Prepare Your Home for Heavy Rain
A little bit of rain never hurt, it’s even beneficial in helping your garden bloom during spring and summer. A lot of rain, however, can be a reason to worry – it can cause serious damage to your home. It’s important to follow these guidelines to keep your household out of danger.
Before Extreme Weather Hits!
Protecting the outside of your home is the first step when preparing your home for heavy rain. Walk around the outside and review these areas:
Roof: Inspect your roof for any areas of concern such as missing shingles, sagging, or aging. Make notes of any areas that may need further inspection. If you have a chimney, don’t forget to look over it for any cracks or missing tiles.
Gutters: First, remove any debris or leaves from your gutters to allow your gutters to collect and funnel water from the roof away from your home. Clogged gutters will cause water to overflow resulting in all types of problems for your home. Also, check to make sure your gutters aren’t broken or leaking. Number one reason for water entering the crawlspace or basement of your home.
Siding: Make sure that there are no areas of missing or separated caulking of the siding joints, especially around the trim areas of your home. Paint any areas that need to be sealed to prevent water intrusion and damage.
Doors & Windows: Securely shut all doors and windows in your home and check their seal. If your doors and windows do not properly function you will want to have someone further inspect those areas.
Sump Pump: If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s in proper working condition and you have a battery back-up in case your power goes out.
Outdoor Equipment: Bring inside any lawn furniture, gardening tools, and lawn mowers. If you have an outdoor grill, think about investing in a waterproof covering to protect it from the elements.
During Heavy Rains
Remain inside and avoid traveling unless it is absolutely necessary. Be aware of flash flood warnings!
Watch weather reports on local television or radio news channels.
Stay away from windows and doors as they can be blown in due to heavy rain and intense winds.
Avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords, and do not take a shower, do the dishes, or put in a load of laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity as well.
After the Storm has Passed
Continue to listen to weather reports on local television or radio news channels.
When walking outside, be careful where you step as there could be broken tree branches or items out of place.
Survey the outside of your home to make sure there is no damage.
Stay away from any power lines that may have fallen.
Never drive through a flooded roadway – turn around, don’t drown!