Are you dreading the thought of another stormy season? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. While there’s no guarantee that every storm will be a doozy, it’s always better to stay prepared. Believe it or not, there is more than one type of storm. Knowing how to prepare for them can help you save money and avoid disaster. It is best to distinguish between the various types of storms and how best to prepare for each one. Follow these helpful tips on what you should do before a storm arrives so that your home is ready when bad weather hits.
Types of Storms
There are several kinds of storms. Familiarizing yourself with them will help you take the necessary precautions.
Tornado: A tornado is a column of air that violently rotates from the base of a thunderstorm to the earth’s surface. It may be pretty hazardous and devastating.
Tropical Storm: A tropical storm is a low-pressure system that forms over the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian Ocean tropics. It has a low-pressure center and spiral rainbands that produce strong winds over tropical regions.
Blizzards: A blizzard is a severe snowstorm that includes the wind chill factor, resulting in frostbite and hypothermia.
Hurricanes: Hurricanes are giant tropical storms that develop over warm ocean waters and have central winds of 74 miles per hour or higher, which can cause widespread damage.
Each type of storm has its characteristics, but all of them can cause property damage and can leave you without electricity, water, or phone service for days. That’s why it’s crucial to prepare in advance and line up with professionals like a Water Damage Advisory and your insurance company for storm restoration services and financial assistance, respectively. It is safe to collect the phone numbers of your friends, family, and neighbors just in case of emergencies.
Storm Insurance:
If you reside in a hurricane-prone region, it’s critical to be aware of any insurance options so that if your house suffers significant damage, you’ll at least be able to survive (if there is no coverage, declare bankruptcy) financially.
Prepare in Advance:
Don’t wait until a storm warning is issued since it may be too late to take certain precautions. Prepare before the season to save money on damages and reduce stress during storm emergencies.
Be Ready With an Evacuation Plan
Although most authorities inform the residents living closer to coasts to evacuate right after a storm’s warning is issued, it is always safer and wiser to have an evacuation plan in place in advance. It will help you locate the shelters, access routes and prepare a list of essentials.
The Essentials That Might Come in Handy
Right after a storm warning is issued, people rush to stores to get their hands on all the important non-perishable items. To stay ahead of time, it is a good idea to keep the following available to you:
- A few extra batteries
- Match Sticks (wrap them well to keep them dry)
- Candles and fueled lamps
- Prescription drugs
- Filled water bottles that will at least last three days
- Ready-to-eat food items (like biscuits, crisps, tin food, energy bars)
- First-aid supplies
- Carry emergency tools like a wrench, plywood, plastic sheets, a hammer, a flashlight, etc.
With these things in hand, it’ll be a smoother evacuation. At least you will have something to replenish your energy when required.
Protect Your Home:
When the storm winds blow, they turn landscapes upside down. Broken tree branches and roof-top shutters may pose a threat to your property. There are high chances these will break your windows and pave the way for the rain to flow in. You must take measures to prepare your home for the stormy season ahead.
Storm-proofing your house is an expensive process, but for the sake of safety, you can do it in little steps:
- Check your doors and ensure they are sturdy enough with functional hinges and deadbolts to withstand wind pressure and impact.
- Storm-proof the old and rusty garage door or replace it with a new one to keep your roofing safe.
- Use a light-weighted and less harmful material like shredded bark, instead of gravel, for your landscaping.
- If there are any weak branches on the trees, trim them before they damage your windows.
- Install storm shutters to safeguard your windows from shattering. Covering windows with plywood panels will create a second line of defense against the rain.
- Search and seal all the gaps in the walls.
Taking storm warnings seriously will help you to be better prepared. Monitor weather reports and have a plan in place for what you will do if a storm heads your way.
Keep the family informed about the emergency plan and where to assemble if separated. Include an out-of-town contact person on everyone’s phone so that you may notify them in case of an emergency.
Being Prepared for Storm Season Can Save You Money and Time
By being proactive about preparing for storms, homeowners can save money on repairs down the road. It’s much cheaper and easier to reinforce your home before a storm hits than after one. Taking some preventative steps can also help minimize the amount of time you spend cleaning up after a storm.
Prepared homeowners are also eligible for discounts on their homeowner’s insurance policy. So, by being prepared, not only do you protect your family and home, but you can save money as well. Remember, we are in it together. Keep safe!
