Do you get nervous every time you hear the weather people predicting severe weather in their forecast? Heavy rains, thunderstorms, hail, high winds make not only your daily commute dicey but also can cause damage to your home.
While you can’t put your home in a bubble to protect it from all severe weather, there are certain measures you can take to minimize the threat of flooding and other damage to your home. There are crucial steps you need to take before, during and after the storm.
Check out these severe weather checklist for homeowners:
Preparing Your Home
The good news is that we typically know which times of year hold the most threat and can prepare ahead of time. It is never a good idea to wait until the last minute because you will never have enough time to totally secure your home. Heed the warning signs before the storm actually hits.
It is always a good idea to check your gutters to make sure that they are clear of debris. Clogged or damaged gutters can lead to water damage to your home. As the spring rainy season has arrived, you can always give us a call at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. Our trained professionals can help clean and repair your gutters.
Expecting heavy wind and rain? Secure all outside objects that can fly off your home or even into it. Put your outdoor tables and chairs away and any loose gardening decorations. Also remove any antennas or unsecured satellite dishes.
Worried about the storm breaking windows? If you have shutters, close them securely for extra protections. If you don’t, consider covering the windows with plywood. This is especially a must during hurricanes and tropical storms.
Also give your gutters a good cleaning so that your gutter system has no problems draining away all the heavy rain from your home.
Finally, take a walk around your property looking for downed branches and trees that are not in good shape. Trim away any loose branches and consider having a tree removed if it doesn’t look healthy. You don’t want that tree ending up through your roof during severe weather.
It is also a good idea to review your homeowner’s insurance policy before the storm hits so you know what will be covered and what won’t be. If you have time to make changes to your insurance policy now is the time to do it. Also, keep your policy number and all important phone numbers in an easily accessible place so you are not having to run around looking for them later.
During the Storm
Of course, the most important thing to remember is that your safety and the safety of your loved ones is what is most important. If you weren’t told to evacuate, then hunker down in your home until the severe weather passes. Don’t try to go out driving or run outside for a forgotten item. Stay all together in a part of the home where it is comfortable and dry and away from the windows. Don’t risk injury by going outside. It is not worth it.
During the Aftermath
Once the severe weather calms down, it is time to assess for damages and figure out next steps:
Give the inside of your home a quick review checking for flooding and other types of water damage.
Check the exterior of your home or any damages. See if there are any loose shingles or other debris in your yard or driveway that indicate damage. Also check for broken windows and flooding in the garage.
Make any temporary repairs needed to keep your home secure from the elements, including boarding over any broken windows and patching any holes in your home’s exterior.
Here are some tips for looking for water damage. Rain can seep into your roof and cause water damage inside your home, inside the walls and ceilings leading to the need for expensive repairs so check for telltale signs like water stains on your ceiling and signs wood rot and mold around your windows and on the roof.
If you find that a storm has damaged the gutter system on your home or business, contact us at Gutter Boyz of Kentucky. You can reach us by phone at (270) 906-3055 or CLICK HERE to contact us.