4 Tips on Managing Weather-Related Emergencies in Your Home

The rainy season brings welcome rainfall to help grow crops, prevent droughts, replenish the water supply, and more. However, with it can come severe weather. Storms and severe weather can happen anywhere, and when there is the potential for severe weather to occur, it’s crucial to know how to keep the home secure and the family safe.

There are four main tips that can help you prepare for the weather so you’re able to handle anything that might occur.

Make Sure the House is in Great Condition Before Storms

It is always recommended to do necessary repairs before the stormy season. This helps to ensure the home will not be damaged during the ensuing storms and can prevent damage inside the home when it’s raining or worse. Some of the things to check include the following.

• Look for Potential Leaks Around Windows and Doors – Make sure the doors and windows are not going to leak if there is heavy rain. Check for water damage around the doors and windows or look for soft spots in the wood that could indicate a leak and have them repaired.
• Check the Roof to Ensure It’s in Good Shape – If there are any leaks, you may need roof repairs to keep the damage from getting worse. Take the time to have repairs done before the storm season to prevent damage to the roof and inside the home.
• Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the house to make sure they work. If any are expired or do not work when tested, it’s time to replace them.
• Check Windows and Doors to Make Sure They’re Secure – Check to make sure the windows and doors lock securely so they will be less likely to be damaged during a storm. If they are loose or they are not able to be locked, have them repaired.

Keep Up With Yard Work to Prevent Potential Damage

It is crucial to make sure the yard is in good shape. Yard work helps to prevent potential damage to the home during high winds. A few of the things that should be checked in the yard include the following.

• Trim Trees and Remove Dead or Dying Branches – Have an expert trim the trees in the yard to remove any branches that could easily fall if there are high winds or rain. This helps protect the home from flying debris in a storm.
• Check Fences and Gates for Damage – Make sure the fence is in good condition and secure to prevent it from blowing over in a storm. Also, check the gate and locks to make sure it’s not going to blow open in a storm, as that can lead to damage to the gate or fence.
• Clean Out the Gutters – Gutters are designed to move water away from the home. If they’re blocked or damaged, the water won’t flow properly and can build up against the home, leading to extensive damage. Clean the gutters before the rainy season and check them periodically to make sure they’re still working properly.
• Fix Areas that Puddle in the Rain – If there are areas in the yard that tend to puddle, look into having the yard graded. This will help ensure the water runs off where it should during a storm so that it helps to reduce the potential for water-related damage to the home.
• Secure Smaller Trees with Stakes – If there are smaller or new trees in the yard, it can be beneficial to secure them to stakes so they don’t fall during the storm. This can help prevent them from being damaged by the wind.

Clean Up Outside Before Storms

Along with keeping up with the yard work, it is important to prepare the yard outside before a major storm. If there will be high winds or a significant amount of rain, it’s a good idea to do all of the following before the storm begins.

• Clean Up Yard Debris – Clean up all debris from the yard, including sticks or loose rocks. This will help ensure they don’t fly through the air if there are high winds.
• Bring in Hanging Planters – Hanging planters can fall, breaking, during high winds, so bring the plants inside or place them on the ground on a covered porch.
• Bring in Toys and Loose Objects – All toys or other loose objects like trash cans should be brought into the garage or home. This helps to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the wind.
• Anchor Outdoor Structures – Outdoor structures should be properly anchored. Anchors can prevent the structures from falling in severe weather.
• Secure or Move All Furniture – Outdoor furniture should be brought inside or secured to prevent it from flying around if the wind is high enough.

Have Emergency Supplies On Hand in Case of Severe Weather

Before storm season, check emergency supplies to make sure you have everything that might be necessary. It is a good idea to have a container that can be kept in a central location in case the power goes out so it’s easy to find in an emergency. Include the following.

• First Aid Kit – Keep all basic first-aid essentials on hand in case of an injury.
• Easily Accessible Documents – Have important documents in an easily accessible location in case of an evacuation.
• Medications for Family – Make sure medications are easily accessible in case they’re needed or it’s necessary to evacuate.
• Pet Supplies – Keep leashes, kennels, food, and other supplies in a secure location in case you need to leave.
• Extra Water – Make sure there is plenty of extra water for everyone in the household.
• Food – Store non-perishable food to ensure there is plenty to eat if the power is out for an extended period.
• Lamps or Flashlights – Check the batteries and have lamps or flashlights in a handy location in case the power goes out.

With the stormy season approaching, it’s important to make sure the home is prepared. Use the four tips here to make sure everything in your home is ready in case there is severe weather in your area.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)