The spring season has barely arrived and already many areas of the U.S. have been dealing with extreme weather.  The northeast has endured several nor’easters, the southeast has experienced several tornadoes, and the Midwest and mountain areas are getting a mix of thunderstorms, cold weather, and late season snow.  No matter where you live in the U.S., the chance of experiencing a major storm such as a tornado or thunderstorm increases in the spring.

When the spring arrives, homeowners generally take the opportunity to clean their homes and begin yardwork to improve the appearance of their property.  While these things are important to do in the spring, it is also crucial that you prepare your home to handle storms and the unpredictable spring weather.  If your home is not adequately prepared to withstand the effects of summer and spring storms, it could sustain minor damage or leaks from thunderstorms, hail, and other types of severe weather.  This type of damage almost always leads to more extensive damage that will be costlier to repair.

The following tips will help you protect your home against storm damage and stay safe during a severe storm.

Storm Preparation

A storm can descend on an area rather quickly which makes it wise to always have your home prepared for the possibility of a storm.  Make sure you complete the following for effective storm preparation.

• Inspect siding and roof: The siding and roof are your first line of defense against wind, rain, and hail. You must carefully check the siding and roof of your home for any potential damage and have the damage repaired.  Any damage to your siding or roof makes your home vulnerable to leaks and water damage.  It is usually safer and more effective to hire a professional to inspect your roof.
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  Strong wind can blow over trees, causing serious damage.

  Check the roof for leaks: Roof leaks can cause significant property damage over time by allowing water to slowly enter your home and get absorbed in the surrounding building materials. If your roof is leaking, more water will enter your home every time it rains.  You can check your attic for signs of a roof leak.  You should have a professional get on the roof to check for leaks.

• Check and clean your gutters: It is very important for your gutters to be clean and secure so that rain water will be able to properly drain from your roof. Clear your gutters and downspouts completely of any debris to prevent overflows that can damage your siding and your foundation.  Ensuring that the gutters are secured to your home will help prevent property damage in strong winds.
• Check for drafty windows and doors: If you have drafty windows or doors, they will provide less protection during storms and lower the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling. Signs of a drafty window or door include condensation, cracked or broken glass, worn out weather stripping, and cool breezes.  You should consider replacing any window or door that shows these signs.
• Have an emergency kit ready: The effects of a severe storm are unpredictable, so it is wise to be prepared for power outages, evacuations, and other such scenarios. Put together an emergency kit that includes supplies you will need in case there is a power outage or you are forced to evacuate.  This kit should include flashlights and batteries, first aid supplies, backup cell phone chargers, and non-perishable food items.  Keep your emergency kit somewhere convenient so you can grab it quickly.
• Protect against wind damage: Strong winds can cause very serious damage, especially when it is blowing around large debris. You must do the following to protect your home against wind damage:
  • Remove loose or dead branches from leaves and shrubs.
  • Repair or secure any damaged or loose parts of your roof and siding.
  • Use mulch for your landscaping instead of rocks or gravel.
  • Secure or bring in furniture, trash cans, and other outside items that can be blown around by the wind.
• Maintain or install sump pump: Sump pumps can effectively keep excess water out of your home. If your home has a sump pump, make sure it is functioning properly and call a professional if there is an issue you can’t fix.  If you do not have a sump pump, consider installing one to prevent in home flooding.
• Consider flood insurance: Homeowner’s insurance does not usually cover flood damage. If you live somewhere that is especially prone to flooding, you should consider buying flood insurance so that any flood damage your property sustains is covered.

How to Stay Safe During a Storm

Following the tips discussed above will give your home the best chance of enduring a storm without sustaining damage.  However, once a storm hits, there is very little you can do to protect your home, but you can protect yourself and your family.  The following tips will help you stay safe during a severe storm:

• Get weather updates from TV, the radio, or weather apps.
• Get to the lowest level of your home and close blinds and curtains to contain the glass in case the windows break.
• Avoid using electronics and unplug electrical equipment to avoid damage from a power surge.
• Be ready to shut off the gas, electricity, and water in your home if necessary.
• Keep listening for info and warnings about the storm and be ready to evacuate in case the storm gets that bad.

Storm Damage Restoration

After a severe storm has passed, you must check your property for damage.  Storm damage may vary widely depending on the storm and your level of preparation, but there is a chance that your property can sustain significant damage in any type of storm.  As soon as you find storm damage on your property, you must call a storm damage restoration specialist immediately to secure your home and repair the damage.  Any hesitation to repair the damage will only leave your home vulnerable to further issues that will cost you even more money to repair.  By preparing your home before a storm hits, you can rest easy knowing your home is ready for a storm and enjoy the warm spring weather.

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.