Make Sure Your Home Is Prepared for Summer Storms

5/9/2019 (Permalink)

Summer is a time spent outdoors, enjoying time with friends and family at backyard barbecues.

Summer can also bring potentially dangerous weather conditions in the form of summer storms that can wreak havoc for homeowners. In order to minimize any damage to your home and property, here are some steps you can take now to help prepare for when the next storm hits:

Trim Large and/or Dying Trees

Some of the worst damage that can happen to a home during a major storm is the result of falling trees.

While the weather is nice, make sure to inspect all your shrubs and trees and remove any branches that has a potential to fall onto your home.  If you suspect a tree is dying, you may want to consult with a tree specialist to ensure it won’t be dangerous during a major storm.

Make Sure Your Gutters are Clean

As in any season, keeping your gutters clean of leaves and debris not only helps protect your siding and landscaping, it can also help prevent costly water damage to your foundation.

Make sure to inspect where the downspout meets the gutter system as this is a spot where clogs frequently occur.

Secure Your Outdoor Furniture

If you have the space, the best option is to bring the furniture inside until after the storm has passed.

if not, make sure you have tightly secured any furniture on your patio or lawn. Consider using heavy duty chains or wires to connect your furniture to stakes. Or, try tying multiple pieces of furniture together with bungee cords so that their combined mass and weight can function like a natural anchor.

Put Together an Emergency Kit

If you’re wondering what you should have on hand in an emergency, here are the 15 minimum supplies recommended by the American Red Cross:

1. Water
2. Non-Perishable Food
3. Flashlight
4. Radio (battery-powered or hand-crank)
5. Batteries
6. First Aid Kit
7. Medications
8. Multi-Purpose Tool
9. Personal Hygiene & Sanitation Items
10. Copies of Personal Documents
11. Cell Phones & Chargers
12. Emergency & Family Contact Info
13. Cash
14. Blanket
15. Area Maps  

Know Your Evacuation Plan

Lastly, in case the storm turns out to be severe, make sure you have a safe place to take shelter.  Communicate with your family and make a plan well in advance so everyone is prepared.

If your home is damaged by a storm, call the restoration professionals of SERVPRO of Hackensack/Little Ferry as soon as you can. A quick response helps to minimize and prevent further damage, reducing costs. We have the specialized expertise and equipment to help you quickly dry and restore your home to its pre-storm condition.