As the seasons transition from winter to spring, Texas weather often brings with it the potential for severe storms, including heavy rain, high winds and even tornadoes. To protect your home and family from the potential damage caused by these storms, it’s essential to take proactive measures and prepare accordingly.
Let’s explore some essential tips for storm-proofing your home and ensuring you’re ready to weather the Texas spring storms safely.
Inspect and Maintain Your Roof
Start by inspecting your roof for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Look for loose or missing shingles, damaged flashing and areas of weakness that could be vulnerable to leaks or wind damage. You’ll want to address these issues promptly to prevent water infiltration during heavy rain or windstorms. While you can check for obvious signs, it’s best to schedule a free inspection with a local roofing company to do a thorough job.
Clean Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow and damage your home’s foundation, siding and landscaping. Clean out leaves, debris and other obstructions from your gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. If you live in an area with a lot of trees, consider installing gutter guards to help prevent future clogs.
Trim Trees and Branches
Trim back any overhanging branches or limbs that could potentially fall on your home during a storm. Strong winds can cause branches to break and damage your roof, windows or siding. Keep your trees well-maintained and prune them regularly to reduce the risk of storm-related damage.
Secure Windows, Doors and Outdoor Items
Inspect the seals and weatherstripping around windows and doors to ensure they are tight and secure. Replace any worn or damaged seals to prevent water infiltration and drafts. Also, be sure to secure or bring indoors outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants and other loose items. In high winds, these can become projectiles.
Upgrade to Waterproof Containers
If you have items in cardboard boxes – holiday decorations, old photos, records, etc. – consider upgrading to waterproof containers. This way, if your home does suffer flood damage, your items will be kept safe and dry. We also recommend storing these containers off the floor.
Create an Emergency Kit and Plan
Prepare an emergency kit containing essential supplies such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, blankets and a portable weather radio. Keep the kit in a designated location that is easily accessible in the event of a power outage or evacuation. If anything were to happen, your future self will thank you!
We also recommend creating a family emergency plan that outlines procedures for sheltering in place, evacuation routes and communication methods in case of severe weather. Since it’s likely that you and your family are apart during the day, it’s helpful to know how you will get in contact with each other if there is an emergency.
Stay Informed
Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings issued by local authorities. Sign up for weather alerts on your smartphone or portable weather radio to receive real-time updates about approaching storms. Monitor weather conditions closely and take appropriate action to protect yourself and your home. Some storms develop quickly, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye!
Storm Cleanup and Restoration Services in Harlingen TX
By taking proactive steps to storm-proof your home and prepare for spring storms, you can minimize the risk of damage and keep your family safe. If you do run into any trouble, know that Texas Elite Restoration will be here for you.
Our locally owned company provides storm damage cleanup and restoration services for residential and commercial customers. No storm is too big for us to handle, so call us today if you need assistance with cleanup, restoration, water extraction, pack-in/pack-out services and more!
