While hurricane and tropical storm season officially commences in June, peak activity tends to occur later during the fall, beginning in late August and extending through October. This season is most likely to produce severe storms that bring the threat of potential property damage. The good news is, the usually predictable pattern provides a window of opportunity to prepare in advance. There's no guarantee that a storm will strike, nor is there any assurance that you can prevent all damage if it does. Nevertheless, statistics show that a few preventive measures can help improve the odds. Here are three steps to take for fall storm preparation:
- Protect the roof. During high winds associated with a storm, limbs close to the house that break can cause roof damage and water intrusion. Cut back nearby limbs to establish a clear zone on all sides of the house. Also, a falling tree weighs several tons and can inflict severe structural damage. Any dead or compromised trees on the property should be removed now, before a storm threatens.
- Clean the gutters. Autumn leaves often clog gutters, causing torrential gutter overflow during heavy rain. The cascade of water down the side of the house penetrates siding and infiltrates the exterior wall causing water damage and triggering mold growth. Adding a flexible extension to gutter downspouts to discharge roof runoff at least six feet from the house also helps reduce the chance of basement water intrusion or foundation damage.
- Prevent basement flooding. Excessive rain can quickly saturate soil surrounding the basement and leak in through cracks in foundation walls. Only a few inches of water in a basement can cause damage that exceeds $10,000. A sump pump installed in the basement floor actuates automatically to remove water before it accumulates. If a sump pump is already installed, test it now by pouring five gallons of water into the sump basin to verify that it pumps the basin out. Because power outages frequently accompany severe storms, consider adding a pump with backup battery feature to ensure that the unit activates when its needed most.
