Natural Disasters- Prepare Your Home

5/24/2018 (Permalink)

You are home watching the local news when the reporter says the next big hurricane is coming through your area within the next couple of days. You may think running out to fill up your gas tank and grabbing the last carton of milk and loaf of bread at the store means you are prepared. However, what about your home? Is it protected and prepared for the storm?

Here are some last minute tips on what you can do to get your home ready in the event of a natural disaster:

• Close all windows, doors, and shutters
• Bring in anything outdoors that can be picked up by wind. 
• Keep trees trimmed, remove any compromised limbs
• Turn your fridge and freezer on to the coldest setting & keep it closed as much as possible so food will last longer in case of a power outage 
• Turn off propane tank
• Unplug any small appliances
• Make sure your sump pump is working

To keep your home prepared all year round you must first identify any vulnerable areas in your home. 

• Check for cracks or small holes in the foundation where water can seep in. 
• Check for any loose or missing shingles on your roof. Secure soffits that may weaken over time. You can reinforce them by adding stainless steel screws. 
• Touch up areas with caulking that have worn away like windowsills and door jambs. You can easily fix these cracked areas on your own by simply getting a caulking gun and a waterproof sealant 
• Keep gutters free of debris and make sure water flows several feet away from your home
• Make sure the septic tank and sewer are inspected and cleaned before the start of every season 

If your home is affected by a major storm or disaster, an emergency restoration company can help you with cleanup. You should also contact your insurance company to report the damage and file a claim. Our team at SERVPRO of Northeast Bergen County can handle any size disaster you may face. Call us for more info. 201-445-5588