Is Your House Storm Proof? How to Prepare For Storms & How to Handle the Aftermath

Is Your House Storm Proof? How to Prepare For Storms & How to Handle the Aftermath

Natural disasters happen all over the country, in both coastal and non-coastal areas, inside of tornado alley and outside of tornado alley, and the damage that these natural disasters create has the potential to destroy not only homes but also entire cities. An incredibly effective way to handle storm damage is to follow a “prepare and repair” plan that indentifies essential home renovation and home repair projects that can help keep you and your family safe from the most commonly occurring storms, while preventing costly and expensive damages in the future.

FIRE

* PREPARE:

1. Safety Zone – trim trees and brush to a point where they are away from key areas such as the roof, stovepipe, or chimney outlets
2. Safety Equipment – install smoke detectors and have supplies such as fire extinguishers and escape ladders readily available
3. Safety Plan – formulate a plan of action between all members of the household, including escape routes and organization of emergency supplies

* REPAIR:

1. Smoke Damage – smoke can often create just as much damage as fire; be aware of lingering smoke odors, soot residue, and other dangerous vapors so they can be properly exterminated
2. Water Damage – fire hoses used to extinguish the flames can unintentionally cause damage to drywall and insulation, any areas that have been soaked should be replaced to prevent future decay
3. Structural Damage – assess walls, flooring, and ceilings for damage and make sure they are properly washed and dried before any home renovation project such as painting or repairing in order to increase their lifespan and prevent future complications. You can also check online for roof repairs dallas offer.

FLOODING

* PREPARE:

1. Elevate – raise all electrical components and appliances to at least 12 inches above projected flood elevation to avoid water damage and potential injury
2. Regulate – clear gutters, downspouts, and storm drains and ensure that they are directed as far away from the foundation of your home as possible
3. Seal – apply water-proof sealing or coating to exterior walls and between creases and corners to avoid leaks in small openings and gaps

* REPAIR:

1. Chemical Hazards – be cautious of removing standing water before proceeding as it can be contaminated by damaged propane tanks, solvents, car batteries, etc.
2. Basement Flooding – remove hardwood or laminate flooring to expose pockets of saturation for cleaning and sanitizing, electric/petrol pumps can help remove deep water from basements but consult an emergency handyman before proceeding
3. Yard Flooding – landscape the backyard and driveway so that water is diverted away from your property, replace damaged foliage with deep-rooting/wind-resistant varieties

TORNADOS

* PREPARE:

1. Above – protecting your roof from damage is essential to preventing costly home repairs, it can be secured using galvanized steel clips designed for resisting high impact damages
2. Below – create a ‘safe room’ inside your home; preferably in the basement, cellar, or similarly low room without windows that is easily accessible
3. Outside – concrete cloths, which are used as rapidly deployable infrastructure, can be used as a relatively inexpensive home renovation project that can protect the outside of the home from damage caused by high winds

* REPAIR:

1. Shocks – prevent electrical injuries by turning off electrical power and carefully repairing fallen electrical wires or similar damages
2. Shingles – replace roofing shingles that have blown off from high-wind impact as they expose the roof to damage, replace with high density shingles rated for high wind use
3. Siding – vinyl siding that has pulled off wall sheathing should be repaired and replaced with vinyl siding rated for high wind and should be properly attached to the wall framing

HURRICANES

* PREPARE:

1. Frame – install storm doors, storm shutters, and storm windows around your home will help defend against common damages, anchor door frames securely to wall framing to ensure their durability
2. Fortify – garage doors are often the easiest point of entry in the home for structural damage, having it replaced with a fortified damage-resistant alternative is one of the most effective home renovation projects for preventing destruction
3. Fasten – prevent outdoor equipment from becoming missiles due to high winds by identifying a secure place away from stairs and exits to shelter lawn furniture, gardening tools, trash cans etc.

* REPAIR:

1. Wear & Tear – exterior damages let in air, water, dirt and pests and allows for decay and damage, repair damaged areas of individual singles with weather-resistant alternatives
2. Walls – thoroughly examine interior damages as well; removing any loose plaster and repairing damaged plaster from walls and ceilings
3. Water – one of the most important home repair projects post-storm is the water system, prevent disease or infection by confirming that all water sources have been purified or have been proven safe by an emergency handyman

After a storm hits, your home isn’t the only thing that can be damaged, make sure all family members and loved ones are safe from physical harm and devote time to ensuring the emotional stability of all victims. Having a ‘prepare and repair’ plan for your home is crucial for protecting your assets and securing your safety during times of disaster and Handyman Connection is here to help you throughout the process with a qualified and experienced emergency handyman ready to serve your home repair and home renovation needs. Visit Handyman Connection online or call 1-800-88-HANDY for your free