December in the Pacific Northwest can sometimes pack a devastating punch. Weather fronts hit us with lots of wind and rain. Prepare now for winter windstorms, before the weather turns bad.
This year has already produced windstorms and rainstorms called ‘atmospheric rivers’ that have closed roads and flooded entire neighborhoods. Windstorms have caused severe damage in parts of Western Washington. There’s no time to lose.
Trim trees and shrubs. Remove any dead or overhanging branches that could fall on your home or power lines.
Check to see if trees on your property need to be removed. Look for trees that have pushed up soil at its base, are leaning, or have signs of rot or disease. They’re the first to go in a storm.
Secure loose items outside your home. This includes patio furniture, umbrellas, garbage cans, awnings, canopies, barbecues, or anything else that could be blown away by strong winds.
Reinforce your roof. Make sure the shingles are in good condition.
Inspect your gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clean and free of debris. Pouring rain combined with clogged gutters can lead to disastrous flooding.
Park vehicles in the garage. This protects them from falling trees or blowing debris.
Prepare an emergency kit. This kit should include food, water, first-aid supplies, waterproof matches, batteries, and flashlights.
Keep current on possible inclement weather conditions. If you’re one of the many people who have ditched cable and don’t rely on the TV for your news, make sure your smart phone is optimized for weather alerts.
Fully charge your cellphone. Windstorms can knock down power lines, meaning you will lose power at your residence. Make sure your phone has plenty of battery life since you don’t know how long it will be before power is restored. If you have a portable phone charger, make sure that is fully charged, too.
If you still use a landline, make sure you have a corded phone accessible. Cordless phones won’t work when the power goes out.
Stay inside. It will be dangerous to venture out during the storm. Trees and power lines can be down, and debris that’s being tossed around can cause injury. And if it’s also raining, the visibility will be very poor.
Keep away from windows. If something gets thrown against the windows it could shatter and cause shards of glass to fly everywhere. This can cause serious injuries, so it’s best to stay away from them. If you have a basement, hunker down there until the wind subsides.
Don’t forget about your pets, especially if they’re typically outside, such as in a doghouse. They are in danger from falling trees or other debris. Bring them inside during storms to keep them safe and warm.
Make sure the wind has subsided before venturing out. Pay attention to weather reports to make sure the brunt of the storm has passed before going outside.
When you do decide to leave the safety of your home, do so carefully. The windstorm may have weakened a few trees that may be in danger of falling. Power lines may be down on your property or the street. Broken glass or other dangerous debris may litter the ground.
Carefully inspect your property to make sure any trees, fences, or other outside structures aren’t damaged. If you see missing shingles on your roof or siding that has been compromised, it’s best to call in a professional to find out how extensive the damage is.
Is your home insurance adequate if something like this happens? Call SAV-ON today at 888-867-2866 to find out if you’re covered, or visit https://sav-on.com
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