How to Prevent Storm Damage

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Storm damage is always hard to predict. You never know if the winds are going to pick up around your home, if the rain is going to flood the sewers, or if a tree is going to get struck, creating a fire. Because it's hard to predict, it's also hard to prevent. However, there are some ways you can try to get ahead of storm damage. Follow along with this blog to learn more about what can happen to your home during a storm and how you can try to prevent it.

Secure Outdoor Furniture

In the summer months, most people have outdoor furniture on their patios or decks. If you see that a big storm is headed your way, it would be a good idea to secure your furniture to prevent any damage. Even the sturdiest looking outdoor furniture can be flung into the sky within moments.

This does not only result in you wasting your money, but it can also pose a serious threat to yourself, your neighbors, and your home. To secure it, use steel security cables to fasten them to the ground. Though this process may seem time-consuming initially, it'll be worth it in the long run when your expensive furniture doesn't get blown away.

If you have a shed or a garage, storing them in there until the storm passes is an even easier and better way to secure things so you're not dealing with damage and broken belongings.

Check Your Trees

Aside from the occasional trim, full-grown trees are often left alone. However, keeping a close eye on your trees and giving them constant care plays a role in storm damage prevention. If strong winds are present, it can cause tree limbs to fall off, putting you, your neighbors, and your home at risk. Weak trees that lack a strong and secure foundation are also likely to get uprooted. Hence, be sure to give those trees some proper care or have a professional come out to get them out before a storm hits.

Get Your Roof Inspected

Getting your roof inspected on an annual basis should be part of your life when you own or rent a home. If you fail to get it checked, chances are, a storm can cause broken or old shingles to fly off, further damaging the roof. You may also be at risk of a roof leak without knowing. You'll know if you have one when a storm hits and you start finding water damage in your home. Get your roof checked once a year, as it is better safe than sorry.

Clean Your Gutters

Ensuring that your gutters are clear from debris is also a big one when it comes to storm damage prevention. If your gutters are full of debris like leaves, dirt, bird nests, etc., this blocks the water from being able to flow, causing flooding and structural damage. The last thing you need to deal with is a mold problem or basement flooding after a bad storm.

Check Your Doors and Windows

It's important to inspect your doors and windows to ensure proper sealing. If there is a little gap in the seal, water can easily flow in, causing flooding, mold, and a big cleanup. If the news calls for a dangerous hurricane, it's a good idea to board up the windows with wood to help prevent the wind from breaking the glass and water from getting in.

Create a Storm Safety Plan

Having a storm safety plan for you and your family is a great start to storm damage prevention. This plan should include a checklist of the things around your home that you need to check ahead of a storm. For example, look for loose siding, loose fence posts, and everything else we listed above. This will help you be prepared in the case that a storm does hit, helping you prevent basement flooding, roof issues, and any other further damage. 

How SERVPRO Team Harvey Can Help

Storm and flood damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with storm damage experience and expertise. Flooding and water damage emergencies don't wait for regular business hours and neither do we. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all holidays.

Whenever you need us, we'll be there. When Hurricane Sandy hit back in 2012, we worked around the clock to help assist with all the chaos caused. We want you to know that you can always count on us to attend to your needs.

As far as our staff goes, we're highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO's corporate training facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Another thing to note is the fact that there's no job too large. The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the U.S. to handle any size disaster.

Assuming a fire is caused from a storm, we can be there to help restore your home after that as well. After the firetrucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts.

We have specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet.

About SERVPRO Team Harvey

SERVPRO of Hoboken/Union City is proudly owned by Lance and Jennifer Harvey - a husband and wife duo that owns three other SERVPRO locations, including SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan, SERVPRO of West Somerset County, and SERVPRO of Aberdeen/Holmdel.

We understand the stress and worry that comes with a fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it “like it never even happened.”