How to Stormproof Your Home

Keep wind, water, snow and hail from inflicting serious damage on your home by stormproofing before bad weather strikes. Some fundamental preventive maintenance and pre-storm preparedness shopping can put your mind at ease, prevent costly damages and help you confidently withstand any storm.

Things You'll Need

• Roofing nails
• Plywood
• Weather stripping
• Oil lamps
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Shatter-proof glass

Instructions

Roofing and Siding

1. Take advantage of storm-free days to walk around your roof slowly, carefully checking for loose or missing shingles. Use industrial adhesive to secure any shingles that appear loose. Keep a supply of roofing nails and extra shingles on hand in case you find missing shingles.

2. Repair a damaged roof immediately to prevent water seepage and damage to inside ceilings and walls.

3. If your home is covered with aluminum or vinyl siding, inspect each piece before storm season to ensure it is secure. Loose pieces must be nailed back into place.

Windows and Doors

1. To avoid storm-shattered glass--a dangerous by-product of some serious storms-- install simple wooden shutters that can be pulled closed to protect the glass behind them during bad weather. When replacing windows, use shatter-proof glass panes.

2. Keep nearby trees and bushes well-trimmed and free of any dead limbs that high winds can transform into deadly projectiles.

3. When storms approach, secure and lock all screen doors to prevent high winds from pulling them off of their hinges. Use sturdy metal outer doors wherever practical. Many metal doors are also insulated, providing an additional measure of protection from winter storms and blizzards.

4. Hang heavy retractable bamboo curtains or floor-length insulated curtains over sliding glass doors or glass French doors. This will help backstop any shattering glass before it reaches occupants inside the room.

5. To keep out wind-driven water, snow and ice, check weather-strips that surround doors and windows before each storm season begins, repairing as needed.

Interior Issues

1. Move all glass and breakables away from windows during storm season.

2. Check for signs of water seepage in basements and crawl spaces. Apply brush-on waterproofing sealant where needed.

3. Cover interior basement windows with heavy plastic sheeting to keep out cold winds and groundwater.

4. If your basement is prone to flooding, install a backflow preventer in the floor drain to stop groundwater from backing up. Install at least one sump pump to pump water away from the home as it accumulates.

5. Unplug all appliances and computers as storms approach.

Lifestyle Preparedness

1. Keep a supply of inexpensive oil lamps on hand for storm-related power outages. Make sure your storm lamps are filled with oil before the storm hits. Keep extra wicks, oil and matches handy in case of prolonged power outages.

2. Have a battery-operated radio, extra batteries, working flashlights, matches and extra lighters on hand before the storm strikes.

3. In areas prone to winter storms, have a wood-burning stove or fireplace cleaned and ready to fire up in case blizzards or ice knock out power to your furnace. Keep a supply of dry, well-seasoned hardwood to burn for heat if necessary.

4. Keep an emergency fresh water supply on hand, at least two gallons per person per day. Make sure you have a supply of water purification tablets available.

5. Have a plan for alternative cooking in case the power goes out. Keep a supply of precooked canned food and a hand-operated can opener on hand.

References

• Stormproofing your Home
• Forum: Emergency Preparedness and Homesteading
• Home Security: Stormproofing A House