Even though most of us consider summer to be pleasant weather, summer can also bring harsh weather and storms. Storms can occur suddenly without any signs and can have devastating results. More than 3000 storms hit the United States every year.
Even though all storms are not as severe as hurricanes and tornadoes, they can still cause costly damages to properties. If you live in areas that are prone to storms, hails, or extreme cold, it is wise to prepare yourself and your home for the worst weather. Here are a few tips that can help you to get ready when you are living in harsh weather conditions.
Preserving Your Roof
Your roof is what stands between you and nature’s devastating effects. If your roof collapses or breaks down, you, your family, and your belongings will be exposed to injury and damage. Even leaks in the roof can let the water in and cause water damage. That is why it is important to take regular inspections of your roof to check for weak spots and damages.
Repairing and reinforcing the roof should be a priority when you buy a house in a storm-prone area. For example, in a city like Denver, Colorado, hail storms wreak havoc on thousands of homes every year, so finding a company you trust for Denver roof repair services should be done as soon as you buy your home – before the first storm hits!
Protect the Pipes
Protection of pipes is important if you live in an area with freezing winters. Frozen water inside the pipes can crack or explode the pipes, which is why it is advisable to leave the taps dripping in cold weather. You can also drain the remaining water from outdoor pipes and sprinklers.
In case of storms and hails you should ensure that your gutters and drain pipes are free from dried leaves and debris. Blockages in drain pipes can cause problems in drainage of water from the roof and can lead to leaks inside your house and water damage.
Store Outdoor Equipment
Properly store all your outdoor equipment inside your basement, garage, or toolshed. Equipment such as lawnmowers, trimmers, chippers, and other gardening equipment can get damaged by a storm, or they can blow around and cause damage in case of high winds or tornadoes. Make sure that any gas-powered equipment is empty of any fuel. But remember not to empty the boiler or furnace of the heating oil. For more information on heating oil storage for winters you can visit Romeo’s Fuel’s blog and find all the answers.
Outdoor furniture, trampolines, swings, slides, and any other types of outdoor items should be secured, or they may cause damage to property. These are important things to take care of if you are living in harsh weather conditions and decide to go away on holiday.
Trim the Trees
You may need to apply to the local council to get permission to trim down the trees located outside the premises of your house. It is advisable to consult an arborist or tree surgeon to inspect and guide you in case a tree needs heavy trimming.
Trees get uprooted by storms due to root damage, therefore be careful when you carry out any excavation around large trees. If you live in a storm-prone area, consider the proximity of large trees around a house before you buy it. In case you plant trees around your house, estimate the mature size of the tree, and select the location accordingly.
Check Your Doors and Windows
Regular inspection and maintenance of doors and windows is a good practice for you if you live in areas prone to harsh weather conditions. Apply caulk around your windows and weather strips around your doors as required. These simple steps can prevent water seepage and heat loss.
In case your windows and doors are old, they can prove to be ineffective in harsh weather. You should change your doors and windows for better insulation against the weather. If you live in a flood-prone area, you should consider installing a flood-proof garage door to save your house from flood damages.
Stock up Essentials
Power outages and blocked roads often follow big storms. If you want to ensure that you and your family stay protected in a storm, you should have a few essentials stocked up. Apart from a medical kit, enough food, and drinking water, you should also keep a few more things that you can need in an emergency.
A fire extinguisher can save you in case there is an electrical fire caused by a short circuit. An alternative source of electricity and heat is also important to keep at hand. You should also keep an emergency kit in your car.
A storm of any kind whether it is a hailstorm, snowstorm, hurricane, or tornado can be generous and devastating. Preparing yourself and your home when living in harsh weather can save you and your family members from a lot of harm and hassle. Be prepared and stay safe.
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