How to Protect Your Home Before a Storm: Lessons from Recent Events
My heart goes out to our neighbors in Western North Carolina, Tennessee, and other southern states. The damage and loss is unprecedented! While Central Kentucky was spared the worst of the storm damage, now is the time to make sure your property is in the best condition to withstand upcoming weather events.
Whether it’s a tornado or severe thunderstorm, it’s critical to protect your home before the next storm hits to minimize damage and ensure your family’s safety.
Here are some key steps to take based on lessons learned from the latest storm.
1. Inspect and Reinforce Your Roof
Roofs are particularly vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain. Inspect your roof thoroughly for loose or damaged shingles, cracks, or other signs of wear or have a professional do so. Replace damaged shingles and consider reinforcing your roof with storm-resistant materials.
2. Fortify Windows and Doors
Many homes experience significant damage when windows are broken by flying debris or high winds. Don’t forget about doors—particularly garage doors, which are often the weakest point. Reinforce them to ensure they can withstand strong winds.
3. Clear Gutters and Drains
Flooding was a major issue during the recent storm, and clogged gutters only made it worse for many homeowners. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris so that water can flow away from your home. If your home is in a low-lying area, consider installing additional drainage solutions to minimize flood risk. French drains may be a good option.
4. Trim Trees and Remove Loose Items
Fallen trees and flying debris can cause a lot of damage. Trim any overhanging branches and cut back dead or dying trees near your house. Additionally, bring in outdoor furniture, grills, and other loose items, as they can become dangerous projectiles during strong winds. TRAMPOLINES ARE A HUGE RISK IN WIND STORMS. Tie them down securely.
5. Secure Backup Power Sources
Power outages were widespread in our area after the most recent storm, leaving many without electricity for days. Consider investing in a generator to keep essential appliances running during outages. Make sure you have fuel on hand and know how to operate the generator safely.
6. Prepare an Emergency Kit and Evacuation Plan
Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, food, water, and important documents.
7. Check Insurance Coverage
In the aftermath of a storm, many homeowners discovered they were underinsured. Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to ensure it covers storm-related damages such as wind, hail, and flooding. Consider adding flood insurance if you live in an area at risk. Flooding is not included in your standard home insurance coverage!
We recommend the Flood Guru for flood insurance. Here is his website for a quote if you’re interested.
https://www.floodinsuranceguru.com
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your home and keep your family safe in the event of a future storm. Preparing ahead of time can make all the difference when the next storm hits.