Knowing What To Do After The Storm

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715 There are a number of steps you can take to protect your property from damaging winds.

Homeowners concerns arise with the possibility of severe storms, with damaging winds being high on the list. These winds, which can come with little to no notice, can create long-term structural impacts.

What to be Concerned About

Tornadoes and hurricanes are not the only storms to cause damaging winds. “Straight-line” winds with wind speeds exceeding 50–60 mph are often spawned by strong or severe thunderstorm—and their damage is different than damage from a tornado.

The damage from these winds can be very destructive, causing loose items around your home to become projectiles. Windows and roofs can take a major brunt of this damage, and if the damage is extensive, it can result in water damage to the inside of the home as the outside elements come indoors.

Anyone who lives in a thunderstorm-prone area can be at risk from damaging winds, but there are some structures, like mobile homes, that are especially at risk. Even when anchored, they could be seriously damaged in wind gusts over 80 mph.

How to Protect Your Property

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your property from damaging winds, but keep the “Two R’s” in mind: reinforce and remove.

• Have your garage door professionally reinforced.

• Remove and/or anchor loose objects on your property that could be blown or tossed by the wind, including trash cans, grills and outdoor furniture.

• Have large or dying trees and branches near your home professionally removed. Better to remove them now than have them come crashing down during a storm.

Not all high wind circumstances come with advanced warning, as we all know, but using a “just-in-case” logic and being prepared could prevent major damage to your home.

Also, if you are building or renovating a home, be sure all windows, walls and doors meet building code for your area.

If you have questions please call SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715