furniture, lawn chairs, poolside equipment, and potted plants should either be brought inside before the storm starts or locked down somewhere with something heavy, so they don’t get blown away.
It would, of course, be preferable to never need to worry about how to prepare your home for bad storms. However, since we don’t live in a perfect world, it pays to be prepared. Follow these tips, and you’ll be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
