What Measure Can You Take To Prevent Storm Damage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

The loss of life and property due to the destruction caused by powerful storms is a significant problem both in the United States and across the globe. People are often unaware of how best to prepare for these severe weather events, but there are measures that can be taken beyond waiting anxiously at home or fleeing just before landfall. The National Hurricane Center routinely issues storm advisories to inform residents of areas potentially affected by hurricanes, typhoons, tropical cyclones, and other types of severe weather about watches and warnings as well as potential storm surge levels so they may plan appropriately. Residents should understand what these terms mean so they know what action they should take if their community faces an imminent threat from a storm system. Having advance notice allows people more time to seek shelter, avoid evacuation routes, and stock up on supplies that will help them stay safe until the storm has passed. In addition to these advisories, meteorologists can provide advanced notice of tropical storms including their strength as well as expected wind speeds and rainfall totals so people have a better idea of how much danger they are in if a storm hits.

Cover Your Windows with Wooden Panels to Keep the Wind Out

One of the worst things about storms is that they can cause your home or apartment to lose power, which means you need to shut your windows. This leaves you vulnerable to wind getting into your home without any protection. Wooden panels are very easy to install and will give you some peace of mind knowing that if a storm hits, your windows are safe from debris flying through them. You should also make sure all doors are covered with boards as well since strong winds could knock over trees or break branches off of them which would go right through a door and leave you exposed.

Make Sure You Have Proper Plumbing Protection

While most people don't think about it during a storm, flooding is actually one of the biggest killers associated with them. This is because floods cause so much debris, such as tree limbs and furniture, to go flying through the air and can pierce through your home's walls or doors if they are not protected. Your best bet is to install a backwater valve on your exterior plumbing so any flood waters will be diverted away from your house instead of coming in and putting you in more danger if they do damage your home.

Protect the Outdoor Items like Cars and Outside Lighting

Strong winds can easily tip over objects that are lighter than they are, leaving you vulnerable to anything that falls. Making sure all of your outdoor items are properly weighed down or tied down will save you from having to deal with the aftermath of a storm in addition to protecting yourself from any injuries. If you have outdoor lighting on your property, make sure they were secured as well since strong winds could knock them over and cause electrical shorts, putting you at risk for fire.

Protect Your Electronics In The Event Of a Power Outage

Although it is not possible to predict whether a power outage caused by a severe weather event will be short lived or last for days, many people do not take the time to protect their smartphones and tablets in this type of situation. A simple solution would be to get a battery backup charger for all of your electronics including laptops, cell phones, tablets, and more. These are relatively inexpensive ways to ensure you have access to your digital life even when the power is out.