A bit of rain never hurt anyone. However, when local authorities announce to expect heavy rainfall in your area, it’s best to start preparing to prevent damages and keep your family safe. Here are some effective ways to protect your home from extreme weather conditions:
Check the Vents
Your vents may not be strong enough to withstand heavy rains. Heavy wind and rain can make water enter your attic vents. Too much water can take a toll on the house’s overall structure. To avoid that, you can get guards for your vents. Use strong adhesives to prevent leaks.
Improve Your Gutters
You should make sure your gutters are clean before the rain reaches your home. That way, you do not have to worry about water pooling and damaging your house. You should also make sure that your downspouts are pointing away from your home. If you notice that there is water damage beneath the gutter or there are cracks, you should replace your gutters. If you do not have any gutters, you should find a company that offers gutter installation services in Salt Lake City, Utah to make sure the water does not linger on your home.
Double Check the Gas and Electrical Lines
While gas and electrical lines can cause the most damage to homes during heavy rainfall, many people forget to check them. If flooding finds its way into electronics or wall outlets, you should turn off the electronic panel or switch. If the water rises to the point that it extinguishes the water heater or furnace’s pilot light, you could get a gas leak.
If you suspect that it happens, avoid using any open flames since it can be hard to cut off the gas supply quickly. If not, you should leave the area until you are absolutely sure that there was no gas leak. If you suspect that one occurred, call a professional immediately.
Inspect the Roof
You may need to repair or install a new roof if you see that there is widespread damage on your roof or if it is old. May sure you get sealants and shingles to protect your roof from the heavy rain. You can also check the inside of your home if there are any leaks. That way, you know if they came from the roof so you can fix any leaks. If there are hanging limbs over your roof, make sure you clear them.
Prepare An Emergency Kit
One of the most important things that you should do is to create an emergency kit. You should keep water and food in an accessible area, put new batteries in your flashlights, and charge all your phones before the rain hits. You should also have a bag full of dry clothes and prepare an emergency kit if you need to leave. You should make sure that you have essentials for your lifestyle and home. For instance, you should pack baby food, diapers, etc. if you have a baby in the house.
It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your home. Make sure you follow the tips above to protect your house from heavy rainfall.
