Spring is known as the season for plants to turn green again and for people to enjoy the warmth of the sun. After staying dormant all winter, you can finally enjoy moderate and more comfortable temperatures, longer daylight hours, and more time for outdoor activities. However, this is also a season where the weather changes and it could get worse too. One week you’re getting intense sunlight, the next, you have stormy weather.
In most parts of the world, spring comes with thunderstorms, which bring floods, tornadoes, and lightning. When such weather hits, being unprepared can cause serious damage to your home as well as increase the risk of injuries or deaths. This is why preparing for spring storms makes sense.
Read on for some suggestions on how you can plan and keep your house intact.
- Stay updated on weather updates
Luckily for you, there are now tons of safety apps that can give you real-time alerts about natural disasters and daily weather updates. There’s the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) mobile app that you can download. It gives you emergency information such as disaster preparedness tips, resources, and other relevant emergency notifications.
The app can also give you details and tips on about 20 kinds of disasters. If you’re located near the coast, have an emergency plan ready. Moreover, you can also receive text messages regarding emergencies around your area. But besides the FEMA app, don’t forget to check first with your local government, radio stations, and weather channel to get similar information and services.
- Stay on top of home maintenance
Keeping your entire home well-maintained can help it survive harsh weather conditions during spring. In case you have a generator standby for a power outage, it’s best to have your cooling system checked to ensure they’ll be running efficiently and won’t waste power when you need them. Call on a local AC repair company to have your unit inspected. They can check if your AC unit is in good condition and won’t cause you energy or gas leak problems that can worsen the situation. Do the same for your heating system too.
Apart from that, check your roof and gutters for any leaks or blockage that can compromise your safety during storms. Get them fixed before the spring starts. If you have a basement or crawlspace, look for signs of standing water. They are typically caused by a broken water line or poor drainage system. And they could get worse during heavy rains. Neglecting this can lead to mold and pest problems and structural issues to your house’s foundation.
- Have emergency kits ready
Next on our list is preparing your emergency kit. Expect the water and electricity to be cut off during the hurricane season, especially if you’re directly hit with a storm. Some locations experience a whole week of a power outage, so make sure you have a complete emergency kit in the home to help you survive. Examples of inclusions are flashlights, spare batteries or power bank, lighters or matches, a radio, a waterproof bag with important documents, cash, prescription medications, non-perishable foods and water, mosquito repellent, and first aid items.
You should also have an alternative cooking method for your meals, particularly if you use an electric stove. As for bedding and clothing, pack a warm blanket or sleeping bag for each family member, sturdy shoes, gloves, long sleeve shirts, long pants, as well as coats and jackets. If you have a pet, pack essential supplies you can hand carry during emergencies. These include a week-worth of dry or canned food, pet first aid kit, medical records, paper toweling or litter, blanket, and pet feeding dishes.
- Check or trim trees in your yard
Damaged and fallen trees are among the biggest problems during severe weather that you need to take care of. Strong spring storms or hurricanes can bring in raging rains and winds that can knock those trees out to the ground. Or worse, hit directly into your house. The first thing you need to do is check the trees around your property. Are the trees healthy? Do they look sickly, old, or dead? Do the branches look weak?
Such issues can be hazardous when there are strong winds and rains. You can call on your local tree service to have your property checked. They can help assess if the trees are dangerous to you and your family. Depending on the evaluation, they can perform tree trimming or pruning or have the entire tree cut down. They can also take care of the removal of tree debris.
Planning can save you not only from danger but also from expensive house repairs. Spend time properly maintaining your home and ensure you and your family will withstand the severe weather. Follow our tips here to help you take control of the situation and ensure safety. At the same time, don’t forget to consult the local authorities regarding disaster preparedness to get more details and advice.