Residential storm damage is an unfortunate threat to homeowners. Although Marietta, Georgia is an inland city with less risk for hurricanes, strong storms can still feed off the warm coast and sweep across Georgia, causing potential flooding and fallen trees.
If you’re new to storm preparation, you’ve likely learned that outside preparation is crucial to protecting your home. What about inside prep? Let’s outline seven tips that will fortify the inside of your home and protect it as much as possible from storm damage.
Hurricane Season Brings More than Just Wind and Rain
Hurricane season is here, reminding everyone of the power and unpredictability of nature. Hurricane Helene underscored this reality as this category 4 hurricane swept through and caused flooding across six states. 4 million people were affected by power outages in response.
A preparation plan is essential for mitigating the effects of these storms—particularly when protecting your home. Before the next storm, take some time to prepare your home. Preparing in advance will safeguard your property and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Here are seven tips for protecting your Marietta home from storm damage:
1. Make Sure Your Windows and Doors Are Sealed
Windows and doors are the main points of entry for high winds and rainwater, so it’s important to seal them up as best as possible. If you have older windows and want to avoid the hassle of boarding up, consider investing in hefty stormproof windows. You can also use heavy-duty plastic sheeting to cover windows and doorways—just don’t forget to tape the seams securely.
If your windows and doors are prone to letting in air and aren’t properly sealed, now is the time to repair them. Caulking and weatherstripping can make a big difference in keeping your home protected.
2. Unplug All Essential Electronics
A huge risk during forceful storms is power surges, or when an electrical current suddenly becomes too strong. This can happen when high winds or lightning disrupt power lines, causing a sudden jolt of electricity that can damage your electronics.
To protect your computer, television, and other electronics from power surges, unplug them from outlets and store them in a safe place off the ground (in case of flooding). A severe power surge can also cause fires, so keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
3. Fill Up Your Bathtub
While most people worry about power outages, serious storms can also disrupt local water supply and access to clean water, sometimes for weeks. It’s crucial to fill up your bathtub and any other clean containers with water before the storm hits, even if you already invested in plenty of water bottles. If you don’t have clean water access, you can use the water you saved for hygienic needs until help arrives.
Aim to have several gallons of water per person in your household, stored in clean containers. Emergency experts recommend storing one gallon per person per 24 hours. Water is one of the first necessities to fly off the shelves when a powerful storm is on its way, so try to gradually add to your water storage as part of your preparation process.
4. Elevate and Protect Important Documents
When there’s a threat of heavy rain in the forecast, you’ll want to make sure your important documents are protected from any potential flooding. If your home does sustain water damage, these documents could be ruined if they’re not properly protected. Keep all paper documents in a sealed plastic bag stored off the floor.
Some documents that should be carefully stored from potential threats include:
- Birth certificates
- Social Security cards
- Homeowners insurance policy
- Driver’s licenses
- Tax documents
- Passports
- Medical records
- Marriage certificates
It’s a good idea to scan these documents and keep them saved electronically so you can access them even if the physical copies are damaged.
5. Leave Your Garage Door Closed
When a strong storm is on its way, it’s best to take all of the necessary precautions to protect your home, including keeping the garage door closed for the full duration of the storm.
If the garage door is open, water can easily enter. If the garage is used to store supplies or tools, these items could be damaged or ruined in a storm if left out in the open.
6. Trim Your Trees and Shrubs
Strong winds can easily knock down branches and uproot trees, causing major damage to your home. Trim any overhanging or damaged branches that could potentially fall onto your house to mitigate any risks.
This also includes shrubs and bushes near your home, as their roots can weaken the foundation of your property. Some trees may need to be completely removed if they pose a significant threat.
7. Contact a Restoration Company for Pro Tips
Prevention is key to avoiding storm damage, so if you’re unsure how to protect your home, consider consulting with a professional restoration company for your specific situation or concerns. They can provide valuable advice and even help install protective measures like storm shutters or reinforced doors.
A professional assessment can also highlight any weak spots in your home’s structure that may need reinforcement.
Contact the Marietta Storm Damage Experts: Integrity Restoration and Remodeling
Sometimes even after all the preparation possible, damage still occurs. Thankfully, Integrity Restoration and Remodeling is here to help your home fully recover. If your home sustains significant damage from any weather-related storm, our experienced team will use specialized equipment and techniques to restore your home quickly and efficiently.
Contact us at (770) 966-9987 for more information about our storm damage repair services!