Is Your Home Prepared to Handle Storms? | SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park

Here in Highland Park, we see it all, weather-wise! We experience all four seasons, with temperatures ranging from the teens to the upper 80s. And that means we are no strangers to storms, either. Storms can sweep through here quickly, bringing intense rains and heavy winds.

Because of that, it’s important to ensure your house is set up to withstand the weather. Wondering how to do that? It starts with a few simple steps. Keep reading to learn more.

Preparing Your House for Storms

Preparing your home for storms doesn’t to be complicated. Many storm-proofing tasks can be incorporated into your regular routines. And in fact, many are probably already on your maintenance to-do list!

Make protecting your home a three-part strategy—keep your property clean, make sure your house is secure and secure any potential projectiles.

That means regularly cleaning up your yard, removing fallen branches and other debris. You should also take a close look at your trees and trim them off dead or dying branches often.

Get up on your roof (or have a professional do it) several times a year and after any heavy storm to look for broken or missing shingles. While up there, also look for gaps around the house structure, including the chimney, and clean out the gutters to remove debris.

If you have patio furniture or other objects that remain outdoors, be sure they are strapped down or secured in some other way. This will keep them from becoming airborne during a storm.

Making Your Home Stronger

Most storm preparations can be done with without spending extra money, but you may also want to consider some upgrades for added peace of mind.

Purchasing storm shutters can be a good investment, particularly if you reside in a region subject to high winds. You can also increase protection by upgrading your windows to stronger materials that can endure extreme weather. If your property is filled with trees and other vegetation, you may also want to invest in gutter guards to keep the water flowing freely through the gutters and away from your home.

In the unforeseen case of storm damage, SERVPRO® of New Center/Highland Park is on call ²⁴⁄₇ to get your house back in order as soon as possible.