Contrary to popular belief, severe weather does not discriminate, affecting all individuals regardless of their circumstances. The force of nature can have devastating effects on both residential properties and the surrounding landscapes. In fact, according to a report by CoreLogic, extreme weather events have impacted over 14.5 million homes in the United States, leading to an estimated $56.92 billion in property damage.
Examining specific cities reveals region-specific vulnerabilities to severe weather. Take, for instance, Seattle, a seaport city on the West Coast of the United States. Startling statistics indicate that 6,852 properties in Seattle have a more than 26% chance of being adversely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This data underscores the imminent risks homeowners face and highlights the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate potential damage and safeguard these properties from future extreme weather events.
Below, we’ll mention a few ways homeowners can protect their properties from severe weather conditions.
1. Check For Loose Sidings
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Over time, siding can develop splits, looseness, or cracks due to aging or previous wind-related damage. Engaging the services of a professional inspector can provide valuable insights into whether the entire siding requires replacement or if specific sections necessitate attention before the onset of storm season.
If siding replacement is needed, consider hiring a reputable siding installation company in your city. Seattle residents need to be more vigilant when it comes to repairing their houses since the city is vulnerable to flood damage. Entrusting the task to skilled professionals ensures that the replacement process is executed precisely and adheres to industry standards.
So, if you’re a resident of Seattle, consider Seattle siding replacement services and protect your house from weather elements.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
Ensuring the proper sealing of windows and doors is paramount to mitigate the potential ingress of wind and water. Taking proactive measures to prevent their entry through vulnerable points such as windows, cracks, entry doors, and garage doors is crucial. The force of wind penetrating your dwelling can create an upward pressure, posing a significant risk of roof uplift and subsequent interior damage caused by heavy rainfall.
In regions susceptible to hurricanes, the significance of securely sealing windows and doors becomes even more pronounced. Consider acquiring and installing specialized storm shutters to enhance your windows’ protection. These shutters are an effective barrier against the destructive forces associated with severe storms.
3. Prepare Your Roof
Prioritizing roof repair and upkeep is critical since it is an important protective barrier from weather-related damage. Proactively ensuring the structural integrity of your roof is an important step in preparing your house to resist severe storms.
One critical step is to put proper sealing around your vent pipes and chimney. This precaution significantly reduces the chance of water seepage into your living area, protecting the interior from water damage.
It is also critical to clear out blocked gutters and downspouts regularly. Unobstructed gutters and downspouts are critical in permitting adequate water drainage in the case of heavy rainfall preceding a severe storm. If these pathways are impeded, water overflow can occur, leading to potential flooding and structural damage.
4. Trim the Trees
It is imperative to address the presence of large or loose tree branches, as they can pose significant hazards during storms, particularly those characterized by powerful, high-speed winds. Branch snapping can result in detrimental consequences such as damage to your home’s siding, destruction of nearby vehicles and garages, or even the collapse of power lines.
Regular and meticulous inspection of your yard’s trees is recommended, with a frequency of at least monthly. During these inspections, pay close attention to branches exhibiting looseness. It is advisable to remove any such branches to prevent potential damage promptly. Additionally, if you have older trees around your house with characteristics such as bending, crookedness, or exposed roots resulting from past storms or erosion, in that case, it may be prudent to opt for the services of a professional tree removal company to have them safely and entirely removed.
5. Remove Outdoor Gear
Upon receiving information regarding an impending storm, it is imperative to expeditiously secure all unfastened patio or lawn furniture, gardening tools, sporting equipment, and other outdoor items.
The forceful winds accompanying the storm can propel these objects, causing damage to property and posing a significant risk of serious injury to bystanders, even in the case of lightweight items. Promptly stowing away such items mitigates the likelihood of them becoming airborne projectiles, ensuring the safety of both individuals and property during the storm.
6. Have Standby Power
Electricity infrastructure remains susceptible to storm-induced disruptions. Fallen branches can sever power lines, while lightning strikes can result in transformer explosions, leading to significant power outages. To safeguard against these scenarios, consider installing a whole-house surge protective device.
This device, typically priced between $60 to $300, offers comprehensive protection and can be easily installed by a qualified electrician. Furthermore, it is recommended to consider purchasing a house generator during severe weather conditions. This standby power solution guarantees that your home retains an electrical supply during protracted power outages, allowing you to minimize the hassles and possible risks of a prolonged power outage.
7. Create A Storm Safety Plan
To properly respond to a weather disaster, you must have a well-defined plan to safeguard your family’s safety. Designate a safe spot to seek refuge during dangerous circumstances, such as a basement, an inner room with no windows, or a specialized storm shelter. This protected area provides a haven that reduces the dangers of severe weather occurrences.
When your area is forecasted to experience violent weather that can potentially destroy buildings and homes, it is prudent to contemplate complete evacuation. And this should be done until the appropriate authorities issue official clearance to return.
Conclusion
It’s critical to take preventive actions to preserve your property and guarantee your family’s safety during severe weather. By applying the steps mentioned above, you improve your property’s resilience and reduce the possible hazards and losses related to severe weather occurrences. Investing in these preventive steps and readiness guarantees that your house and loved ones are safe, allowing you to navigate weather storms with more security and peace of mind.
