These smart tips will help keep you and your family safe during the rainy season. Weatherproof your house and practice home safety and regular maintenance.
An average of 20 storms hit our country each month. As a result, we often deal with strong rains, heavy winds, and even flooding that can damage property. Home safety should be a priority even before storms hit. In addition to this, regular maintenance will keep your house in good condition. It makes sense to be prepared for any calamity rather than just managing the consequences.
First of all, all repairs and maintenance must be done before the rains start. Timely planning will keep you safe and worry-free. Check in and around your home to make sure everything is in perfect order. This checklist will help you prioritize what’s important so you can begin weatherproofing your home.
1. Check your roof for any holes and leaks and seal them properly. You probably only think of maintenance once you discover water leaking from your ceiling. You can either deal with the problem and get a bucket to catch dripping water, or stop any leaks before they start. Check your roof at least twice a year.
2. Clean gutters in and around your home. These facilitate the flow of water especially during heavy rains. Maintain gutters regularly to prevent any flooding, seepage, or backflow. Gutters and downspouts must be cleared of dirt or any debris so rainwater can flow properly. Take out any blockage and flush any remaining dirt with water. Make sure all your gutters are properly attached so they don’t fly off during a storm.
3. If you have trees on your property, trim dead or weak branches so they don’t break off in the event of strong winds. Secure any trees prone to falling or bending with sturdy rope. Consider investing in sandbags if you live in a flood-prone area. Position them around your property to keep water out.
4. Bring outdoor items inside or secure them properly to avoid any danger of them flying off and hitting windows.
5. Cover any furniture or large items that you can’t bring indoors with plastic or any strong fabric. This will prevent water damage in case of heavy rains.
6. Make sure all doors and windows work properly to keep rain outside. Grease any hinges and joints. Clean sliding door and window tracks so they remain airtight.
7. Check walls and ceilings for any holes and cracks where water can seep through. Seal any openings with concrete caulk. Excess moisture can damage walls and cause paint to crack or peel.
8. Check for any loose wiring in and outside your home. Pay attention to power outages or surges so you can protect any appliances. Remove lightbulbs outside or cover light fixtures well.
9. Protect wood furniture and floors from water and moisture with regular waxing or sealing. This will give some degree of waterproofing and prevent rotting or expansion.
10. Store any carpets, rugs, curtains, along with other items that may get wet. Make sure they’re clean before putting them away to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Here are some items to put in your shopping list:
First aid kit and medicines
Batteries
Rechargeable lamps, flashlights, and power banks for your phone
Blankets, raincoats, and umbrellas
Water, food, and household necessities such as toilet paper/paper towels
Masking tape, ziplock bags and cling wrap for wrapping household items in a jiffy
Rugs, doormats, mops, and buckets
Disinfectant and household cleaners
Caulk, sealant, wax, and other home tools
Keep these tips in mind to ensure your family and home are safe in the event of a typhoon. Home safety and maintenance is the order of the day and you should always be prepared no matter what.
