Whether you live in Dallas or New York, summer is one of the most common times for severe weather threats to strike. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to help protect your home against dangerous summer weather. Here are five ways to do just that.
Chop Your (Tree) Limbs
One of the first things you can do to “weather-proof” your house is to chop down any tree limbs that could easily fall off with high winds and slam against your house. If you keep any cars parked outside, be wary of surrounding trees, as old trees can lose limbs easily with heavy winds and torrential rain. Dead or rotting trees can also attract lightning.
Tie Down Loose Objects
Be on the lookout for items that can easily blow away or damage your home like dog houses, portable sheds, lawn chairs, and even outdoor plants. If these objects can be tied down to something, it’s best to get them out of the way before the storm season hits. Otherwise, hefty winds could lift them off the ground and turn them into dangerous projectiles.
Keep Tools Handy
Gather together tools like wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers, and keep them in an easily accessible place. If severe weather strikes, causing your home utility damage, you may need to shut off your electricity, gas, or even your water to prevent additional damage. Having these tools nearby will make this easier.
Coastal Precautions
If you live near the coast, stock up on sandbags to protect against flooding and on wooden boards to protect your windows. While cities often provide supplies when tropical storms or hurricanes threaten to strike, supplies tend to be limited, and usually aren’t available for pickup until the last minute. Taking care of this ahead of time will give you extra time to prepare the rest of your home.
Brace Your Home
You can also protect your home from damaging winds by equipping your garage with a vertical bracing system. Wind can easily enter through garage doors, and such activity is generally the cause of most wind damage in homes. If you live in a coastal area, these devices are a great way to protect against hurricane-force winds. As the folks at CW Service Pros know, severe weather is often spontaneous and can do plenty of damage in a short amount of time. With a few proactive steps, you can potentially save yourself money from damage costs and protect your home at the same time. Take these steps today to keep your home and family safe from the threat of severe summer weather before it arrives.