How to Get Your Home Ready for Spring Storms

Spring weather can be highly dangerous as it brings storms that can cause severe damage and flooding, especially in early spring, when the soil is still frozen. Because the weather can be deadly in spring, it’s important to prepare for it ahead of time. Here’s what homeowners should do to stay safe from severe spring weather:

Before a Storm:

• Create a disaster preparedness plan that includes an outside meeting place and escape routes from each room in the house. All household members should practice the plan together.
• Create an emergency supply kit.
• Make a home inventory that will help when filing an insurance claim. Important documents, personal numbers, and insurance policies need to be backed up and secured.
• Make sure the home is in proper shape to withstand powerful storms. Good things to do include tightening the roof shingles and waterproofing the basement, windows, and doors.
• Prune the loose branches and remove the dead vegetation in the yard.
• Keep drains and gutters clean to ensure proper drainage. The gutters should also be tightly attached to the house to guard against strong winds.
• Everyone in the family must know how to turn off utilities and how to use a fire extinguisher.

During a Storm:

• When a storm is imminent, bring the valuables in the yard inside and move all vehicles and equipment to high ground.
• Don’t walk through moving water. Just a few centimetres of rapidly moving water can sweep people off their feet.
• Don’t drive through floodwater, not even in a large van. Half a metre of moving water is enough to take it away.
• Avoid using utilities and wired electrical equipment and turn off utilities to mitigate potential damages in case of flooding or other disasters.
• Stay up to date on weather conditions and listen to local authorities for evacuation announcements.
• Those who are inside should: securely shut the doors and windows; stay away from windows to avoid the risk of getting struck by shattered glass; and take shelter in the basement if the storm is severe.
• Those who are outside should get to higher ground and avoid low lying areas that are likely to flood.

After a Storm:

• Ensure everyone is OK and check for damage to the home, while being aware of potential hazards.
• If there is damage to utilities, call local authorities and wait for their approval to turn them back on.
• If the home has been flooded:
  • Avoid contact with floodwater, which is likely contaminated.
  • Make lists of the damaged or lost items and take photos.
  • File the flood insurance claim.
  • Hire a professional damage restoration company, such as PuroClean to get the home back in order safely and efficiently.

Spring flooding disasters can strike in any given time, so it’s essential to make a plan and act fast to mitigate thunderstorm and flood risks. The PuroClean team stands ready to provide professional restoration services to any property affected by fire, water or mould damage.