Hurricane season is here, and although we may not see many hurricanes here in the St. Louis region, the remnants of them occasionally make it to the area. St. Louis does see its fair share of damaging storms, including the occasional tornado. Any storm with heavy rains and/or high winds can cause severe and expensive damage to your home but fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prepare when a big storm is coming your way.
Have your roof inspected. Heavy rains and strong wind gusts can rip loose shingles right off your roof. A roofing contractor can give your roof and materials a thorough inspection so your roof will likely remain intact during a big storm.
Caulk your doors and windows. Heavy rains can find their way in through cracks in your seals. Once inside, that moisture can lead to rot and mold.
Clean your yard. Tie down or move anything that could become airborne into your garage or house. Remember this term: “projectile”. Anything left in your yard or not properly tied down could become one during wild winds.
Clean and inspect your gutters. A storm is not the optimum time to find out that your gutters are poorly fastened. Have a professional clear the debris from your gutters and downspouts. This will enable the gutters to do their job―get all that water away from your home where it can cause damage. Your gutter technician can also repair any damage and make sure your gutters will be secure in high winds.
Trim tree branches. Remove any branches that are dead or hanging over your home. Not only could they cause damage to your house but they could hurt someone if they come down on their own.
Check outdoor drains, downspouts, and your sump pump. Make sure drains are clear and that your sump pump, if you have one, is in working order. This will help mitigate flooding in your yard and your basement.
Review your insurance policy. This is something we rarely think about, but it’s important to do a yearly review of your coverage so you know how much coverage you have and what your deductible is. Building and construction costs are constantly on the rise and you should make sure that you have adequate coverage should you need it. Do you have flood insurance? It’s a separate coverage that’s required if you’re financing your home and live in a flood zone area. If you want to find out if your home is in a flood zone, you can check here.
Buy a generator. Sure, a generator will keep the video games going if the power goes out but it’ll also keep your fridge running so you won’t lose hundreds of dollars in food and keep your water pump and heat going as well. If you’re going to use a generator for these systems, one that is professionally wired into your home’s electrical system is the safest way to go. For important generator safety information, the Red Cross can help.
If a big storm hits, stay indoors, away from doors and windows. For tornadoes, go to a corner in your basement or find a storm shelter. Be sure to check on your elderly friends and family members and see if they need help.
The professional technicians at GutterPros can help you prepare for storms by thoroughly inspecting your gutters and downspouts. We can clean them and make sure that all components are securely fastened and free of leaks so they can face the storm head-on. Call GutterPros today at (314) 656-7195 to schedule an appointment.