How to Prepare Your Home for a Storm

Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to prevent severe weather changes but you can at least react in time and prepare yourself for what’s coming. We give you suggestions for preventing damage caused by high winds:

• Roof: In order to prevent water leakage that high winds may cause changes your metal roof (in case you’ve got one). You can do this recoating by simply visiting a hardware store or a lumberyard. In case you have shingle roof, don’t let the shingles flap or stay loose in the wind. Further, make sure your roof is completely free from debris because they can cause rot and deteriorate both metal and shingled roofs.
• ‘Flying’ objects: If you know the windstorm is coming, make sure you remove all bikes, shovels, poles and lose articles from yard as they can quickly become dangerous flying objects!
• Your home: Never store any hazardous, caustic or flammable material beneath your manufactured home. No, not even grass clippings or newspapers, and it would be smart to invest in a professional to install proper tie-downs on your home and sheds. Also, if there is a chance, make sure you establish a windbreak around your property if possible. Yes, tall trees are efficient in providing a natural windbreak but you still need to keep them healthy by removing dead limbs. If your budget allows it, consider replacing older windows with modern impact-resistant glass.
• Appliances: Don’t try to save up on appliances that will literally save your home from collapsing. Buy sturdy “L-brackets” at your local hardware store and use them to anchor your major appliances to the counter-tops of your home or your walls. In order to prevent electrical hazards hire a professional.
• Cupboards: To prevent any spillage, put child safety locks on your upper and lower cupboards.
• Wall Decorations and Pictures: Instead of using nails, you should use “V-hooks” to mount artwork instead. Unlike nails, these enable pictures to shift without falling from the wall.
• Exterior repairs: Always make sure your manufactured home skirting is vented in such a way that it allows water to escape, and keep your storm water drain unclogged. In case your gutters, brackets, downspouts and exterior siding are damaged by the previous storms, make sure to do storm water repairs to be ready if the ill occurrences repeat.
• Utilities: It is really important to know how to turn off your home appliances as well as water and gas.

Apart from doing all necessary repairs and preventive measures, there are more things you need to do and safe yourself from a windstorm.

What to do before the storm: The final checklist

• Park the car in a garage. If you don’t have a garage, park it somewhere away from large trees.
• Prepare a shelter to stay at in case you are unsure of your home’s security.
• Keep all yard appliances and furniture locked in a shed or garage. These are variety of ornaments, then bikes, children’s toys, ladders…
• With electrical storms, remove the aerial from the TV set
• Don’t be in the streets when you are aware of the danger and the storm
• Have all necessities with you in a small kit – such as bandages, scissor and other small first aid pieces.