With Summer fast approaching, storm season is upon us. The occasional rain is good for the plants and to help keep the heat down, but showers can also bring strong winds, damaging hail, and in the extreme sense, tornadoes. Although we cannot stop these things from raining on our parade, there are some precautions we can take to lessen their blow:
OUTSIDE SURROUNDINGS
- Secure any parts of a fence that appear weakened or loose.
- Trim trees and shrubbery away from structures and remove any weakened sections of trees that might easily break off and fall onto structures.
- Move lawn furniture, toys, potted plants, garden tools and other yard objects inside; anchor heavier yard objects deep into the ground.
WINDOWS AND DOORS
- If you have shutters, closely monitor local weather conditions and make sure you have enough time to deploy them before the storm is expected to hit your area.
- Check doors, windows, and walls for openings where water can get in; use silicone caulk to seal any cracks, gaps, or holes – especially around openings where cables and pipes enter the house.
WATER DAMAGE REDUCTION
- Place all appliances that are on the ground floor, including stoves, washers and dryers on masonry blocks or concrete.
- Move furniture and electronic devices off the floor, particularly in basements and first floor levels.
- Roll up area rugs, and get them off the floor to reduce the chances they will become wet and grow mold or mildew. This is particularly important if the property will be left unattended for an extended period of time and if long-term power outages are a possibility.
- Put fresh batteries in sump pumps.
- Shut off electrical service at the main breaker if the electrical system and outlets could possibly be under water.
With the clouds rolling in and the wind picking up, the perfect time to start making your home as severe-weather-safe as possible, is right now.
-PKA
Phil Kohler Agency 