When a disaster is imminent, you must prepare your home to face the brunt of the storm or you risk the chance that more severe damage could occur. Follow the below suggestions to prepare the exterior of your home for disasters.
Home Exterior Checklist
Elevate items in the basement which could be flooded.
Bring in outdoors items such as children’s toys, patio furniture, garbage cans, etc., which could be blown around and damaged.
Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall and cause injury or damage.
Know how to shut off utilities, including power, water and gas, to your home.
Have proper tools (i.e.: wrench) ready and nearby.
Find out what types of events and kinds of damages are covered by your insurance policy. Keep insurance policies, important documents and other valuables in a safe and secure location.
Keep fire extinguishers on hand and make sure everyone knows how to use them.
Cover all of your home’s windows. Permanent storm shutters offer the best protection for windows. A second option is to board up windows with 5/8” marine plywood, cut to fit and ready to install. Tape does not prevent windows from breaking.
Install straps or additional clips to securely fasten your roof to the frame structure. This will reduce roof damage.
Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant.
Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.
Reinforce your garage doors; if wind enters a garage it can cause dangerous and expensive structural damage.
Have sandbags on standby in case your home takes on water.
Reserve duty ..Good job !!!