Easy Steps to Prevent Storm Damage

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

If your St. Charles area home or business experiences damage from a storm, SERVPRO of St. Charles City is here to help.

While severe storms typically happen during the spring and summer season, it’s anyone’s guess when a severe storm will occur. We can often experience severe storms at any time, causing property damage to your St. Charles, MO home or business.

There are a few steps you can take to help prevent damage to your home, with many being part of your basic upkeep. However, they can go a long way in minimizing damage.

• Replace Missing/Damaged Shingles
  • Damaged shingles are more likely to break free. Missing shingles leave a gap for wind to get under and do more damage. If your roof gets a leak from missing shingles, it can cause water damage.
• Keep your gutters clear and ensure water moves away from your home.
  • Keeping your gutters clear allows water to flow freely and not back up. It’s also a good idea to make sure that your down spouts flow away from your home.
  • Ensure the grade of your property keeps water away from your home, and instead flows into a ditch or other retention area.
• Check Your Sump Pump
  • Before a large rain, double check your sump pump is in working order. For extra security, having a backup sump pump is a great way to prevent basement flooding.
• Identify Items that Could Become Projectiles
  • Secure outdoor patio furniture or loose items that can be blow away by the wind. Look for lawn decorations, tools, flowerpots, etc. Secure these items in garage, shed, or indoors.
  • Anything that’s not secured can be a liability, even loose fence posts. Fence posts are often overlooked when preparing for severe weather. Give each one a shake to check for loose ones.
• Trim Your Trees
  • Tree limbs near your home, vehicles, or even your neighbors’ trees can cause damage to your home. Make sure to trim your trees regularly.
• Get a Generator
  • A bad storm can knock out power for a few hours – or days. Having a generator can go a long way in ensuring you don’t lose your food and can stay in your home.

One of the most important tasks is to protect your family. Have a storm safety plan in place, with a safe location to go to ride out the worst storms. Have an emergency kit with medical supplies, water and food for a few days is also essential for your safety plan.

Storms can bring a lot of uncertainty, but you can depend on SERVPRO of St. Charles City to help if you experience storm damage. Give us a call, 24/7, 7 days a week – (636) 926-0033.