With climate change fueling fiercer storms, flooding, fires and other extremes, home damage risks escalate requiring proactive protections. While total disaster-proofing proves impossible, numerous prevention measures bolster defense against weather wielding destruction. Beyond avoiding financial pitfalls from repairs or rebuild costs, resilience planning also shelters family safety when environmental conditions turn threatening. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips on how to protect your house from extreme weather damage, ensuring the safety of your family and property.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Your roof is the first line of defence against extreme weather elements such as heavy rain, strong winds, and hail. Regularly inspect your roof, including roof vents, for signs of damage, such as missing or loose shingles, cracks, or leaks. Repair any issues promptly to prevent water infiltration and structural damage during storms.
Trim Trees and Shrubs
Overhanging branches and dense foliage can pose a risk to your house during storms, especially if they’re close to your roof or windows. Trim trees and shrubs regularly to remove dead or overhanging branches that could potentially fall and cause damage during high winds. This simple preventive measure can help reduce the risk of property damage and injury.
Secure Outdoor Furniture and Decor
Strong winds can turn outdoor furniture and decor into projectiles, causing damage to your house and neighbouring properties. Secure outdoor furniture, umbrellas, and decorative items during severe weather events or store them indoors to prevent them from being blown away or causing damage.
Install Storm Shutters or Impact-Resistant Windows
Protect your windows from flying debris and high winds by installing storm shutters or impact-resistant windows. These measures can help prevent broken windows and water infiltration during hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorms, reducing the risk of property damage and personal injury.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Inspect the exterior of your house for gaps, cracks, or openings where water, wind, or pests could enter. Seal any gaps around windows, doors, vents, and utility penetrations with weatherstripping, caulking, or foam sealant to improve energy efficiency and protect your home from extreme weather elements.
Invest in a Sump Pump
If your house is prone to flooding, consider installing a sump pump in the basement or crawlspace to remove excess water and prevent water damage during heavy rain or flooding events. Make sure your sump pump is properly maintained and equipped with a battery backup system to ensure it continues to function during power outages.
Elevate Electrical Systems
Electrical systems, such as outlets, switches, and circuit breakers, should be elevated above potential flood levels to prevent water damage and electrical hazards during flooding events. Consider hiring a qualified electrician to assess and elevate your electrical systems if you live in a flood-prone area.
Protect Your HVAC System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can be vulnerable to extreme weather damage, especially during hurricanes, floods, or winter storms. Protect your HVAC unit by elevating it above potential flood levels, securing it with hurricane straps or anchors, and covering it with a waterproof tarp during severe weather events.
Have an Emergency Plan
Prepare an emergency plan for your family in case of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe storms. Identify safe areas within your house, stock up on emergency supplies, and establish communication methods in case of power outages or evacuation orders. Practice your emergency plan regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency situation.
Stay Informed
Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings issued by local authorities to anticipate extreme weather events and take appropriate precautions. Sign up for weather alerts on your mobile phone, listen to weather updates on the radio, and follow local news channels for the latest information on severe weather conditions in your area.
In conclusion, reducing home weather threats relies on awareness of specific climate risks alongside layered protective measures tailored to likely exposures.
You can visit London Fever for more information on these topics. Balancing preparedness costs against probability while confirming adequate insurance coverage allows for the development of customised plans. Set a resilience roadmap addressing past damages avoided, remaining vulnerabilities persisting and reasonable steps bridging the difference until the next storm.