Preventing Storm Damage Year-Round | SERVPRO of Englewood, Placida
6/22/2024 (Permalink)
Weather is one of those things that’s simply a reality of life, whether you love it or hate it. You might argue that you are in Florida because of the weather, but even with warm temperatures abounding, dealing with the potential for severe weather is something that no one really enjoys.
We may not have to deal with some of the winter weather threats that our neighbors to the north do, but we do have plenty of other threats to be prepared for. The good news is that even with a year-round possibility of severe weather, you can take steps to mitigate damages to your home.
Fall & Winter
Late in the fall, we experience some of our best weather. Temps are still high, but the evenings tend to cool down more and the humidity is often lower throughout the day.
Fall is a great time to get outside and spend some time getting your home prepared for potential storms. Even with the lower temps, we can still see severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes, flooding and even a possible late-season hurricane.
Start in the yard by tackling loose limbs and any leaves that are down. Make sure your gutters are clear of debris as well, and take a look at any potential areas of your yard that have washed out. Make sure the ground around your home slopes away from your house in order to keep water flowing. Add organic materials to increase the rate of absorption as another way to keep your home safe when rains get heavy.
During the winter, keep your yard well-maintained. If our temps do take a rare dive, make sure you cover any outside water spigots to prevent potential frozen pipes. Winter is a great time to update your emergency gear, too. Spend a cold day inside your warm home and make sure you have flashlights, first-aid supplies and extra batteries.
Spring & Summer
Winter may offer a small reprieve from extreme heat and strong storms, but as soon as spring begins, we know it is time to prepare for hurricane season. Even in a season we are spared of any coastal storms, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms can still be common.
Check your roof and replace any loose shingles. Make sure your gutter system is in good shape and hasn’t come loose anywhere. Take a look at your storm shutters and make sure they are fully operational. If you don’t have shutters, consider investing in them as a quick way to shore up your house ahead of a storm.
Make sure you walk the exterior of your home after any high winds and clear any debris. Strap down anything outside that you can’t quickly bring in when a storm threatens. Get your weather radio out in the spring and make sure it is ready to go. If we experience a quiet spring weather-wise, make sure to check your weather radio periodically to ensure it is ready when you need it.
Keep your home ready for anything Mother Nature might throw at it, and you can weather storms year-round. Put us in your emergency contacts and rest assured knowing that you have storm restoration professionals right around the corner, 24/7.
Has your home been damaged in a storm? Contact us for fast recovery.