Storms can come out of nowhere, and I realized that if I didn’t get my house ready, I could end up with serious damage. I wanted to protect my home and family without spending a fortune, so I started looking into ways to storm-proof my home. Now, I’ll walk you through what I did, step by step, to keep my place safe from heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. These steps are easy to follow, and you can do most of them yourself without needing special tools or skills.
Key Takeaways:
- Reinforce vulnerable areas: Strengthen your roof, windows, and doors with storm-proof materials like hurricane straps, impact-resistant glass, and shutters to prevent wind and water damage.
- Manage water effectively: Clean gutters, install sump pumps, and seal cracks to protect your home from flooding and foundation damage.
- Secure outdoor items: Anchor or store outdoor furniture and remove loose tree branches to prevent flying debris from damaging your property.
- Prepare for power outages and emergencies: Install surge protectors, have a backup generator, and create an emergency plan with supplies and documents to ensure safety during the storm.
Step 1: Fixing and Strengthening the Roof
When I first checked my roof, I noticed some loose shingles, and that got me worried. During a storm, even a small gap can let water in, and it could end up ruining the walls and ceilings inside.
Here’s what I did:
- I replaced the loose shingles and made sure everything was sealed tight.
- I used roof sealant around chimneys and vents to stop leaks.
- I also had a pro install hurricane straps, which help keep the roof from flying off during strong winds.
- To avoid problems with falling branches, I trimmed back all the trees near the roof.
Step 2: Protecting Windows and Doors
I didn’t want shattered glass or a door blowing open during a storm, so I made sure all the openings were secure.
Here’s what I did:
- I installed storm shutters on the windows. If you don’t want shutters, adding impact-resistant film is another good option.
- I added deadbolts to the front and back doors to make them stronger.
- Since my garage door looked a bit flimsy, I installed horizontal braces to keep it from collapsing inward during high winds.
Step 3: Stopping Water from Flooding the House
Flooding is one of the biggest problems during storms. I wanted to make sure water wouldn’t pool around my house and sneak inside.
Here’s what I did:
- I cleaned out the gutters and downspouts so they wouldn’t overflow.
- I extended the downspouts to push water away from the foundation.
- I installed a sump pump in the basement, which will pump out water if it starts flooding.
- I also used waterproof sealant on cracks in the foundation to stop water from leaking in.
Step 4: Securing Outdoor Furniture and Yard Items
I realized that anything left outside could become dangerous during a storm. Even lightweight things, like flower pots, can turn into flying missiles in strong winds.
Here’s what I did:
- I brought all the lightweight stuff inside, including patio chairs and garden tools.
- I tied down bigger things, like the grill, so they wouldn’t move.
- I cut down loose tree limbs that could break off and damage the house.
Step 5: Preparing for Power Outages
Storms often knock out the power, which can leave you without lights, AC, or even a working fridge. I wanted to make sure I wouldn’t be stuck without the essentials.
Here’s what I did:
- I installed a whole-house surge protector to keep my electronics safe from power surges.
- I bought a small generator to keep the fridge running and charge my phone during outages.
- I raised a few electrical outlets in the basement, just in case it floods.
Step 6: Sealing Cracks and Gaps
Even the smallest gaps around doors and windows can let in water and cold air. I wanted to make sure my house stayed dry and warm during a storm, especially if the power went out.
Here’s what I did:
- I added weather stripping around the doors and windows to keep out drafts and water.
- I used caulking to seal small cracks and holes in the walls and around pipes.
- I put in door sweeps under the exterior doors to stop water from sneaking in.
Step 7: Setting Up a Safe Room
After watching the news about tornadoes and hurricanes, I knew it was smart to have a safe place in the house where we could all gather if the weather got really bad.
Here’s what I did:
- I picked a room without windows (the hallway closet) as our safe room.
- I stocked it with water, snacks, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit.
- I also kept some important documents in waterproof bags in case we had to evacuate.
Step 8: Reviewing Insurance and Emergency Plans
It felt good to know my house was ready, but I also knew that if something went wrong, I needed a plan for repairs and recovery.
Here’s what I did:
- I reviewed my home insurance policy to make sure it covered storm damage.
- I added flood insurance since regular policies don’t always cover flooding.
- I took photos of the house to document everything, so filing an insurance claim would be easier if needed.
- Finally, I created a family emergency plan with meeting points and evacuation routes.
Storm-proofing Home FAQs
1. How much did it cost to storm-proof your house?
Some things, like sealing cracks and cleaning gutters, were really cheap—less than $100. But bigger upgrades, like getting a generator and storm shutters, cost a bit more. In total, I spent about $3,000 over several months.
2. What’s the fastest way to protect windows during a storm?
If you don’t have storm shutters or impact windows, you can board up your windows with plywood for quick protection. It’s not pretty, but it works.
3. When should I start storm-proofing my house?
I suggest starting at least a month before storm season. That way, you have enough time to fix things and gather supplies without feeling rushed.
Final Thoughts
Storm-proofing my home took some time and effort, but it gave me peace of mind. Now, I know I’ve done everything I can to protect my family and our home. If you want to keep your house safe too, follow these steps. It’s better to prepare now than regret it later.