Dealing with natural calamities is an important and necessary part of owning a house. Regardless of the type, size, and style of your home, it will always be subject to the elements.
More than being able to bounce back from any damage or harm caused by an extreme weather event, it’s better to be prepared. Here are seven ways to stay safe inside your home in case a tornado or a hurricane hits your location:
Prepare a safe room
Your personal safety should always be the primary concern in the event of an extreme weather event. This is why it is essential to identify a safe place inside your home where you and your family can take refuge.
Keep this room clear of unnecessary furniture and items that can block paths or tip over and cause injury. Store emergency supplies here, such as a first aid kit, flashlights or rechargeable lamps, and food and water.
Invest in high-quality storm shutters and/or impact-resistant windows
If you know that your location is vulnerable to extreme weather, protect your windows from strong winds and flying debris. Spending extra on specialized hurricane shutters or extra-thick or reinforced window panes are a smarter use of your money than shelling out for repairs and replacements.
Reinforce doors, walls, and roofing
In addition to your windows, the entire exterior of your home needs particular attention to ensure effective protection from harsh winds and the debris they carry.
Install heavy-duty deadbolt locks and hinges on all your doors. Check your wall panels and roof shingles regularly to see if any repairs or reinforcements are needed. Pay close attention to your garage doors, too. If compromised, these can become the largest openings of your home, leading to massive damage to your cars and other possessions you store in the garage.
Trim your trees and shrubbery
Check if any plants in your lawn can potentially cause damage to nearby windows and walls. Trim back branches that may already be touching the house. Be wary of large trees that are planted too close to your house that they can cause serious damage in case they get uprooted.
Keep outdoor equipment in locked storage
Make sure that you do not leave any equipment lying around on your yard if a hurricane or tornado is reported in your area. Grills, lawnmowers, bicycles, and lawn furniture can be dangerous flying debris in the event of a tornado. If possible, build a strong, locked outdoor storage den ahead of time. Otherwise, take time to bring these items inside before conditions outside get worse.
Repair or fill cracks in the home’s exterior surfaces and pavement
Resulting water seepage can cause massive, long-term damage to your property before you even realize what is happening. Prevent these by repairing any holes and cracks you find outside your house – from the walls to your driveways.
Get the right insurance policy
Some of the best protections you can use for your house are sheets of paper – that is, your property’s insurance coverage and warranty. Make sure that these essential documents are up to date and that their coverage terms include damage caused by tornadoes or hurricanes.
Protecting these important documents should also rank high on your priority list. Investing in a sturdy safe will go a long way to make sure you keep all relevant paperwork for your property safe through any calamity.
For more expert advice about living in the Greater Houston area, reach out to the Hunter Real Estate Group. Call 713.572.0824 or email trace(at)hunterrealestategroup(dotted)com for any inquiries.
