Tips to Prepare Your Home for Spring Storms

Spring is known for showers that bring flowers, but with Michigan’s drastic weather changes, they can quickly become storms. A common thunderstorm with heavy rains and strong winds can escalate in severity, spawning extreme conditions such as hail, flash floods, and tornadoes. The damage from these storms to your house can range from exterior to interior and from top to bottom. Here are some tips to help make your home storm safe.

Family Safety

The top priority during a severe storm is keeping those you love safe. Taking these steps can help you respond quickly and effectively to a storm emergency.

• If your pets do not have a protected shelter with food and water, bring them indoors. 

• To coordinate everyone’s actions, set a meeting place, escape routes, and a communication plan. 

• Prepare an emergency kit with bottled water, non-perishable food, medications, blankets, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio.

• Be certain you receive weather and community emergency alerts on your smart devices.

House Protection

While your house is a shelter from a storm, it cannot always withstand extreme weather. To protect your home and property from severe storms, look for these potential issues.

• Inspect the roof and siding for damage, loose roof shingles or siding, and make any necessary repairs. 

• Look for any tree branches extending over your house and cut back branches that could be broken off during a storm. 

• Make sure all gutters are securely attached, remove debris from gutters that may block drainage, and be sure downspouts drain away from the foundation.

• Store outdoor items that could be blown in high winds and secure sheds or storage bins.

• Caulk any cracks or gaps in windows and doors to prevent leaks and water damage. 

• Check that your sump pump works properly to prevent your basement from flooding in heavy rain.

• Review your home insurance to ensure it covers potential storm damage, including flood insurance if you are in a flood zone. 

Power Outage Preparation 

Severe storms can cause extended power outages and flooding. The following are ways you can prepare for loss of power and floods.

• Sign up for outage alerts and know how to report an outage.

• Keep flashlights or lanterns in an easy-access spot.

• Consider purchasing an emergency generator that you can use or one that engages automatically in an outage.