Mitigating Damage Before the Storm

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® was recently called to help after a severe storm caused significant damage to this home.

Here in Northeast Ohio, strong storms are most common during the spring and summer months. Although storm damage is often inevitable, there are ways to be better prepared and to help mitigate the damage before severe weather strikes.

According to the National Weather Service, these are some things you can do in or around your home prior to a storm:

• Trim trees and shrubs 
  • Trees close to your home can snap or uproot
  • High wind can turn branches into projectiles during the storm
• Remove debris from your yard 
  • Bring in outdoor furniture
  • Lawn chairs, trampolines, pool supplies, etc can be turned into flying debris
• Cover windows
  • This is necessary in order to guard against flying debris 
  • Plywood or professionally installed shutters are best
  • Taping windows DOES NOTHING to protect your home from wind!
• Reinforce garage doors
  • This will prevent wind from entering and causing dangerous/expensive damage
• Proper maintenance
  • Ensure that roofing materials, fencing, etc. are properly maintained and in good condition
  • This will allow them to be more resistant to wind damage
• Clear clogged rain gutters and downspouts
  • This will help with the flow of water during heavy rainfall
    
    

It’s also important to have a storm safety plan in place for you and your family. This can include an emergency evacuation or shelter plan, a list of important personal information, and a first aid kit.

Taking these steps can help minimize property damage, however, you may still be in need of professional assistance from SERVPRO® of East Mahoning County. As storm and water damage specialists, our job is to quickly help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Our team can be reached 24/7 and can provide an immediate response. Should you need our services, we can be reached at 330-536-7477 or online. We are always Here to Help®!