How to Create a Storm-Proof Home in the Southeast
Living in the Southeast of the United States presents a unique set of challenges since the risk of tropical storms is very high. Building a storm-proof home can become a necessity because of the potential for severe winds and flooding during certain times of year. Preparing a home for a storm entails taking preventative measures to ensure it can withstand strong winds and the potential for heavy rains.
If you’re looking to create a storm-proof home in the Southeast, there are certain things you can do to make sure it’s as protected as possible. Storm-proofing the exterior of your home is paramount since that’s what protects the interior. Installing hurricane-grade windows and doors and properly bracing the roof are the best measures you can take. Additionally, making sure that the home is properly sealed and secured with the addition of weather strips and other necessary materials is also essential.
In addition to weatherproofing the exterior of your home, you’ll also want to consider the elements of the interior that may be a concern during the storm season. Installing higher quality fixtures and plumbing that are resistant to flooding is one of the best measures to take. Additionally, ensuring that any sensitive electronics or appliances are protected from power outages can become a necessity.
How to Prepare Exterior of Home for Storms
The first step when storm-proofing your Southeast home is to make sure that the exterior is protected as much as possible. This is done by installing sturdy hurricane-grade windows that are designed specifically to withstand the strong winds of a storm. It is also important to secure the roof with braces that have been designed to protect your home from high winds and other debris. Weatherstrips should also be added around the windows and doors to help keep out excess water and make sure that the home is properly sealed.
Another important step is to make sure that the landscaping around your house is prepared. Pruning trees and removing any dead shrubbery and overhanging branches is strongly suggested. Well-maintained landscaping is necessary for preventing any debris from damaging your home during the storm.
How to Prepare Interior of Home for Storms
The inside of a home may seem less vulnerable to the effects of a storm, but that’s not necessarily true. It’s important to protect both the features of the home and any sensitive electronics that may be present. Installing more efficient and durable fixtures and plumbing can help to guard against flooding. This can range from high-grade pipes to heavier shower doors that can withstand floodwaters.
As for the electronics, it’s important to take preventative measures such as unplugging them during a storm or investing in surge protectors that will help guard against power outages. Additionally, if you have any extra-sensitive electronics, covering them up with plastic sheets can be an effective way to protect them.
Sensitive documents should also be protected during storms. Making sure that important documents such as birth certificates and Social Security cards are kept in a waterproof storage container is a must.
Precautionary Steps to Take
- Install hurricane-grade windows and doors
- Brace roof to withstand high winds
- Weatherstrip windows and doors
- Keep landscaping well maintained
- Install durable fixtures and plumbing
- Unplug electronics during storms
- Use surge protectors and waterproof containers to protect documents and electronics
Creating a storm-proof home in the Southeast is an essential step for anyone living in this part of the US. Taking the necessary preparations to make sure that your home can withstand a disaster is paramount in order to keep yourself and your family safe. By making sure that the exterior and interior of the home is properly protected, you can give yourself a greater sense of security during these uncertain times.