How to protect your home in a storm

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

In the Pacific North West it is very common to have wind storms, and them to cause a major damage to homes.

We live in the Pacific Northwest and we love it! That also means we have a a lot of different weather that we experience in the winter months. From strong winds and rain to heavy snow here are 4 ways to protect your home from a storm. 

1. Clear away outdoor items

Make sure all lawn furniture, gardening tools, sporting equipment and other outdoor items are stored away if a storm is heading your way. High winds during a heavy storm can potentially pick up these items and send them flying through a window or far away from your home. Putting away loose outdoor items in this situation can protect your house (and your neighbors’ houses) from unnecessary damage.

2. Trim the trees

Take time to examine the trees in your yard or surrounding your house.

Storms will often snap large tree branches, which can damage your home's siding, smash your car or even topple power lines and cause outages. If the tree has a loose connection with a big branch, consider sawing it off. It might reduce some shade in the yard, but can potentially protect your home.

3. Have standby power

Electricity lines are vulnerable during storms. Fallen branches can easily snap the power lines, and lightning strikes can blow up transformers, causing major power outages.

A whole-house surge protective device runs in the $200 to $300 range and is easy for an electrician to install. A generator is a great way to protect your home during storms and for a constant back up.

4. Flood-proof your home

Heavy rainstorms can lead to flooding, which can potentially wreak havoc on homes. Water damage can devalue a house and cause significant problems with the foundation.

Be ready in case of emergency, but if and when one occurs, rely on the professionals at Linn/Benton County SERVPRO. Call us today at (541)745-2097.