Spring is an excellent time to get rid of clutter and restart. However, while you’re organizing closets and decluttering cabinets, it’s also best to perform some basic house upkeep. Some aspects of your house require routine maintenance to put them in excellent shape for decades to come, and even more for inevitable disasters and harsh weather.
Spring has the potential to send some thunderstorms and snowmelt runoff. These could easily lead to flood posing severe threats for flood-prone states and areas around the country. It is easy to forget that the relative calm of frigid winter afternoons could result from severe spring storms.
According to reports, increased sea levels and harsh weather could bring $20 billion flood damage to US properties at risk this year, up to 32 trillion dollars in 30 years. Reports also show that the number of properties at risk of flooding in the United States is 70% more than government predictions.
Thus, preparing and defending your home from the impending bad weather is vital.
Assess Your Home in and Out
Your home is built to keep you dry and protected from the elements. Make frequent roundtrips and examine your property for faults and irregularities to be held in high-quality shape. Tree limbs overhanging over your home or driveway, for example, should be trimmed or removed as they could cause harm and damage during a storm.
Examine the exteriors to check if all parts are in good working condition or whether you need a fence, gutter, or siding repairs right away. Gutters must be securely fastened, and all downspouts must direct rainwater away from the base. Secure all entry and exit points as well, including garage doors and windows.
Clean Your House’s Vertebrae
Cleaning your gutters should be part of your home maintenance routine. This preemptive strategy keeps water out of your property and prevents further flood damages. It also provides you with the chance to evaluate the leakage and slump of your rain gutters.
When you are prepared to take up this work, be sure to comply with all ladder safety requirements and employ a spotter to aid. Don’t forget to wear your safety gear and equipment when peeling off the waste and other cleaning procedures.
Ensure that Your Sump Pump Is Working
With all the rain coming your way, your chances of flooding are at stake. Having a sump pump in place will require yearly maintenance. Clear all debris from the system to function correctly. If you’re considering adding a backup, make sure that they are operational, especially before the surge.
Pay Attention to Any Leaks
If you’ve experienced leak issues and incidents before, it’s advisable to address them now before further harm occurs. You must also look in the basement in your cellar and on the outer walls to check whether evidence of prior leaks is overlooked.
Additional Emergency Tips
Have All Your Resources in Place to Stay Updated
Consider installing news alert applications on your smartphone to receive real-time updates on weather and emergencies. You’ll also gain access to crucial emergency safety recommendations for various calamity situations. Even though you reside several hundred kilometers from the ocean, be sure that you have an emergency plan in place in the worst scenarios.
It’s also best to keep your lines open, have an emergency power bank in hand, or a battery-powered radio in case of blackouts or evacuation. The more data you have, the easier it will be to formulate a strategy.
Update Your Family Disaster Plan and Strategies
Gather your family and discuss what to do in the event of a significant storm and emergencies. Determine the safest area to shield from in your house, and devise an effective communication strategy if you aren’t together when the surge happens.
Evaluate the evacuation routes in your region and develop an evacuation strategy. If you have pets, think about their safety, too, and include them in your plan.
Double-check Your Emergency Supplies
Your kit should be replenished once or twice a year only to help ensure nothing has expired. Important documents, food, and emergency kits should be kept in one place and ensure all family members are aware of where it is located. Your family’s requirements may have changed, necessitating some modification. If this is your first time putting up a kit, keep in mind that it should be tailored to your family’s specific requirements and needs.
While natural disasters are inherently unpredictable, planning for the unexpected is still possible. By devoting time to getting your home’s exterior ready for spring, you’ll be able to guarantee that any concerns that arose throughout the winter have been addressed, leaving you more opportunity to appreciate the new season ahead.
