How To Keep Your House Safe in a Storm

Strong storms are the bane of homeowners everywhere. Weather is unpredictable, and even if you live in an area that is not known for high winds, you are in no way immune to the possibility of severe weather. The best way to combat a gale is to keep your house in good shape.

Check the Roof

One issue with keeping your roof in good shape is that it’s almost impossible for a homeowner to inspect it safely. Even if you can get up on your roof, most homeowners don’t know what they’re looking for. An expert in residential roofing St Louis, on the other hand, can conduct an inspection to let you know if you have loose shingles, hail damage or even holes that could affect the integrity of the entire covering, especially in a storm with high winds. 

Trim the Trees

It’s hard to imagine that the beautiful old tree which provides shade for your home and a dwelling place for birds and squirrels could crush your car or crash through your window. Trees can be uprooted in 55 mph winds, and trees with lots of extra branches are more prone to falling. Getting your tree trimmed won’t guarantee that it won’t get blown down, but it does increase the chance of keeping the root system healthy and solidly in the ground. 

Protect the HVAC

Your HVAC system is the workhorse of your home. If it gets damaged and becomes inoperable because of a storm, the rest of your recovery is going to be extra difficult. If possible, raise the unit up at least a foot and possibly higher if your area is prone to flooding. When a bad storm is coming, be sure to clear foliage away from the unit to protect it from dents. 

There are several precautions that you should take before a big storm with high winds hits. You may already keep bottled water and flashlights for the comfort of the people in the house, but don’t neglect to protect the outside of the house as well.