Hurricanes, tornadoes, and sudden thunderstorms can damage your home if you're not prepared. Prepare your home for storms now for greater peace of mind.
The Basics
The roof should be inspected and free from leaks. Torn shingles, broken tiles, leaking chimneys, flashing or skylights should be repaired or replaced. All debris should be removed from roof and gutter system. Gutters should be cleaned and secured. Trim all dead branches from trees, trim branches that overhang your home. Soil at the base of your home should be slanted away from the foundation with a drainage system in place. Repair loose mortar in brick or stone fronts, repair or replace damaged wood sidings, check soffit and fascia boards to verify they are secure. Repair rotted fence posts, loose fence boards and weakened gates. Install new weatherstripping and doorsweeps on doors if necessary. Make sure windows and trim are weather-tight. These basic home repairs keep your home environment safe year round, especially during storms.
Exterior
Beware flying missiles! Remove all patio furniture and put in a secure place. If your furniture is pvc or fiberglass, the best place to store it is in your swimming pool! If you don't have a pool, store in garage or shed with secure doors. Remove all potted plants, decorative planters, bird feeders, wind chimes and garden decorations to a secure place. Park benches, fountains and statuary should also be moved to a secure location. Move your grill to a secure location as well, but keep it close for use in the event your power goes out. Have charcoal and long matches available in the same location as the grill. It is preferable to store the charcoal and matches inside the grill, in waterproof containers, so all components of the grill are readily accessible when needed. If possible, park your vehicle in a garage. Move empty trash cans close to your bathroom and fill with water. Place an empty bucket inside the trash can for easy filling. This water can be used to flush the toilet when the power is out, .but do not use for cooking, bathing or drinking! Flushing only! Exterior shutters that are functional help with not only glass breakage, but also with protecting your home from flying debris. Placing tape on windows does not protect the window, it only keeps the large pieces of glass from breaking off and becoming a lethal missile. Plywood sheathing installed over the windows will protect the glass and prevent projectiles from entering your home, remember to label it for future use.
Interior
In an approaching storm, unplug all valuable electronics and appliances first. Make sure your computer is not only unplugged, but your modem from your phone line is unplugged as well. Don't forget kitchen appliances. If you have a basement, stock it with supplies. If you do not have a basement, locate a "safe room" in your house. This safe room should be a room without windows, possibly a closet or bathroom. Stock this safe room well ahead of time with food and water. Don't forget a can opener! This room should also have paper plates, silverware, paper towels, disposable cups and garbage container. Find a place for extra clothes, pillows and blankets. A three day supply of food and water is recommended, but a one week supply is more realistic. Restoring electric takes longer than three days in many cases. In addition, you may also need:
Large plastic garbage bags--use as poncho--pick up contaminated debris--store water sensitive items
Duct tape---can be used for anything--miracle tape--temporarily fix leaks--secure storage--
Zipped plastic bags--store matches--important papers--insurance documents--birth certificates--photos
Disposable Wipes--clean yourself and your kids--pets too"¦ refresh yourself without water!
Flashlights and batteries--put the batteries in only when needed--extra batteries for everything
Battery operated AM-FM radio--stay in touch with local agencies--hear your local news and conditions
Candles and matches--be careful in a small room--make sure candle is well secured--away from flammables
Charcoal BBQ grill--use outdoors only! Gelled fuel cans for heating food indoors--follow directions please
Tools--hammer and nails--utility knife--hand saw--hand tools for temporary repairs
First Aid Kit--necessary medications--special medical appliances--pillows and blankets
Pet supplies--Food and water--bowls--leash--medications--vet records--a toy--familiar bedding
Preparing your home for a storm is not as difficult as you may think. If you maintain your home on a regular basis, then adding these chores for storm season is not a difficult task. The biggest challenge is to know where you live and prepare for any and all possibilities. Keep your eye to the sky and be Prepared.
