Would have, should have, could have really have no
place in a homeowner’s vocabulary. Reality is, it is YOUR home and it is YOUR
responsibility for its upkeep and maintenance. As seasons change, so does the
weather. Right now, the U.S. has a pretty big storm moving in our direction and
you should ask yourself, “Am I prepared?” If you answered yes, then you are
doing great and the remainder of this article may be passed on to others that
you think need it. If your answer is either “No” or “Not Sure” then keep
reading. Hurricanes may be impacting only the coastal regions but the secondary
effects that come from the storm moves across land for hundreds of miles.
**When I lived in Louisiana, the hurricanes that
impacted the coast always sent torrential rains, tornadoes, and terrible winds
that caused quite a significant amount of damage to the areas over 200 miles
from the coast. During hurricane Andrew, it took weeks to restore power and we
were over 200 miles from where it impacted.
Here are some things you can do to reduce the amount
of damage to your home and help you to be better prepared:
-
Insurances.
Is your homeowner’s insurance up-to-date and paid? Do you have other insurances
for flooding, earthquake, sewage backup, etc.? Rule of thumb here is, ‘it is
better to have and not need than the alternative’.
-
Roof.
Well before major storms, you should visually inspect your roof for any dips or
weak looking spots. If you see some, you should get up on your roof and test
the area or areas in question. For metal roofs, you want to check for rust and
loose anchoring or metal.
If you do not have time to do this,
make the time. If you think there is a problem, call me and I
will give you my recommendations for roofing specialists/licensed contractors
or check the Internet and/or the Better Business Bureau. DO NOT be part of the
problem but the solution.
- Windows
and Doors. Check to ensure that all windows and doors are
properly installed and seated. Check that all doors and windows are sealed and
will not allow water to get into the framing of your home. In the case of a
hurricane or tornado, you may want to have some cheap plywood in your
possession to cover your windows and doors. Nail the wood panels over the
frames. In the best case scenario, the wood will stop your entry ways from
being blown out or broken.
-
Outside
Equipment/Furniture. All of the things that can be found
outside that are not secured should be carried into your home. If you have a
child’s play set in the yard, try to secure that with stakes and remove any of
the additional parts like swings, slides, etc. Don’t be the neighbor that has their patio
table fly into your neighbor’s front window!
-
Manufactured
Homes DON’T BE THERE WHEN THE STORM HITS!
-
Gas.
Ensure that any and every vehicle and gas can you have is filled up before the
rush of people who waited until the last minute. Gas will not be carried to or
from storm areas until the roads are deemed safe. If you don’t have one, get a
generator and the gas for that as well.
-
Food/Water.
Just like gas, get your supplies and have them on hand well before there is
even word of a storm. You want to have canned foods, bottled water, and stuff
that will last over a week or so. Steer clear of milk, fresh vegetable and
fruits, etc.
Major Storms SUCK!! They are naturally occurring and
cannot be stopped but if each person does their part and takes care of their
selves and their properties then the amount of damages will be reduced for
yourself and those around you. Again, DON’T BE THAT NEIGHBOR!
#RealtorRickTN #clarksvilletnrealtor #clarksvilletnrocks
#VeteranRealtor #MindfulRealEstate #stormpreparations
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