How to Prepare for Supercell Storm Damage
Some of us enjoy storm-watching as the clouds can form into very interesting shapes of different colors while creating strong, frequent bolts of lightning. But it can also be nerve-wracking to watch it creep closer to your property.
As we approach storm season, many areas are at risk for heavy storm damage; however, the destruction caused by severe thunderstorms, sometimes occurring in the form of supercells, can be detrimental.
Associated with hail, tornadoes, and water damage, supercells can be one of the most dangerous types of storms. But thankfully, there are ways to prepare for supercell storm damage when it comes to keeping you and your property safe. Check out these tips when preparing for this massive storm:
Preventing Hail Damage
- Keep the trees trimmed. Because hail can break the branches, they can cause additional damage to a property, such as breaking windows, denting property structure, and damaging your car. However, you can prevent thousands of dollars in repair costs by keeping the trees trimmed that are within 30 feet of your house.
- Inspect the roof. An old, weak roof will be most prone to damage when large blocks of ice are blown into the structure. Ensure that it is in good condition and be sure to repair any leaks before the storm to prevent water damage.
- Protect your assets. Make sure that all valuable assets, including cars, RVs, motorcycles, tractors, boats, etc. are properly covered. Storing them in a shed or garage would be the safest places for them. In addition, store away any large objects, such as patio furniture, garbage cans, and grills so they are not damaged or blown into your property.
- Close all windows and curtains. Even if glass has been broken, your windows and curtains will prevent any broken glass from blowing inside. But if your window has been broken, be sure to take cover right away.
Prepare for Tornadoes
- Listen to the news. Any approaching storms or a severe tornado watch in your area will provide additional time when preparing for these natural disasters. Usually you will hear these on the radio, TV, or your smart phone.
- Identify and take cover in the safest area of your home. For homes with basements, this is the safest area to go – one that is away from windows. If there is any other underground area, this is the next safest place to take cover. For those without basements or cellars, a windowless bathroom or closet would be the next safest place. The key is to put as many walls and doors between you and the storm as possible.
- Develop an emergency action plan for your family. If you are not at home with your children, it is crucial for them to be aware of the emergency plan for tornadoes. Identify the safest areas of the house and any emergency items they need to bring with them, including: first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, and snacks.
Preventing Water Damage
As these gigantic storms are associated with a significant amount of rain, being prepared can save both money and time in repairs afterwards. While many property owners will simply stay inside, wait for the storm to pass, and hire a water mitigation company if a flood has occurred, there are multiple steps that can be taken to limit a large amount of water damage within your property.
- Clean all gutters and storm drains. If there are any leaves or debris that are blocking the flow of water away from your home or building, be sure to remove them as soon as possible. This will prevent the water from overflowing and seeping into your foundation.
- Make sure all phones are fully charged. As the power can go out at any time, it is important to have a full battery in case of an emergency situation. In addition, make sure to have additional batteries stored for any radios and flashlights.
- Strategically plant large vegetation. Trees and large bushes will act as sponges with heavy rain and flooding. They may not be able to prevent it altogether, however, they can soak up a large portion of the water before it seeps into your home or building.
- Ensure your sump pump works properly. Testing your sump pump frequently can save a huge headache when it works properly.
Storm Damage Restoration
While there are a number of steps that can be taken to limit the damage caused by a supercell storm, they are extremely powerful as they have the ability to lift an entire property from its foundation.
Depending on the intensity of the storm and where the property is located, some forms of damage cannot be avoided. When this happens, it is extremely important to call for emergency storm damage restoration services as soon as possible.
RestorationMaster is one of the most trusted providers of storm damage cleanup and water damage restoration as the technicians will arrive within 2 hours of the first call to repair the property. Finally, when it comes to rebuilding and restoring your property, you can count on RestorationMaster to be there during times of an emergency.
About Vince Sandri
Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.
