How to Secure Your Home During a Storm: Essential Tips

Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, making it essential for homeowners to be prepared. Knowing how to secure your home during a storm can mean the difference between minor repairs and catastrophic damage. This guide covers the critical steps to fortify your property against high winds, heavy rain, and debris.

Inspect and Secure the Exterior

The first line of defense is your home's exterior. Before the clouds darken, walk around your property to identify potential hazards.

• Trim Trees and Bushes: Dead branches can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Trim trees away from your roof and windows.
• Clear the Yard: Patio furniture, grills, trash cans, and garden decorations must be brought inside or securely anchored.
• Clean Gutters and Drains: To prevent water damage and flooding, ensure that your drainage systems are free of leaves and debris.

Reinforce Windows and Doors

Your home's envelope—windows and doors—is the most vulnerable part of the structure. If wind breaches these openings, the internal pressure can lift the roof off.

Window Protection

Standard glass cannot withstand the impact of flying debris.

• Install Storm Shutters: Permanent shutters offer the best protection and are easy to deploy.
• Use Plywood: If you don't have shutters, board up windows with 5/8-inch exterior-grade plywood.
• Avoid Taping: Taping windows does not prevent them from breaking and can create larger, more dangerous shards of glass.

Door Security

Ensure all exterior doors are deadbolted. Check the hinges and strike plates to ensure they are screwed into the solid wood of the frame.

• Garage Doors: These are often the weakest point. Retrofit your garage door with a bracing kit to prevent it from buckling under wind pressure.

Interior Safety Measures

Once the exterior is secured, focus on the inside. Learning how to secure your home during a storm also involves protecting your internal systems and family.

1. Unplug Electronics: Lightning strikes and power surges can destroy expensive appliances. Unplug computers, TVs, and other non-essential devices.
2. Close Interior Doors: This helps compartmentalize the house, reducing pressure on the roof if an exterior window breaks.
3. Prepare a Safe Room: Identify a windowless room on the lowest level where your family can gather. Stock it with supplies.

The Importance of Functional Locks

In the chaos of a storm, the last thing you need is a lock that won't engage or a door that won't lattice properly. Regular maintenance of your locking mechanisms is a crucial part of how to secure your home during a storm. Ensure that deadbolts slide freely and that keys work smoothly. If you have smart locks, check their battery levels.

"A secure home is a maintained home. Don't wait for a storm warning to check your locks and bolts."

Create an Emergency Kit

No storm preparation is complete without an emergency kit. Ensure you have the following readily available:

• Three days' worth of non-perishable food and water.
• Flashlights and extra batteries.
• A first-aid kit and necessary medications.
• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates.
• Portable chargers for mobile phones.

By taking these proactive steps, you not only protect your physical assets but also provide peace of mind for your loved ones during turbulent weather.