Weathering The Sunland/Tujunga Storm

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

How to protect your home during storms?

2/16/19

It is always nerve-wracking when the weather channel warns about a large storm coming towards your city. Of course, your main concern should be the personal safety of yourself and your family. You shouldn't need to worry about your home or belongings- that can all be replaced. If a storm does occur in your hometown, SERVPRO of Sunland/Tujunga focuses on ways to help you learn about and prepare your home for the worst. 

Secure Outdoor Items

The first thing that you can do in preparation for a storm is secure all of your outdoor items. This includes outdoor furniture like chairs, tables, and umbrellas, and other items like lawn mowers and grills. These items can cause damage if they are picked up by winds or swept away in a flood. Move these items indoors or in a garage or take measures to secure them in place.

Clear Out Gutters

Additionally, keep you gutters and downspouts clear. If heavy rains hit your city, it's important to create paths for water to flow away from your house. As long as the water has somewhere to go, it won’t stream into your home. Occasionally check your drainpipes for debris and clutter.

Sealing Your Home

Let's discuss sealing your home to prevent water leaks. Even if the rain water has a path away from your home, you should still take precautions. First, check the seal on your windows. The waterproof sealing around the outside of a window may need to be replaced over time. Also, check for holes in your siding. When electric or cable companies attach wires to the side of your house, they often drill small holes that can allow water to sneak through in the event of a flood or heavy rain water. Fortunately, these holes can be easily repaired using an affordable waterproof caulk. Small cracks that don’t cause problems during a normal rainfall can easily become a leak during flood conditions. Every year or so, take a walk around the outside of your home and check the foundation for any cracks or weakness that may allow water into your home.