The US has certainly seen some dramatic weather changes over the last few years, causing many individuals to be concerned not only for their welfare but also their homes. From snow, wildfires, and tornados, you never know what to expect. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the steps you should take in order to protect your home from storms. Sound interesting? Then keep on reading!
Sort out the paperwork
The very step of protecting your home is to make sure you are covered by home insurance. This way, if something does get damaged, you can apply for a claim. However, it’s important that you read things carefully and do your research when it comes to choosing a plan. Not all of them cover damage by storms, and some might only pay back a certain percentage. If you are having trouble with your insurance claims, contacting a Public Adjuster can help.
Get an inspection of the property
If you have purchased a new home or have lived at the one residence for a while, getting and house inspection is a great choice. These trained professionals can do a full sweep of the place and determine if there is any structural damage or exterior repairs that need fixing. From identifying mold pests, decay, and wear and tear, they can find everything.
Fix small repairs as they arise
Sometimes, small issues arise, and you might put them on your “to-do list” that never really gets done. However, if you live in a hurricane-prone area, you want to get ready for severe weather conditions, rather than leaving things to the last minute. Fix that cracked window or brick, replace the garage door lock, and cover-up that hole in the plaster. If a storm does strike, you’ll be grateful for it, as sometimes the smallest things can lead to much bigger damage.
Observe and maintain your garden area
Your garden is just as important as your house itself, and it’s important that you maintain it. An unkempt garden can pose a major risk, as falling trees and debris can greatly damage your home. Make sure you trim the trees, hedges, and get rid of any rubbish regularly. If you need help, take a look at these gardening tips to help you keep everything in tip-top shape. You don’t have to have a green thumb!
Call in the professionals if you suspect a problem
While there are some small repairs that you can fix yourself, other things require the assistance of a professional. Anything to do with electrics or plumbing both after and before a storm should be handled by the appropriately trained individuals. The last thing you want is to end up making the issue worse or harming yourself in the process.
Replace and update equipment as needed
Every once in a while, you may notice that certain things around your home may need replacing. It could be your generator, radio, or even something as simple as your lightbulbs. By updating these things straight away, you can ensure you are prepared for any emergency, as you won’t be leaving things till the last minute. Another good idea is to make sure you keep any dangerous chemicals or hazardous equipment locked up tight on a high shelf. If these mix into any floodwaters, the result can be very dangerous.
Create a safety plan
Once you’ve taken care of all the above steps, the last thing you’ll want to do is to create a safety plan for you and your family. Depending on the circumstances, you might be either asked to stay or vacate the property. By informing everyone of what needs to be done in case of an emergency, you can ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Have an evacuation route in mind, keep a document file with all of your important papers handy, and remember to keep your vehicles fully fueled.
You also might want to do some research on how to survive a hurricane, or what to do if a tornado strikes. Also, keeping a few non-perishable goods in the pantry might be a good idea! Just in case the power goes out.
By following these steps above, you can ensure that your home is as structurally safe as possible so that you can get through any storm.
Just remember to listen to instructions, do your research, and make sure you put your life before any of the items inside your home. They can be replaced; your life cannot!
