How to Prepare Your Home For an Emergency Before It Happens

No one wants to find themselves in an emergency situation, but they're an unfortunate reality. There's no way to know when one would strike, so it's important to prepare your home as much as possible. Taking small, preventative steps on a regular basis will limit the potential for damage in the event of severe weather. Ultimately, taking small steps against home safety hazards will protect your peace of mind. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your home for emergency situations.

Clean the Gutters

Overflowing gutters are one of the major causes of water finding its way into homes. If your downspouts are leaky, in disrepair, or non-existent, heavy snow and rain will cause foundation damage. Cleaning your gutters and repairing your downspouts should be on your annual maintenance list, and consider investing in gutter covers or screens to keep leaves out.

Fire-Rate Your Home

Your home's overall fire rating determines how long it can resist flames before catching fire. Proper fire separation between floors will help contain smoke and flames, as will fire-rated doors. Roxul safe'n'sound insulation is a product that will resist temperatures up to approximately 1,177°C, helping to prevent a fire from spreading and providing you valuable time to escape. Fire-resistant materials will increase safety and could even reduce insurance premiums.

Seal The Cracks

Everyone thinks foundation cracks are scary - and sometimes they are - but they're usually just signs of an aging home and not indicative of structural issues. However, those cracks could compromise the dryness of your basement in a storm, so have them sealed with epoxy injections. They cost about $500 per crack, which is a lot cheaper than gutting your basement because of a flood.

Clean Up the Property

Maintaining a clean property can help prevent additional damage to the home. Take time to trim trees regularly and clean up debris in the yard. Having a clean yard helps limit the number of items picked up by heavy winds. Additionally, trimmed back trees reduce the possibility of falling onto the roof or going through a window in high winds.

Do not leave anything that is not being used lying around the yard. Having a cleaned-up yard allows for an easy exit from the property in an emergency.

Check Household Alarms

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors alert those within the home when there is a problem. Routinely check these alarms and sensors, ensuring they work. Replace batteries or units if they are not working correctly when tested.

If you've invested in home security systems, make sure they're always functioning properly. These systems mostly guard against home intrusion but they can help keep you aware of the home's status when you're not there.

Inspecting for Ice Dams

Ice buildup can tear off gutters, cause water backups, and loosen shingles. Because of the dangers of ice, it is essential to check for ice dams to prevent additional damage during an emergency. Snow-covered roofs and critically cold weather can lead to ice dams, thick ridges made of solid ice that builds up along the eaves of a home.

If left unchecked, ice dams can cause damage to the home, including peeling paint, stained and sagging ceilings, and warped floors. It can also cause water to build upon the roof, eventually leading to a sagging roof and leaks. Additionally, when significant storms occur, they can cause additional damage to the home, leading to emergencies inside the house.

Heated cables clipped along the eaves can help prevent ice dams. Other methods can help prevent ice dams from developing, including keeping the roof the same temperature as the eaves.

Prepare For Emergencies Before They Happen

Taking the time to properly prepare your home for emergencies can help you avoid costly damages and keep your home safe. By cleaning the gutters, sealing cracks, checking household alarms, and inspecting for ice dams, you can make sure that your property is ready for whatever comes. Protect your home and your peace of mind by following these simple tips today.