There is not much a homeowner can do to control severe weather and natural disasters. However, you can certainly take measures to prepare yourself and your home to minimize damages caused by severe weather. At Reynolds Restoration Services, we have witnessed firsthand the damage that severe weather can cause to homes and businesses.

Whether it is flooding, wind damage, or other natural disasters, the outcomes can be devastating. However, by preparing your home, you can significantly increase its ability to withstand the effects of extreme weather.

Preparing your home for severe weather involves more than just stocking up on bottled water and canned food. It is a comprehensive process that involves assessing every aspect of your property for potential vulnerabilities. From inspecting your roof and gutters to checking your basement for proper drainage systems, each step plays a crucial role in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

Let’s take a closer look at the three most common types of severe weather in our region and what you can do to prepare your home to minimize property damage.

tropical stormPreparing for a Tropical Storm

It’s important to prepare for all types of disasters—including tropical storms. These natural disasters can be incredibly destructive, so taking steps to protect your home and family is essential.

First and foremost, it’s important to stay informed on weather updates. Sign up for alerts from your local emergency management agency or National Weather Service to ensure you’re up-to-date on any storm warnings in your area. In addition, it’s important to create an emergency kit containing essentials like food, water, and first aid supplies. Keep your kit in an easily accessible location so you can grab it quickly if needed.

When it comes to preparing your home for a tropical storm, there are several steps you can take. Here are some ways to protect your home:

  • Clear out gutters and drains to prevent flooding.
  • Trim back any trees or branches that could fall onto your home or power lines.
  • Reinforce your garage door to prevent it from collapsing under high winds.
  • Bring outdoor furniture and lawn decorations inside to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles.
  • Tropical storms can sometimes cause flash floods. If you are in an area prone to flooding, be sure to have flood barriers in place and make sure your sump pump is operating properly.
  • It’s also a good idea to take photos of your home and belongings before the storm hits, as well as create an inventory of your valuables. This will help you file a claim with your insurance company if needed.

While tropical storms can be scary, taking these steps can help you protect your home and family.

tornadoPreparing for a Tornado

Tornadoes can strike anytime, anywhere, and without warning. While the mid-Atlantic region doesn’t experience as many tornadoes as the Midwest or the South, it’s still essential to prepare your home and protect your family from the potential damages.

Here are some key measures to prepare your home for a tornado:

  • Clean up any loose debris outside your house and store it in a safe place.
  • Identify the safest, most interior room in your house where you can wait out the storm safely. Basements or storm cellars provide the best protection from the storm’s strong winds. Stand clear of windows and doors.
  • Consider reinforcing your home’s doors, windows, walls, and roof to increase their wind resistance. Consulting with professionals who specialize in severe weather protection is crucial to ensure you’re doing everything correctly.
  • Develop an emergency plan with your family and practice it. Make sure everyone knows what needs to happen if there’s a tornado warning, such as where to go and what to bring.
  • If you live near a body of water, take additional precautions, such as elevating your water heater and protecting your home’s foundation.
  • Keep an emergency kit that has essentials such as first aid, battery-powered flashlights, and comfortable clothing to protect yourself in case of loss of power and other necessities like food and water.

As tornadoes are hard to predict, it’s better to be prepared and know what to do before the need arises. By taking the proper steps to protect your home before the onset of a severe storm, you can avoid catastrophic consequences. Remember, preparation is key, and taking the time to prepare now could save your home in the future.

ice stormPreparing for an Ice or Snow Storm

Although winter is months away, it’s not too early to think about snow and ice storms. Ice and snowstorms can be a nightmare for homeowners, but preparation can make a world of difference. There is never a better time to think about preparing your home for winter than now.

Tips to Prepare Your Home for an Ice or Snowstorm

Stock up on essential supplies: Before winter arrives, stock up on supplies you may need in the event of a storm. This includes items such as food, bottled water, medicine, warm clothes, blankets, battery-operated flashlights, and batteries. Keep a well-stocked emergency kit where it is easily accessible.

Insulate your home: Proper insulation of your home can prevent heat loss during a storm. Check the insulation in your attic, walls, and windows. Replace broken or damaged windows and add weather stripping to seal gaps and prevent drafts.

Don’t forget to insulate your pipes too and ensure they don’t freeze over. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage in the wintertime.

Keep your energy source safe: With the possibility of power outages, it may be wise to have an alternative energy source, especially for an ice storm. Ice storms can take down multiple power lines. Whether you have a wood stove backup, a portable generator, or a solar-powered unit, make sure it’s running safely and ready to use. Never run a generator in or near the home – the carbon monoxide output is dangerous.

Prune back trees and shrubs: Snow or ice accumulation can weigh down trees and shrubs causing them to break and fall down. Prune your trees and shrubs before the winter comes to avoid any potential hazards or damage to your property.

Find a reputable snow removal service: It’s wise to have a snow removal service in place well before the storms hit. Look for a reputable and reliable company to ensure timely action during and after the storm.

Preparing your home for an ice or snow storm can help reduce damage to your property while increasing the safety of your family. Remember to plan and purchase essential supplies in advance, keep everything insulated against outside elements, keep energy sources safe, prune back trees and shrubs, and remember to have a reliable snow removal service contracted in advance.

Emergency Restoration Services after Severe Weather

Severe weather events can be incredibly daunting for homeowners, and knowing how to best prepare your home can make all the difference. As we wrap up National Preparedness Month, it’s important to take stock of our homes and ensure that we’re ready for anything that nature might throw our way.

At Reynolds Restoration Services, we know that even the most prepared homeowners can fall victim to severe weather events. That’s why we’re here to help you get your home back to its pre-loss condition as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Our experienced team of storm damage restoration specialists can handle everything from water damage restoration to fire and smoke damage mitigation, and we’re committed to delivering compassionate, professional service every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out at 888-277-8280 to us after a severe weather event – we’re here to help. Our goal is to respond and rebuild with care.