Living in the Midwest, you’re no stranger to tornado season. The weather channel fails at calming nerves with their nonstop storm updates and the local emergency centers add to the chaos with their alarms and government-wide preparedness drills. To make matters worse, many homes are not storm-safe, leaving many families vulnerable. To give your family the best chance of safety, it is important to take steps to storm-proof your home against the harsh Midwest storms.
When creating a storm-safe home, begin by reinforcing the walls and roof of the house. Make sure windows are placed in a safe area and are equipped with storm shutters. Windows are the most vulnerable section of the house when facing strong winds, so reinforcing them is the key to the house’s security. Anchoring your home to its foundation will also help your home withstand strong winds.
Alongside reinforcing your home, it is important to equip it with the necessary storm items. This includes an easily accessible safe room with a shelter to conceal your family, emergency kits and flashlights, and important documents for safekeeping. Stormproofing items should be used to protect your home further, such as roof straps and window film.
Roof and Wall Reinforcements
It is essential to properly reinforce the walls and roof of your home. This could include installing storm panels and shutters to provide extra protection as well as investing in wind load ratings. The highest rated storm shutters are impact-resistant glass and steel panels. Roofs should also be reinforced with straps and impacts to reduce damage from exceptional winds.
Additionally, windows and doors should be properly reinforced. The most secure windows are those located away from the storm’s biggest impact areas. Windows equipped with glass should also be supplemented with storm shutters and impact-resistant glass and steel panels.
Equipping Your Home With Storm Supplies
Creating a storm-safe home also involves equipping the home with essential items. Investing in a safe room and a type of shelter is important to keep your family safe during a storm. Make sure the safe room is away from windows and is the most secure area of the home to enter.
Emergency supplies should also be present in case of a power outage or worst case scenario. This should include items such as nonperishable food, water, blankets, flashlights and extra batteries, a weather radio (in case of power outage), and a first aid kit. Critical documents such as your driver license, birth certificates, medical information, and important phone contacts should also be stored in a stormproof place.
Finally, purchasing stormproofing supplies can help further secure your home from storms. These might include roof straps, window film, anchors, and bracing material.
Finding a Professional for Assistance with Stormproofing Your Home
If stormproofing your home sounds intimidating or overwhelming, don’t worry! There are a number of professionals available to help you create and maintain a storm-safe home. These people specialize in garage door reinforcements, brackets and bracing, roof installations, and reinforcements of existing structures.
To maintain the effectiveness of your storm-safe home, regular inspections should be performed by a professional. This will ensure that damage is repaired quickly and that your home remains up to code and in prime condition to protect your family from storms.
Steps for Creating a Storm-Safe Home
- Reinforce walls and roof with storm panels and shutters
- Equip the home with storm items such as a safe room and emergency supplies
- Purchase storm-proofing items such as roof straps and window film
- Consult a professional for help with inspecting and repairing your home
Conclusion
Storms can be highly damaging and can put your family and home at risk. Developing a storm-safe home is the key to your family’s safety and security. By reinforcing the walls and roof, equipping the home with necessary supplies, and investing in storm-proofing items, you’ll be able to protect yourself from the harsh Midwest storms. If you feel at all overwhelmed, consult a professional for assistance with stormproofing your home.