Sterling Heights: what steps should you take to guard your home before the storm hits?
They say in Michigan that if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. And that’s true: the weather is changeable, and a big storm can hit with little warning, leaving you with very little time to prepare. However, there are steps you can take to be prepared in the event of a storm. How ready are you?
Make your emergency preparations before an emergency strikes.
You don’t wait to buy a first aid kit till you actually need one—by then it’s too late. Storm preparation in Michigan is the same way: they come in fast, and by the time you know one’s coming it’s too late to stock up. Take a moment to think about a big storm heading your way: what would you need now that you don’t have?
Invest in a generator.
If your house is at risk for flooding, make sure you have a generator installed and hooked up to your sump pump that will automatically turn on in case of a power failure. Otherwise, if the power fails while you’re away from home, you may return to a nasty situation. Gasoline generators usually need to be turned on manually, and will require you to have gas at hand for them to run. Whatever solution you chose, be sure you know how to start it and have the necessary fuel to get it running.
Where do you store your important items?
Many families store important documents in their basement, as it’s a seemingly obvious storage space. But if your basement floods, you could lose the documents you hoped to protect. If that still seems like the most reasonable choice, store them on a high shelf in a water-safe box.
Trim back trees near your home.
If you have a large tree near your house with branches close enough to touch, trim them back. A strong wind can cause those branches to knock against your home, causing damage to roofs, windows, and siding. If the tree seems to be in poor health, cut it down before it falls through your living room.
Clear away debris.
Make sure your gutters and downpipes drain properly: if they’re clogged, they could contribute to basement flooding. Also take time to clear debris from your yard. A fallen branch, or even toys left outside, can turn into a dangerous projectile during a storm.
Know who to call for damage control.
If a big storm hits and damages your home, you don’t want to be scrambling to find help last-minute. An emergency is a stressful time to make big decisions, and you want your home in good hands. Modernistic is at hand 24/7 to help repair your home after a big storm. So keep our number handy, and if you need us, we’ll be there.
