There are two
things we as Midwesterners can come to expect in the summer. One is road construction and two is severe summer storms. Whether it is a tornado warning or a severe storm warning, it is important that you prepare your home for the inevitable wrath of the mother nature. Here are five things to do to be prepared for a summer storm damage:
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Review Your Insurance Policies
The first thing to do is look over your insurance policies to make sure you’re covered for losses incurred as the result of a natural disaster or a wicked storm. Storm damage caused by severe weather may not be covered by your regular homeowner’s policy. If it is not, it can be purchased separately. Make lists and/or video of your belongings as documentation for the insurance company. Be sure to keep that documentation away from your house for safe keeping.
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Seal Windows and Doors
Did you know that when wind funnels through your house, it pushes upward, and could lift the roof, allowing heavy rains to damage the interior of your home? Take precautions to prevent water from entering through windows, cracks, entry doors and garage doors. Be sure to seal all your windows. For any large gaps around the window, spray low-expansion foam caulk or fill with wads of fiberglass insulation. In addition, you can purchase and install special storm shutters to cover your windows.
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Protect Your Roof and Gutters
A roof in good condition should shield your home’s interior from the storm outside. Be sure to have your roof inspected to determine if it will likely withstand a severe summer storm. Also, applying sealing around your home’s chimney or vent pipes is a good idea as it will help prevent water from seeping into your home. Call your local roof contractor to check the structural integrity of the roof system.
Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts. If the rain that accompanies a heavy storm can’t run through the gutters and downspouts, it will spill over the sides, landing in areas where it can soak through to your home’s foundation, causing flooding and structural damage. Note: Have a tarp on hand.
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Tidy up the Yard
Take steps to protect your home from objects that could fly away in a storm. If the object is light enough to take flight, store it in the house or somewhere secure. Remove all dead and dying limbs from your trees, and secure lawn furniture, trashcans, flowerpots and other yard accessories.
When high-speed winds hit, they can transform any of these objects into flying saucers.
It is a good idea to tie down the larger items such as sheds, playhouses, swing sets and boats. While we are not located near “tornado alley, it is always better to be prepared and safe than sorry.
5. Stock Up and Prepare for Shelter
Finally, stock your cupboards and closets with anything you might need. If you take shelter inside your house during a summer storm you will want to be as prepared as possible. It might sound archaic but nevertheless, keep a battery-operated radio and several flashlights on hand in case of a power outage. Be sure to stock up on brand new packages of live batteries for the flashlights.
Stash canned foods and other non-perishable food items in your cupboards in case you can’t get out to the supermarket for a while. Stockpile blankets into your closets in case you lose electricity, and your house becomes cold.
When it comes to severe summer storms, be prepared, and have a plan. Talk with household members ahead of time about what to do during severe summer storm emergencies. Always stay informed and know the risks where you live, work, learn and play. When you and your house are prepared, you’re more likely to weather the toughest storm. Taking time now to prepare your home for storm season could save you a lot of money later.
If you are not sure your home is “storm damage ready”, give JG Hause a call for a complimentary roof inspection. We know storm damage as we’ve been around for nearly 40 years. We offer a complimentary roof inspection. You can reach us at 651-439-0189.Check out our website here: https://jgh-construction.com/
