Stormy weather is utterly unpredictable. Hurricanes, cyclones, and tornadoes are very extreme events that cause strong winds, which can inflict major damage on buildings, including residential ones, notes SGI Dallas Management professionals. To protect yourself from such unforeseen circumstances, it is absolutely necessary to add some home proofing and home upgrades that can protect you during harsh weather. Here are some of the things that you can do in order to storm-proof your home:
Invest in a Whole Home Generator
We all know that natural disasters can cause power outages. A spell can last for days or hours. This is where a whole home generator comes in. These can power up your whole home. They are programmed to turn on automatically in the event of a power outage. If you want a cheaper option, then you can have a portable generator that can run on gasoline. and can power smaller items like fridges or lights.
Install Impact-Resistant Windows
Most of the time, windows bear the brunt of storms and other natural calamities. To combat this, people sometimes completely cover their windows with steel or aluminum panels. Many homes install special windows that are resistant to impact. We recommend trying out the latter. Your windows can still be dented or have marks left on them, but they are usually less likely to break.
Add a Sump Pump for Flood Prevention
A heavy downpour from cyclones or hurricanes can result in massive flooding. This is especially true for basements or other low-lying parts of your home, such as a downstairs room. In this situation, using a sump pump would be extremely handy. What is a sump pump? It is something that helps to suck in the excess water accumulated inside a space and then send it out of your house. The pump first collects water within a pit and then sends it out through a long attached pipe.
Install Solar Panels with Battery Storage
Solar panels are not only great options when it comes to eco-friendly choices, but they are also great for storing power in case of outages. If you have panels that come with battery storage, then you have found another way to keep your power running without much fuel.
Apply Fire-Resistant Coatings
Sometimes, storms can be accompanied by lightning. This can cause fires, especially if a home is made out of something that is flammable. However, there is a solution to this. You can coat parts of your home in non-combustible materials, such as stone or metal. If you have wood siding, then you can treat it with coatings, which are fire-resistant coatings, in order to help it fight the flames better. All these coatings can easily be customized and cleaned. Consider getting these coatings done if you have massive parts of your home made of wood.
Reinforce Your Roof for High Winds
Roofs are another part of the house that is hit very hard during storms. If there are strong winds, then parts of the roof can push a lot of water into the structurally weak spots. If the storm is accompanied by debris and hail, then it can cause holes and dents. If you want to prevent this, then you can add metal straps that secure the connection of the roof to the rest of the house. Doing this helps to spread pressure evenly across the building. It lowers the risk of breaking.
Construct a Safe Room
This is one of the biggest and most important things that you can do. When you are hit by a storm or a cyclone, then being in a safe room will enable you to sit it out and stay protected. There are two kinds of safe rooms. One of them can be built into your home, while the other can be created as a separate structure. Both of these are designed in a way that they can stay secure during storms.
Weatherproof for Temperature Extremes
During a typical storm, there are massive temperature changes, with alternating spells of hot and cold. To keep your home safe, you should make sure that it is immune to weather-related temperature changes outside. Adjusting thermostats can also help save energy and keep things steady. A strong AC or fan system can also make a difference during heat waves that follow the storm.
Conclusion
Managing your home during destructive storms is not easy, but following the above tips can help you make the best of the situation. Make sure that you always follow the weather updates on the news and do not go out just before a big storm is about to hit. Best of luck and stay safe.