Hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms and floods. There are several types of severe weather events that can adversely affect your home and vehicle ━ and as a result cause significant damage. Fortunately, by being prepared for disasters, you can safeguard your property and be ready to ride out the storm safely.
Your roof is one of the most vulnerable parts of your house during any type of high wind. If it gets damaged, the interior of your home is at risk. To protect it should you know ahead of a storm coming, have a professional contractor strap a roof cover ━ preferably rated for high winds ━ to your home.
Another option is to have a contractor buckle your home to its foundation. This ensures the structure no longer relies solely on gravity to stay in place and offers enhanced stability during tornadoes and hurricanes.
Your windows are also vulnerable to flying debris and large hail ━ plus, they can be ripped out by strong gusts of wind. Install removable storm shutters that provide extra protection during severe weather.
If a flood is forecast, you need to ensure water stays away from your home. It is recommended to place sandbags in staggered layers around the structure to prevent water from seeping through to the walls, basement and foundation.
To prevent heavy rains from causing water damage, clean out your gutters and downspouts before the bad weather starts. In addition, make sure they're all in good shape so they won't leak.
Finally, bring any garden furniture or other unattached items inside. That way, they can't become airborne and damage your home.
The best way to protect your vehicle during severe weather is to park it inside your garage or under your carport if you have one. If neither of those options are available, a car cover can also offer some protection from flying debris.
If you have to drive, make sure you have tires with a good tread. In winter weather, it's advisable to invest in winter tires and snow chains, according to Ready.gov.
You should also have your mechanic do a full checkup of your vehicle, paying attention to the thermostat, battery and ignition system, fluid levels, lights, windshield wipers, brakes, heater and defroster, and fuel and air filters. And of course, you should make sure that you have a full tank of gas ━ or if you have an electric vehicle, a fully charged battery ━ so you'll have reliable transportation in the event of an evacuation.
In addition to preparing your home and vehicle for severe weather events, make sure that you have sufficient insurance coverage. For more information, use this handy tool to find an independent insurance agent in your area.
