Tropical storms can really damage your home if you are not prepared. A broken window can allow in rain that can damage everything in sight. A tree that falls on your home can cause even more damage when a storm backs it up. If you want to live in a storm-prone area, you need to take steps to protect your home from damage.
Trim Your Trees
Trees can cause a lot of damage when branches fall on your home and vehicles. A lot of this damage can be stopped by taking proper care of your trees in the first place. Invest in pruning your trees and removing branches that are growing over your roof and getting rid of branches that are damaged. A tree that is well taken care of is less likely to drop damaging branches during a storm.
Protect Your Windows
When you know a major tropical storm is expected to land near your home, be sure to protect your windows. One of the best ways to protect your windows is to have impact-resistant windows installed on your home or to add storm shutters. Impact-resistant windows are designed to be able to withstand objects hitting your home with great force. This isn't an upgrade you can make when a storm is on the way; instead, this is an upgrade you need to make far in advance of the storm season. Upgrading to impact-resistant windows can save you from having to hammer plywood into your home every time a storm is approaching.
If that doesn't work, you can use plywood to cover up your windows. When your windows are broken during a strong tropical storm, that allows water to easily get into your home and cause serious water damage to your home. Protecting your windows is one of the best ways to protect your home from water damage.
Secure Outside Items
If you have lawn equipment, barbeques, toys, or other outside items, don't just leave them lying around. Outside items can easily turn into projectiles which can damage your home during a serious tropical storm. Instead, put those items inside of your garage or shed. Putting away outside items will help keep the outside of your home safer. Remember to also unhook water hoses. If high winds hit your area and the water hose gets picked up in the wind, your plumbing pipes could get torn out of the ground, causing significant water damage.
Unplug Your Appliances
Unplug your appliances as well as your electronics, such as your computer and television before the storm gets to your area. This will help protect your appliances and electronics, both expensive items, from damaging power surges that can be delivered through the power lines during a storm. Charge your phones before the storm, and if you need entertainment, use a laptop or tablet instead.
If your home is damaged due to a strong storm, call a restoration company to help you get your home back in order. They can help deal with water-related storm damage and can help patch up other damage to your home as well.
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