Climate change is something that is at the forefront of everybody’s mind because it is clearly evident that the world is heating up. Sure, there are some benefits like warmer winters and many more sunshine days in the year, but the side effects hugely outweigh the benefits. Coastal communities are at risk of flooding caused by rising sea levels, and many industries, such as skiing, are suffering huge losses due to the lack of snow. We also need to be ready for the effects of climate change on a personal level. With hurricane season fast approaching, it is important to be fully prepared to secure your home and prevent any unforeseen circumstances. Here we are going to take a look at how to prepare your home for a storm.
Stock Up on Food
If you live in the countryside, with storm season approaching, it is important to be prepared for the possibility that you could be cut off from society for a number of days due to trees or flooding blocking the roads. Alongside water, we need food to survive, so stock up with nonperishable canned goods and dried foodstuffs such as rice and pasta. The last thing you want to happen is to find yourself starving whilst you are waiting for help.
Batten Down the Hatches
Securing the outside of your house is important if you want to be safe inside. Unfortunately, glass cannot withstand hurricane-force winds, and it can be extremely dangerous if a pane shatters inwards, sending shards of glass flying. You should, therefore, batten down all your windows to minimize the chances of them shattering. Ok, you won’t be able to see outside for a few days, but that is a small price to pay for your safety. If you live somewhere with regular storms, it’s probably a good idea to buy a securing door for hurricane protection, as well. These doors are designed to weather strong wind and rain without rotting or rusting, as well as prevent flood water from seeping into your house. They are a critical component in ensuring your home’s safety during a storm.
Purchase a Generator
The effects of a storm are often unknown, but one of the most likely scenarios is that you could lose power to your home from the grid. Electricity pylons don’t like heavy winds and driving rain, so you will most probably suffer a power cut that could last several days or possibly longer. To protect against this, you should invest in a generator for your home so that you have the power to keep you warm and fed no matter the situation. Don’t skimp when buying one, go for one of the most reliable generator brands, as they are not cheap, and you want it to last you for many years and for it to be able to cope in all conditions, no matter how extreme. You will be thankful when it is first called into action.
Prepare Your Garden
Once you are aware that a storm is approaching, you need to make your garden safe. The most crucial thing is to check your trees and ensure that there are no weak overhanging branches over your house. The last thing that you need is for one of these branches to come crashing through the roof, putting you and your family at risk. Any loose garden furniture should also be tied down, stored in a shed, or brought indoors, because you do not want random items flying around in the wind, putting your home in danger.
Check Your Insurance
The chances are that you are going to suffer some damage from the approaching storm, so it is important to have the peace of mind that your household insurance is up to date. Furthermore, you need to check exactly what is and what isn’t covered, and if necessary, you may want to add an extra level of protection to your policy. Your home is the most expensive purchase you will ever make, so you need to look after it and be satisfied that your insurance policy will pay out if it does get damaged.
Check for Leaks
It is wise to go around the inside of your house checking for any leaks or air gaps because when the wind is howling and the rain is driving at your property, the last thing you need is for water to start leaking inside. Have a handy supply of towels ready for the worst, and then you will be well prepared.
Storms can be extremely dangerous, even life-threatening, so it is paramount that you secure your home in advance. Make sure you have ample provisions and a generator to preserve your power supply. Protect your windows from flying debris and ensure that you have adequate insurance cover for your home. Once you have done all this, it is a question of sitting back and waiting until the storm hits, knowing that you are as well prepared as possible to stay safe while she rages outside.
