How The Pros Protect Their Home When A Storm Is On The Way
Every year, thousands of American families have to contend with the destruction of their property because of severe storms and hurricanes. High winds put an intolerable strain on our homes' exteriors, often causing roof damage, broken windows and flooding. But is there anything you can do to mitigate storm damage to your property, or are we just at the mercy of Mother Nature?
Turns out, there's plenty we can do, and we can take our cues from the pros.
Turns out, there's plenty we can do, and we can take our cues from the pros.
How The Pros Protect Their Home When A Storm Is On The Way
Stay Updated On Weather Conditions
Modern satellite monitoring and weather models are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Not only can they tell you where a storm is likely to make landfall, but how it is expected to weaken or strengthen in the future. The shorter the time line for the projection, they less time you'll have to prepare. It pays, therefore, to keep up to date with the latest weather reports so that you can make storm preparations or evacuation plans.
Aside from local news reports, Noaa.gov is my go-to for everything weather related, including sound advice from weather pros.
Aside from local news reports, Noaa.gov is my go-to for everything weather related, including sound advice from weather pros.
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  NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio, amazon.com |
Bring Everything Portable Indoors
Your property is no doubt littered with all kinds of “stuff": Patio furniture, barbeque grill, flower pots and planters, kids' toys and sports equipment, just to name a few. But when the storm hits, all of this "stuff" becomes a hazard and can cause damage to your home, as well as your neighbor's.
Bring in as much outdoor equipment as you can, and what you can't, tie down and secure. For example, we don't have the space indoors to store our larger items like our patio furniture, so we tie it down securely to the patio railings with heavy duty zip ties.
Bring in as much outdoor equipment as you can, and what you can't, tie down and secure. For example, we don't have the space indoors to store our larger items like our patio furniture, so we tie it down securely to the patio railings with heavy duty zip ties.
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Assess Your Trees
If you get warning that a storm is incoming and you have a significant number of trees on your property, call a reputable arborist and have them assessed for any weak branches or limbs that could case potential damage during the storm. They can identify other problems that you may not be able to see for yourself, such as a weak root system and a rotted trunk, problems that can cause a tree to snap or become completely uprooted.
Clearing hazardous trees is simple and easy with the right professionals on your side. Aside from vetting the company through online reviews, get recommendations from friends and families. A good company will over 24/7 storm damage service, too. Companies like KTM Roofing can offer advice for the best ways to protect your roof from tree limbs and branches that might be too close to your home.
Clearing hazardous trees is simple and easy with the right professionals on your side. Aside from vetting the company through online reviews, get recommendations from friends and families. A good company will over 24/7 storm damage service, too. Companies like KTM Roofing can offer advice for the best ways to protect your roof from tree limbs and branches that might be too close to your home.
Shelter In Place vs. Evacuation
Before a storm hits, it’s necessary to decide whether or not you'll shelter in place or evacuate. Always, and we mean always, follow the advice of the pros in this case: if you're directed to evacuate, do it. Always err on the side of caution, no matter how tempted you might be to ride out the storm at home.
If you're advised to shelter in place, make sure that all the windows and doors of your vehicle are closed and locked. Park your vehicle in your garage or under your carport, if you have one. If not, consider purchasing a car cover: it will help prevent damage from loose debris and hail stones.
If you're advised to evacuate, follow your city or town's evacuation plan. Leave when you're told, and follow the evacuation route. Pack your car with the following essentials:
We suggest you place all of the above, with the exception of the your ID, money, meds and cell phone (which you should keep on your person), in sturdy portable totes.
If you're advised to shelter in place, make sure that all the windows and doors of your vehicle are closed and locked. Park your vehicle in your garage or under your carport, if you have one. If not, consider purchasing a car cover: it will help prevent damage from loose debris and hail stones.
If you're advised to evacuate, follow your city or town's evacuation plan. Leave when you're told, and follow the evacuation route. Pack your car with the following essentials:
- 3 days' worth of clean clothes, including a jacket & sturdy shoes, regardless of the season
- Emergency Roadside Assistance Kit
- All necessary prescription medications
- 24 pack of water
- First Aid Kit
- Protein bars, protein water, a multivitamin and trail mix
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Pet food
- Cell phone, charger & portable power bank
- Laptop, tablet & any external hard drives
- Important paperwork such as social security card, birth certificate, passport, insurance policies, checkbook, wills, deeds, leases, etc. Place all in a waterproof, fireproof bag.
We suggest you place all of the above, with the exception of the your ID, money, meds and cell phone (which you should keep on your person), in sturdy portable totes.
Move Valuables To Higher Ground
Flooding, not high winds, causes a significant amount of damage to property during storms. If you're in a flood-prone area, it’s worthwhile to move all electronics, valuables and other important documents to the second floor. If you don't have a second floor, place items in weatherproof storage bins and stack on top of tables or other sturdy pieces of furniture. Speaking of furniture, you can purchase risers that adjust up to 8" to prevent damage to the legs and underside of most items.
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