A Checklist for Making Your Home More Resilient to Storms

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged due to a storm, get in touch with SERVPRO of Paulding/Polk Counties to learn more about our 24/7 restoration service options.

Severe storms are something that we have no control over, but their occurrence is inevitable.
While many of these severe storms will pass without incident, plenty of others will cause serious damages—and this is something that homeowners should be sure they are well aware of. Severe storms typically involve high winds, heavy rains, lightning and sometimes even hail and tornado risks, all of which can cause problems to your home.

Fortunately, there are ways that homeowners can prepare themselves for severe weather and
reduce the damage that a storm could potentially cause their home. While there is no way to
harness Mother Nature, there are ways that homeowners can make their homes more resilient
to the potential for damage.

Home Maintenance Items That Can Prevent Storm Damage

Cleaning out your gutters. Cleaning your gutters regularly is a good household chore for
several reasons, including the fact that it can prevent water damage from occurring in your
home. Clearing gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris can ensure that water can drain
away adequately, which means that if heavy rains do come through the area, your home will be
less likely to incur water damage.

Secure outdoor objects. Smaller outdoor items, such as patio furniture, planters and garden
tools, can easily become projectiles when high winds or tornado conditions come through an
area. It is wise to secure these items ahead of time so you do not run the risk of them crashing
into a window or causing damage to the exterior of your home if they are carried away in a storm.

Be sure you know where your gas, water and electricity shut-offs are. In the event of severe weather conditions, officials may instruct households to shut off their gas, water and/or
electricity mains if it is safe to do so. If you already know where these shut-offs are located, you can better assess if it is safe for you to access them should officials advise you to do so when severe weather strikes.

If your home is damaged due to a storm, you can depend on us. Get in touch at any hour to
report damages or to learn more about our 24/7 restoration service options.