Preparing for Spring Storms and Property Damage

Spring is finally here! Cold, frigid weather is now a thing of the past. Snow covered lawns and icy driveways give way to velvety grass and fragrant flowers. Families look forward to warmer weather, sunnier days; picnics in the park and backyard barbecues. But, just like any season, there are always hazards associated with the weather. Spring weather is highly unpredictable bringing with it both warm and frigid temperatures; sometimes within the same week. Thunderstorms are likely in spring, bringing with them the potential for lightning, heavy rains, and flooding. It is because of it unpredictability that we must start preparing for spring storms.

Preparing your home

Whether you live in an area constantly targeted by severe storms or not you should always be prepared. As a matter of fact, because of the unpredictability of spring weather, it’s best you be ready lest they take you by surprise. Here are a few tips:

• Inspect your roof and make needed repairs
• Clean your gutters and downspouts to ensure that water will flow away from your home
• Prune and remove any dead branches near your home or vehicle
• Make sure everyone knows how to shut off the main power and water lines
• Ensure your basement sump pump is operating correctly
• Take pictures of your home (inside and out) for insurance purposes
• Back up any data in case of a blackout

You can never be too careful, especially when dealing with Mother Nature.

Stocking emergency kits

Whether or not you expect a severe storm, it’s always best to be prepared. Planning for spring storms requires certain safety precautions. Keep an emergency kit available that includes:

• A battery-operated flashlight, a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio along with extra batteries
• An evacuation plan including a map with safety routes and a place for family members to meet
• Compose a list of personal information including:
• Telephone numbers of family and friends
• Insurance information
• Telephone numbers of utility companies
• Medical information
• A first aid kit including:
• Non-latex gloves
• Adhesive bandages and sterile gauze pads
• Antibiotic ointments
• Absorbent compress dressings
• Scissors
• Bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Preparing against lightning

Anything can happen weather-wise especially when the seasons are changing. Making a few simple investments in electrical safety can protect your home. Use surge protectors that have been tested to UL 1449 with a joule rating of more than 1,000 and a clamping voltage rating of 330 volts or more. For better protection you could have whole-home surge protection system installed or a lightning rod.

Responding to storm damage to your property

When you’ve done all you could to protect your home and it still gets damaged by excessive spring weather, you need to call a professional restoration company. Soil-Away Cleaning and Restoration is a respected IICRC and NADCA certified company with over 25 years of helping people like you recover from severe storm damage. Whether it is flood, fire, mold or biohazard damage, Soil-Away is available for any emergency 24/7. Not all is lost, call the disaster restoration experts at 603-641-6555.

Written by E. Aceves