June 1 through November 31 is known as the Hurricane Season along the Gulf Coast of Texas and many residents have seen the damage that can occur through high winds, rain, and fallen trees.
There are a few things you should do to protect your home from excessive damage during a tropical storm, hurricane, or tornado. Don’t wait until you hear the wind howling!
Your trees around your home are the first area that needs your attention as a homeowner. The durability of your trees and shrubs will vary by species, age, structure, the amount of rain, and strength of the wind. All trees could be inspected by a professional arborist to determine the condition of the tree and the issues your tree may endure with a forceful storm.
Prune your trees of any dead branches and any limbs that may pose a risk to your home if fallen. Your arborist will be able to determine if you have any trees that need to be cabled with heavy bolts to resist strong winds to live longer. Happy Trees Services is our recommendation.
Mulching your trees and adding fertilizer will provide essential nutrients to the roots. Continuous mulching helps the roots retain water longer and may reduce weeds. We suggest connecting with Sergio’s Landscaping and watching HomeShow Garden Pros on Saturdays 7:00am-9:00am on SportsRadio 610 or “Asking a Gardening Pro” on www.HomeShowGardenPros.com.
Other exterior preparedness:
- Check your homeowners insurance-do you have flood insurance? Does it cover damage from rising waters and not just a hurricane?
- Check your roof for damaged shingles, missing tiles, or any evident holes or patches. Eldridge Roofing and Solar, locally owned and operated since 1998, can come out and inspect your roof to ensure it is prepared for heavy rain.
- Look at seals around doors and windows where water could get in. Storm Tight Windows has a lifetime guarantee for their service and products. They offer the most durable energy-efficient replacement windows on the market.
- Renewal by Andersen is the exclusive replacement window and patio door division of the 118-year-old Andersen Corporation, they offer a full line of replacement windows to ensure water doesn’t penetrate.
- LeafGuard Brand Gutters is a preventive shield to protect your foundation from up to 32 inches of rain per hour remaining clog free for the life of the home. The system moves rain to protect facia, soffit, and the structure of the home.
- With our weather on the Gulf Coast, you never know when we will get a sudden storm. Collaborative Services has generators at various price points to meet your needs and budget. They also have professional installation and maintenance services.
When a storm is in your path remove all outdoor furniture, barbeque pits, décor pieces, and plants that may absorb the wind and projectile towards your home or a neighbor’s property. Shelter in place and do not go outside during a storm.
Essentials to Have Ready
Make sure your home always has these items readily available, but especially when warned of an imminent disaster.
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Complete first aid kit
- Important documents in one location-sealed bag/box
- Matches
- Paper towels
- Chlorine bleach
- Fire extinguisher
- Pet food
- Duct tape
- Plastic garbage bags
- Bottled water. Recommended one gallon per person for 3 days
- Moist towlettes
- 3-day supply of non-perishable food
Make a Family Plan
Do you have a place where everyone can gather if not safe to go home? Choose a place in your neighborhood, your town, and a friend’s place out of the immediate area away from the disaster to discuss with your family. Are there more ways than one to exit a room? What is the safest spot in your home during a tornado?
Make sure all the kids are familiar with how to call 911 in an emergency.
Do you know where to turn off the water, gas, and electricity?
Stay informed when weather conditions intensify by phone, TV, or radio. Be aware of the school disaster plan that your children attend and what tools they use to communicate school closings or threats of danger. It’s also a good idea for all family members to have the same contact with a friend or relative out of town to call in an emergency.
Add ICE- (In Case of Emergency) contact on your phone for emergency services to find when necessary.
We want you to be healthy, safe, and be able to spend quality time with your family. Family is always first!
