5 Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe from Extreme Weather
Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires can cause significant damage to your home and property. While you can’t control the weather, you can take some steps to protect your home and reduce the risk of costly repairs. Here are five tips for keeping your home safe from extreme weather.
1. Check your roof and gutters regularly. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, wind, hail, and snow. Make sure it is in good condition and free of leaks, cracks, or missing shingles. Clean your gutters and downspouts at least twice a year to prevent clogging and water damage.
2. Install storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. Storm shutters are metal or wooden panels that cover your windows and doors during a storm. They can protect your home from flying debris and strong winds. Impact-resistant windows are specially designed to withstand high pressure and impact without breaking. They can also reduce noise and improve energy efficiency.
3. Trim your trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs can add beauty and shade to your yard, but they can also pose a hazard during a storm. Loose branches can break off and damage your roof, siding, windows, or power lines. Trim your trees and shrubs regularly and remove any dead or diseased limbs.
4. Secure outdoor items and furniture. Outdoor items and furniture can become projectiles during a storm and cause injury or damage to your home or your neighbors’ homes. Before a storm hits, secure or store away any items that are not anchored to the ground, such as patio umbrellas, chairs, tables, grills, toys, bikes, etc.
5. Have an emergency kit and plan ready. No matter how well you prepare your home for extreme weather, you should always have an emergency kit and plan ready in case you need to evacuate or stay indoors for a long time. Your emergency kit should include items such as water, food, flashlight, batteries, radio, first aid kit, medications, etc. Your emergency plan should include information such as where to go, how to contact your family and friends, what to do with your pets, etc.
