Real Estate: Weather The STORM
Summer storms are here, and no matter the age of your home or your location, there are steps you can and should take to protect your home from thunderstorms, tornadoes, flash flooding and hail.
Evaluate your roof
Shingles, gabled roofs and other roof materials and types can be retrofitted with trusses, sheathing and other solutions to help strengthen against hurricane winds and heavy rain.
Reinforce doors, windows and shutters
Head- and foot-bolted doors, impact-resistant windows and specially manufactured shutters help limit storm damage. Ask your local hardware store for advice on products that fit the needs of weather risks in your area.
Check for leaks
Heavy rain can make a slow leak a big problem – fast. Inspect plumbing water lines for leaks, damage or corrosion, and make sure you know where your shut-off valves for the main water supply are located in the event of an emergency.
Make a family plan
Designate a safe meeting spot, away from windows and on the bottom floor, and stock it with a battery-powered radio, non-perishable food, water, flashlights and other emergency equipment.
Evacuate safely
Make sure you know your evacuation route and what to pack. Before you leave, unplug appliances to avoid a fire hazard, bring in patio furniture and other loose items, and park secondary cars in the garage if possible.
