As hurricane season ramps up in many parts of the country, it’s a good idea to find ways of protecting your home before the storm comes. Whenever possible, it’s better to be proactive in adding potential safety measures than to wait for a tropical storm to threaten your property. In today’s blog, we’ll take a look at three steps you can take to prevent storm damage from impacting your home.

Storm Damage Prevention Tip #1: Look for Cracks

The first way to prevent future storm damage involves starting at the lowest part of your home: your basement. Since the foundation was the first part of your home built, everything above relies on the bottom section. When cracks begin to form, they can lead to flooding and other traumatic events. When small cracks are found, it’s important to fill them with caulk to prevent them from spreading. Checking regularly can reduce the risk of larger cracks and minimize the need for contractors to do expensive repair projects.

Storm Damage Prevention Tip #2: Install a French Drain or Sump Pump

The second way to prevent storm damage is to install a French drain or a sump pump. These products are designed to push water away from your home safely. What sets a French drain apart from a sump pump is the location of it. A French drain is usually installed to prevent standing water from remaining in your yard and entering your home through cracks in the foundation or walls. A sump pump is installed in the basement as a way to remove the water that has entered your home.

Storm Damage Prevention Tip #3: Pack and Prepare Inside Your Home

The third way to prevent storm damage is to take into consideration items you would want to pack in safe storage and items you would want to take with you when evacuating. Since weather is so unpredictable, it’s a good idea to always have an emergency bag packed and ready to go. This would include things like clothing, personal care items, and some shelf-stable basic food and water. On the other side, it’s important to know where irreplaceable items are being stored at all times. While many items can be easily repaired or replaced, family heirlooms and other delicate items may be severely damaged or ruined by storm damage. Being prepared ahead of time can save you time, stress, and money.

Hire a Professional: Call Property Damage Restoration

Now that you’ve learned three steps that you can take to prepare your home and family for potential storm damage, it’s time to contact the professionals. Property Damage Restoration has been assisting neighbors throughout the Houston area in preparing for and recovering from storm damage for over twenty-five years. Don’t wait until it’s too late–contact us today to schedule a free no-risk consultation.