Bottom line: To prepare your home for storm season, work through the cheap basics before the weather turns: protect against power surges, cover the outdoor AC unit, board up windows, seal doors and windows, clear debris, clean the gutters, test the sump pump, check the foundation and review your insurance. These nine budget-friendly tips reduce damage and can save lives.
The storm season can wreak havoc on your house, yard and trees. You should prepare in advance to reduce the damage and save lives. You should ensure that your home is ready for the hurricane season. Here are nine tips that will help you prepare your home for the major storm.
9 tips to prepare your home for storm season
1. Invest in a surge protector
During the storm season, power surges can take place instantly. A huge storm can lead to damage to your appliances. Therefore, it is recommended to install power surge protectors. Also, you can use power strips that have in-built surge protectors. The surge protectors will ensure that your gadgets and devices are safe from the power surge.
The big appliances in your house, such as the heating unit and air conditioning system, need special protection. A power surge for a few seconds can lead to big destruction. Various electrical and electronic devices at your home can be damaged by a power surge, so installing a surge protector can prevent you from a big loss.
2. Cover the outdoor part of your air conditioner
You should properly cover the outdoor part of your air conditioning system to prevent it from airborne debris. Dust and debris can accumulate inside the outdoor unit of your AC and lead to big damage. You should purchase a good-quality protective cover for your air conditioning unit. For more on looking after your system, see our guide to AC repair myths.
3. Stock up on good-quality plywood
You should also use good techniques to prevent your windows from airborne projectiles. Plywood is the perfect and cost-friendly solution to protect your windows from damage. Therefore, it is recommended to stock up on plywood for the next storm season.
Before you start stocking up on plywood, make sure that you are not breaking any rules of your local government. Once you have collected the required plywood, start covering the windows before the arrival of the hurricane season.
4. Properly seal doors and windows
Leaky doors and windows will let water come inside your house. Therefore, you should double-check that your doors and windows are properly sealed. It will help in making your home energy-efficient and preventing leaks as well.
5. Get rid of debris
Heavy winds during a storm will lead to airborne projectiles that can damage your house. Therefore, it is recommended to clear your outer space and get rid of the debris. You cannot clear the debris in your neighborhood, but you should at least keep your yard clean and free of debris. Our lawn care tips can help you keep the yard in good shape year-round.
Also, you should examine the trees in your yard. Weakened, diseased or damaged trees are extremely harmful during the hurricane season. Heavy winds can bring a tree down, so you should call tree professionals before the storm season arrives. An arborist will thoroughly examine the trees in your yard and cut down the low-hanging or damaged branches. If any tree is completely damaged, they will suggest removing the tree from the yard.
6. Unplug rain gutters and drains
It is important to keep your rain gutters clean and clear. The rain gutters and downpipes are required to take the rainwater away from the roof. Therefore, you should always keep your rain gutters clean. In the situation of a severe storm, you should clear the gutter and prevent your basement from flooding. You should visually inspect your gutters and drainage pipes.
7. Inspect the sump pump
A good sump pump helps prevent your basement from flooding with water. It can be very difficult to clear out the water that comes in during a storm, but a good sump pump can make it easy. You can also do it yourself and restart your sump pump. You should clean it and ensure that it is working properly before storm season arrives. If there is a power cut, a battery backup for the sump pump is worth considering.
8. Check the foundation for cracks
Some cracks in the foundation of your house are not visible. But you should inspect the foundation of your home for any cracks, because water can enter through them. During the storm, if you discover cracks in the foundation, then you should immediately contact your contractor and seal them.
9. Review your insurance policies
It is recommended that you review your existing insurance policy. If you find anything suspicious in your insurance policy, then you should contact your insurance provider immediately. It is important to know the deductibles as well as the type of coverage you have. The best option is to call your insurance agent and see how you are covered in case of damage from a storm.
A little preparation before storm season can save a lot of repair work and expense later. Work through the list above while the weather is still calm, and keep the supplies — plywood, a good AC cover and a working sump pump — ready before the first storm warning.
Frequently asked questions about preparing your home for storm season
What should I do first to prepare my home for storm season?
Start with the cheap basics: install surge protectors, seal doors and windows, clear debris from the yard and clean the gutters and drains.
How do I protect my windows from storm damage?
Plywood is a cost-friendly way to protect windows from airborne projectiles. Stock up before storm season and cover the windows before the hurricane season arrives — and check your local rules first.
Why should I check my sump pump before a storm?
A good sump pump helps prevent your basement from flooding. Clean it and make sure it is working properly before storm season arrives.
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