Storm Damage Preparedness: Essential Steps to Protect Your Home and Family

Severe weather can strike with little warning, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. From hurricanes and tornadoes to severe thunderstorms and flooding, it’s crucial for homeowners to be prepared to minimize damage and ensure their family's safety. Here are essential steps to prepare your home and loved ones for stormy weather:

Creating a Family Emergency Plan

First and foremost, creating a family emergency plan is crucial. This plan should include details on safe evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and designated meeting points if family members are separated. Ensure every family member knows the plan well and conducts regular drills.

Prepare an emergency kit that includes essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and medications. Also, consider including items specific to your family’s needs, like baby supplies, pet food, and copies of important documents in waterproof containers.

Securing Outdoor Items

Loose outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Secure patio furniture, gardening tools, and any other loose objects in your yard. If time is limited, move smaller items indoors (such as in a garage or shed) and use ground anchors or straps to secure larger objects.

Reinforcing Windows and Doors

To prevent damage and potential injuries, reinforce windows and doors. Consider installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows, especially in areas prone to hurricanes. For a quick fix during sudden storms, boarding up windows with plywood can also help protect against flying debris.

Trimming Trees

Weak limbs and overhanging branches pose a risk to your property and power lines. Regularly trim trees around your home to minimize this risk, focusing on removing any dead or weak branches that could easily break off during a storm.

Checking Your Roof for Vulnerabilities

Inspect your roof regularly to ensure it can withstand severe weather. Replace missing or damaged shingles and ensure that flashings are secure. For those in particularly vulnerable areas, consider a professional assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities. Roo inspections should be completed at least twice a year and after any severe weather event.

During the Storm

When the storm rolls through, stay indoors, away from windows, and monitor updates from local authorities. Ensure that all family members (including pets) are safe and accounted for. If instructed, shut off main power and water valves to prevent electrical hazards and flooding.

After the Storm: Storm Damage Assessment and Post-Storm Home Inspection

Once it's safe, assess your property for damage. Document all damages with photographs and contact your insurance company promptly. Inspect your home for structural damage, water leaks, and check for hazards like downed power lines or broken gas lines.

Learn More

Contact American Way Exteriors today to learn more about how to prepare your home for heavy storms and hurricanes, and what to do if you have any storm damage. As a veteran-owned home improvement company, you can count on us to help reinforce or repair your home before and after stormy weather. We offer a wide array of roofing and siding services for homeowners throughout southwest Ohio.