Advice

5 Ways To Prep For Wild Weather

HBA FM editorial about severe weather

The good news is that you can be prepared by taking these five proactive steps now to protect your family and home when Mother Nature takes a nasty turn with severe weather.

By Dustin Murray, Dustin Murray Construction, HBA of F-M President

Summer brings severe weather. It’s unavoidable. High winds, hail, heavy rains and flash flooding can all be threats. The good news is that you can be prepared by taking these five proactive steps now to protect your family and home when Mother Nature takes a nasty turn.

1. Inspect trees for potential hazards. Strong winds can cause trees and branches to fall – and potentially damage your home. Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to prevent these flying objects.

2. Clear clogged gutters and downspouts. Make sure that heavy rain can easily run through the gutters and downspouts. Otherwise, it will spill over the sides and land in areas where it can soak through to your home’s foundation, causing flooding and structural damage. You should also check to make sure your gutters are securely fastened to your home.

3. Secure all doors. Consider installing high quality doors. Strong winds can easily tear through double doors, french doors and sliding patio doors that have no structural support between the two sides. You may need to purchase and install special hardware to more adequately secure the doors where they meet. Try bolts that fasten the door into the framing at the top and the bottom.

4. Check your roof. A strong roof is essential for your house to withstand a severe storm. Apply sealing around your home’s chimney or vent pipes. This will help prevent water from seeping into your home. Hire a contractor to check the structural integrity of your roof system.

5. Create an emergency supply kit. It can help you with any type of natural disaster, especially if you are in your home without electricity or if you are forced to evacuate your home. Your kit should contain:

  • Three-day supply of bottled water and non-perishable food
  • Battery-operated radio
  • Flashlights, with extra batteries
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medicines
  • Pet supplies
  • Important family documents

For more ideas on stocking your emergency supply kit, visit ready.gov.

If your home does sustain storm damage, the HBA of F-M’s members are here to help. Check out hbafm.com/findamember for a searchable directory. You can also pick up our printed Membership Directory & Consumer Guide at any Hornbacher’s store.

We offer tips to choose a contractor at hbafm.com. There is no “silver bullet” to determine which contractor to use. It’s a matter of evaluating many different aspects of companies and taking precautions to protect yourself. Remember, the lowest price doesn’t mean it’s the best value or best outcome.

The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead promotes an environment in which members and their businesses can prosper.

Murray-Dustin

Dustin MurrayDustin Murray Construction, HBA of F-M President
 

Dustin Murray founded his business, Dustin Murray Construction, six years ago. He specializes in remodeling, new construction framing and finish work. Murray and his wife have two children and live in West Fargo.

HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF FM

The Home Builders Association of Fargo-Moorhead promotes an environment in which members and their businesses can prosper.

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