December 5, 2024
Storm Proofing Your Home

6 Basic Yet Robust Tips on Storm Proofing Your Home In Michigan

Storms can cause a lot of damage to homes, especially in Michigan, where the hazardous weather can be unpredictable. You may not be able to prevent every type of storm damage, but there are some things you can do in storm proofing your home. But before that, you need to know what types of storms are common in your area to take the necessary precautions.

Thunderstorm - Storm Proofing Your Home
Photo by Johannes Plenio

Michigan’s most common types of storms are thunderstorms, tornadoes, blizzards, and straight-line winds. Each type of storm has the potential to cause different types of damage to your home.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms can cause damage from high winds, heavy rain, and lightning strikes. To stormproof your home from thunderstorms, you should ensure that your gutters are clean and in good condition. You also want to ensure that any trees or branches near your home are trimmed, so they don’t fall and damage your property. If a thunderstorm is forecasted, you should also bring any patio furniture or other loose items inside, so they don’t blow away.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can cause significant damage to homes, and even strong tornadoes can level houses. To stormproof your home from a tornado, you should have a safe room in your house that is away from any windows. You also want to ensure that your home is well-anchored so that it doesn’t get blown away in a tornado.

Blizzards

Blizzards can cause damage from heavy snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures. To stormproof your home from a blizzard, you should ensure that your roof is in good condition and that your gutters are clean. You also want to ensure that you have enough food and water to last a few days in case you lose power.

Straight Line Winds Of a Derecho

While rare, this form of severe weather can happen in Michigan. A derecho can cause devastation with tornado-like intensity, and the damage is often focused in one direction along a very straight track. As a result, derecho damage is occasionally referred to as “straight-line wind damage.”

Derechos can cause damage from high winds and can be accompanied by heavy rain. To stormproof your home from a derecho, you should ensure that your windows and doors are in good condition and properly sealed. You also want to ensure you have a generator in case you lose power.

Tips On Storm Proofing Your Home

While you can’t stormproof your home thoroughly, taking some precautions can help to reduce the amount of damage that your home sustains during a storm. Here are additional tips for storm-proofing your home:

Tip #1. Inspect your roof regularly to ensure storm proof roofing

Inspecting your roof regularly is one of the best ways to prevent storm damage. Make sure to look for any loose or missing shingles and have them repaired as soon as possible. You should also ensure that your gutters are clean and in good condition so they can adequately channel water away from your home. Mighty Dog Roofing in Sterling Heights helps prevent roof damage with its roof inspection service.

Tip #2. Reinforce your windows and doors

If your windows and doors are not in good condition, they are more likely to break during a storm. You can install hurricane-strength shutters or impact-resistant glass to reinforce your windows and doors. You should also ensure that your doors are properly sealed so that wind and water cannot enter your home.

Tip #3. Trim trees and bushes

Trees and bushes can fall and damage your home during a storm. To prevent this, you should trim branches close to your home. You should remove any dead or dying trees, as they are more likely to fall during a storm.

Tip #4. Have a generator

A generator can be a lifesaver during a storm. If you lose power, a generator can provide you with electricity for lights, refrigeration, and other essential items. You should have enough fuel to run the generator for at least 24 hours.

Tip #5. Store food and water

If a storm is forecasted, you should ensure that you have enough food and water to last for a few days. Non-perishable food items, such as canned goods, and bottled water, are good things to have on hand. You should also have a manual can opener to open the canned goods.

Tip #6. Have a first-aid kit

A first-aid kit is essential in case you or someone in your family is injured during a storm. Your kit should include bandages, gauze, and antiseptic wipes. You should also have a list of emergency phone numbers, including poison control numbers.

Final Thoughts on Storm Proofing Your Home

Of course, you should always be prepared with essential tools and supplies. Flashlights and candles will help provide light in the dark, and some food and water will help you get through the storm if necessary. Keep your important documents, extra clothes, and other valuables on hand. And don’t forget about clearing your yard of any debris that could be potentially hazardous in high winds.

Climate change has made weather events in Michigan unpredictable. However, storm proofing your home doesn’t have to be a vast, complicated chore—if you take it line by line and prepare for each potential disaster that you know is likely to happen, then you’ll be in good shape when it comes to facing the next storm.