Storms are particularly hazardous, with thunderstorms and lightning being exceptionally dangerous. In these types of weather conditions, there can be unpredictable occurrences like strong winds, hail, tornadoes, and flash floods.
In some areas where the climate is dry, the lightning has the potential for striking the ground resulting in wildfires. A severe thunderstorm, lightning, water damage can happen in the blink of an eye. Storms often only last a matter of a few minutes, but the repercussions can be exceptionally severe.
The ideal scenario is to be prepared for the circumstances, especially if you’re in a region prone to storms, in order to prevent devastation to your property. Still, there is always that moment when you’re caught off guard with your home unprotected, or the storm is of such a caliber your manufactured precautions are overwhelmed by the disaster.
Don’t let that dissuade you from taking the necessary steps to minimize your risk. Let’s look at a few things you can do with that in mind.
Precautions To Take To Prevent Storm Water Damage To Your Property
Whether you live in an area prone to severe storms or a climate with only occasional lightning and thunderstorms, it’s equally important to ensure your home is protected from impending water damages that can result from a downpour of rain that accompanies many of these episodes.
Ideally, prevention is the key to making sure that you make alterations around the property to minimize the need for costly repairs after a weather occurrence. Taking precautions can sometimes be all it takes to stand between ultimate devastation and the potential for no damage at all.
Let’s look at a few tips for preparing your home for imminent lightning, thunder, or heavier sorts of storms.
Start with the landscape
The roof is the primary component of the home. Keeping it protected in a storm is vital. One essential step in doing that is ensuring that all landscaping is trimmed at least six feet away from the structure to keep any branches from rubbing shingles in cases of high wind.
Always stay on top of pruning away the deadwood so fewer pieces of debris fly around in the middle of a storm. There should be no loose objects lying free in the garden that can potentially go airborne in the midst of strong winds.
These can break windows or do damage to neighboring homes. Make sure any lawn ornaments are stored away and secure furniture if you’re unable to store it.
Move onto the gutters
The gutter system is designed to maneuver water away from the roof, sending it to another more desirable location.
On the other hand, clogged gutters will cause a backup of water flowing into the household, essentially guaranteeing damages to the interior. Learn how to clean up water damage at https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Up-Water-Damage/.
Of course, the upper-level gutters need to be regularly maintained so there are no clogs and this damage doesn’t occur. But another suggestion is to have “gutter extenders” on the lower level, which help protect the structure’s basement.
These are easy solutions that will keep even a simple storm from creating a mound of problems for a typical household.
Pay attention to the utilities
No one wants their utilities to go out when there’s a storm. In fact, people dread those things happening, especially with the water, cable, power, and phone system.
In an effort to prepare against interruptions, pay attention to the lines near your home to see if they’re free of tree branches or shrubbery that could fall and damage the lines when there’s heavy snow or gusts of wind.
It’s wise for each home to have a backup generator to take over if the electricity goes out, especially when the temperatures are extreme. In order to protect against lightning, the suggestion is to use surge protectors, particularly with electronic equipment that might be ultra-sensitive and your appliances.
The cable, satellite, power lines, and phone systems should all be protected using surge protectors. These have the potential to protect homes against electrical fires. Go here for guidance on lightning safety.
Look at your sealants
You might be surprised that leaking sealant is genuinely a primary cause of water coming into the home during heavy storms creating subsequent damages. It’s critical to go throughout the property looking at skylights, the chimneys, any roofing penetrations that might have decaying sealants and ensure that these be repaired.
It’s not only these sorts of areas that are the problem. Homeowners need to look at doors, windows, and the siding on the home’s exterior. You can use tar, caulk, or put silicone to use to avoid the potential of stormwater entering your property.
Does your sump pump work
Unfortunately, homeowners often neglect their sump pumps to the point of not knowing for sure if it’s functional. It’s vital to every now and again check the float to make sure the system runs adequately.
It would also help to ensure the battery is in good working order and the backup operates for security. If you aren’t sure what would warrant a properly functioning sump pump, contact a well-qualified plumbing service to have a professional come and do an inspection of the system.
The suggestion is to make sure to do that periodically to save a few headaches during storm season.
Final Thought
Safety is your first priority if you find yourself caught off guard by a storm with resultant water damage. A flood will require you to contact the power and perhaps gas, if that’s applicable, to have these services turned off until it’s safe to go back into the home.
Emergency personnel will let you know when that is. Instead of attempting to do damage cleanup in a DIY capacity, it’s wise to reach out to a restoration service with knowledge, experience, and tools to handle the contaminated space.
These professionals will have you back into a house that looks like your home simply and quickly.
