Regardless of where you live, there’s bound to be at least one seasonal danger that lurks at some point during the year, especially as the effects of climate change continue to manifest themselves. As a homeowner, you need to be proactive against storms and climate disasters. Shield your home from the harshest weather to keep your property and family safe. Let’s talk about protecting your health, house, and valuables during extreme weather events.
Insulate to Protect From Extreme Elements
If you’re regularly shielding yourself from extremely hot or cold weather, you must use all the tools at your disposal. The first step you need to take against various seasonal elements is insulating your home.
When it’s warm outside, you’re likely using your air conditioner, but if your home is not properly insulated and sealed during the summer, then that cool air can leak out. That means you'll make your utilities work harder. Overuse could lead to a malfunction and you could lose power completely. That’s the last thing you need if the weather gets worse. Add insulation to your walls and fresh caulk around the doors and windows to keep the air conditioning inside. You can also keep heat out of your home by installing reflective roof shingles and fire-resistant siding.
Similar tactics can be used when it gets cold outside, and you’re trying to keep the heat from escaping. Seal the windows, and if you have an attic, don’t forget to add insulation there to keep the upstairs nice and toasty. This will also help keep your utility costs low. If you live in the coldest states, you’ll also need to prevent your pipes from freezing up, which you can do by disconnecting outdoor hoses and keeping your thermostat at 55 degrees or above during winter. During nights when the temperature is near freezing, let warm water drip from the faucet to prevent catastrophe.
Avoiding Water Damage
In the unfortunate event that you’re having extreme rain or hurricanes, take the proper steps to protect your home and belongings. Start by covering your windows to prevent water leakage and to help avoid the shattered glass that can occur during high winds. If you know that strong storms are the norm, make it a habit to keep your trees trimmed so long branches don’t cause havoc. It’s also important to ensure proper foundation waterproofing, which can help prevent water intrusion and long-term damage.
You probably don’t want to think about what could happen if water gets into the house, but to prepare for the possibility of climate-related floods, get smaller items, like books and moveable furniture, out of the splash zone. Also, put smaller items into waterproof containers and move them to higher ground. Excess moisture during rainy seasons can lead to mold growth, which can pose a risk to both your home and belongings. It's important to address not just the visible mold but also the underlying causes to prevent future issues, a process known as mold remediation.
Protecting Your Belongings
Regardless of whether you’re expecting a flood, blizzard, or something extreme like a tornado, it’s essential that you protect your valuables. Doing so may require that you get them out of the house entirely and into a storage unit. If a storm is coming, gather your most valuable possessions and rent a climate-controlled storage unit, which will protect them for short and long-term storage. You can put less vulnerable items in non-climate-controlled storage, which will still keep them from getting damaged.
You may be tempted to store family heirlooms in your storage unit, but be warned that some companies will not allow it due to liability, so ask ahead of time. If you’re storing currency or precious metals, you’re better off keeping them in a bank or safe deposit box.
Cleaning Up After Storms
Once the storms have subsided, you’ll want to clean up damaged items and debris, rebuild, and put everything back in its place. When you’re cleaning after a storm, be cautious of broken glass and sharp objects, and remember that storms can often displace wildlife, so there’s a chance you could run into a predator.
If possible, make cleanup a team effort and collaborate with neighbors or volunteer groups, and if you need more help, contact a local nonprofit organization to assist. Use the proper equipment and dispose of all garbage and recyclables properly. Use vacuums to remove water from floors and dehumidifiers to prevent mold. Don’t forget to wear safety goggles and gloves.
Knowing that a storm is approaching is not a great feeling, but with the proper precautions, you can fortify your home and make it through.
