Storm Damage

A storm is any extreme weather condition that differences in atmospheric pressure or temperature could trigger. Heavy winds, rainfall, thunder, lightning, hail, and other harsh conditions characterize storms. The phenomena responsible for batteries cause a collision that triggers inclement weather when paired with the Earth’s continuous movement.

The most common storms are hailstorms, tornadoes, winter storms, hurricanes, ice storms, blizzards, etc. These storms usually affect a large area and leave a lot of damage in their wake. Extreme cases destroy buildings, and other valuable infrastructures, displace and destroy vehicles, and can cause loss of human life.

Although these storms can not be prevented, something can be done to protect human life and properties from irreparable damage. Whether it is a simple evacuation plan or stocking up emergency tools and supplies in case there’s a need to hide out till the storm passes. 

In recent times, the incidence of these storms in different parts of the world has drastically increased. The Government and individuals need to take appropriate measures and steps to protect buildings and other infrastructure from damage when storms hit. Hence the need to prepare and take precautionary measures to guarantee the security of people and property

This article will discuss the most common storms that occur and the kind of damage these storms can cause. It will also discuss home, and building owners can adequately prepare and protect their homes from damages and other tips that will help anyone scale through the aftermaths of a storm.

Understanding Types Of Storms And Their Damage Potential

Different natural elements trigger storms, and their potential for damage depends mainly on the characteristics of that element. Wind storms have the potential to cause unbelievable amounts of damage, as well as storms caused by water or any altered form of water. Understanding the nature of each storm can help one better prepare and know the best preventive method to take in case a storm occurs.

How Does Understanding Storms Prepare Homeowners To Prevent Roof Damage?

It is essential for homeowners living in areas prone to storms or regions that have recorded at least one storm or the other in the past to be adequately informed about storms. This information will help these owners protect their homes and roofs from damage.

The roof is of paramount concern because it’s the region of a building most susceptible to damage from external factors like storms. To protect their roofs and installation, homeowners can build reinforced roofs once they have helpful information about the nature of the storms that may occur in their region.

Common Ways To Protect The Roof Against Storm Damages

Protecting the roof of a home from storm damage should be very important to every homeowner. Check out some of the best steps to take to secure your roof against storm damage:

Use The Right Materials

Using suitable materials can go a long way in determining if a storm can damage a roof or the damage that will occur. In storm-prone areas, it’s advisable to use strong and durable materials for starters. These materials will be more pricey than their alternatives, but in case a storm occurs, it’ll save a homeowner those extra bucks that’ll be spent fixing damages.

Additionally, storms exert a lot of pressure on roofs, which is the primary reason damages occur. In addition to choosing durable materials, it is wise to pick roofing materials with high resistance to impact. 

Use The Right Shape And Slant

The slant or shape of a roof plays a role in determining whether the roof can withstand a storm or come right off its hinges. Although it’s essential to consider the shape of a roof in preventing hurricanes, it’s also important to know the kind of storm that is prevalent in an area before deciding on the shape and type of roof to use. 

For instance, round roofs are great at withstanding windstorms but may not be as effective in withstanding blizzards or ice storms. Get the help of a professional storm roofer to help you know what shape/slant will offer the best protection to your home.

Retrofit The Roof

Retrofit is improving the existing roofing systems to guard against damages from external elements. This improvement can be achieved by putting additional fixtures or structures in place to strengthen the system. It’s easy to know what roof area will benefit from these upgrades by conducting an inspection.

Typical problems that must be rectified are reinforcing weakened roofing structures and replacing entire roofing materials with more durable ones. Once the roof is appropriately supported, regular maintenance and inspections must be carried out to ensure it’s still in the right state to offer protection against a storm.

Carry Out Routine Roof Inspection

Routine roof inspections are carried out to ensure that the roof is always in the proper condition. This usually involves checking for areas where damages have occurred, like areas with missing roofing materials, cracks, etc.

Besides identifying damaged areas, routine checks are also conducted to identify weakened areas that need reinforcement. It also allows inspectors to identify any clogged-up areas and clean out debris to allow easy passage of water. Additionally, it could serve as a means to specify any place that might become an issue in the future and fix it before it ever happens.

Seal The Roof

Sealing off a roof is one of the common ways to protect the roof from any damage, including those that storms could cause. Sealing off the roof gives it a more robust and more durable finish by eliminating spaces for wind or water to pass through. 

Additionally, it even reduces the rate at which the quality of the roof degenerates due to age and other environmental factors. Roofing materials can be sealed by tacking roofing sheets down and leaving little spaces between the nails used to hold them. Roofing cement should also be used to close all the edges, and roofing tapes or sealants should be used for the roof decks.

Use Trees

One way to protect your building and the roof from getting damaged is by planting trees that can help reduce the impact a storm will have on a building. However, any tree planted has to be at a comfortable distance from the building. That way, if it falls, it won’t destroy any part of the building, especially the roof. Damages caused by trees falling on the roof 

Ensure You Have Warranty And Insurance For Your Roof And Building

After taking every step necessary to protect your building and roof from storm damage, it’s essential to ensure that your facility is covered. It is one of the only ways to protect your home if it gets damaged in a storm. 

Although most agencies will try to weasel out of covering the cost of roof damages and the likes that occurred after a storm, it’s possible to find one that can cover some of the damages. This will give a homeowner lighten up the financial stress that handling storm repairs will bring.

What Are The Different Ways That Storms Affect A Home?

Storms have proven to have the ability to have a tremendous effect on buildings and other artificial and naturally occurring structures. A lot of times, the aftermath of a storm usually has people displaced from their homes due to extensive damages and loss of properties. Whether it’s a wind storm or one triggered by precipitation like snow, they all affect homes and other structures, albeit in different ways.

Homeowners need to be conversant with how other storms can affect their homes. This can help them know what measures to put in place to guard against these damages. Plus, if a storm occurs, it will cut down on how much will be spent on repairs because the building would have been storm proofed beforehand.

This section will cover some of the most prevalent storms that sweep across various areas across the country. It will also discuss how these storms affect homes and what is unique about the way each one affects buildings and structures in its path. The way the effects affect regular activities will also be considered.

Hurricanes

Typhoons and cyclones, other names for hurricanes, are powerful winds caused by a combination of a lot of different natural phenomena. Some environmental conditions that generate these hurricane winds are formed due to the Earth’s rotation and the heat from the sun that warms up water bodies. Once the water is heated, evaporation occurs, and the air around the region becomes warm and moist. This air moves up and allows cooler air to replace it. This cycle repeats, causing clouds to form, and soon the clouds begin to move as the Earth rotates.

The movement of the moisture clouds increases if the water is heated and evaporates. This now results in a storm that pushes the ocean beyond its banks, destroying buildings and properties on the land. However, the extent of the effect a hurricane will have on an area is dependent on the category it falls under.

Hurricanes are grouped into five (5) categories, and each class has a certain speed at which the wind travels. This speed determines the level of impact it will have and how it will affect a home.

Categories Of Hurricanes And Potential Damages It Can Cause

Hurricanes were grouped into different categories based on wind speed using a grouping system known as Saffir Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (SSHWS). 

Category 1: Category 1 hurricanes have the lowest travel speed among all the other categories of hurricanes. These hurricanes usually have a speed of between 74 – 95 mph and can cause a trim level of damage. 

However, the damage they can cause is less significant than other categories. The impact can take down light trees, disconnect electrical lines, and much more. Category 1 hurricanes still affect buildings, although the damages that will be caused will be minor, mainly to the roof. If the roof has been properly storm proofed, category 1 hurricanes should not affect a building.

Category 2:

Category 2 hurricanes have a wind speed of about 96 – 110 mph. These are more dangerous and have more impact on buildings and structures than 74 – 95 mph hurricanes. More impact also means more damage, like flooding, destroyed roofs, windows, buildings, and power outages.

Storm-proof roofs or impact-resistant windows will record some levels of damage. However, these damages will be smaller than those with structures in storm-prone areas with no reinforcement.

Category 3:

Once a hurricane gets to a category 3 hurricane with a wind speed of about 111 – 129 mph, it is now considered a major hurricane. The most famous example is Hurricane Katrina. These kinds are hazardous, and the best action is an evacuation except for buildings fitted with bunkers built to contain such massive natural disturbances. In most cases, it takes roofs off, falls trees, cuts off power and water supply for weeks, and results in discomfort and significant losses.

Category 4:

Category 4 hurricanes are another set of major hurricanes, the damages that occur due to this level of disturbance are usually very disastrous. A typical example is Hurricane Opal, which tore through the Gulf of Mexico, Yucatán Peninsula, and Florida Panhandle, wrecking properties worth billions of dollars.

Category 4 hurricanes have a wind speed of 130 – 156 mph and cause catastrophic damage to homes. Even with reinforcements, roofs will usually fail, walls will still collapse, power and electricity will be out for months, and towns/cities will be uninhabitable. Once a category 4 hurricane is predicted, The best course of action is to evacuate the area.

Category 5:

Any hurricane with wind speeds higher than 157 mph, like Hurricane Michael, which also hit Florida Panhandle, is considered a category 5 hurricane. Category 5 hurricanes have been scarce in the United States, and there has been a record of about 4 – 5 such occurrences in the states. The category 5 hurricane destroys everything, including homes and other buildings in its part. 

These categories of hurricanes have been known to kick-start other natural disasters like tornadoes. Except it is confirmed that the storm won’t pass through a specific area, residents need to pack up emergency supplies and take shelter elsewhere if a hurricane is about to hit. Power supply and water or gas will take months to be restored to an area that was hit.

Tornadoes

A tornado is a kind of natural disaster or disturbance classified as a storm. A tornado is easy to identify, and it has an appearance that looks like a mass of wind rotating from the base at the ground up to the clouds. The eye of a tornado at the bottom Is usually much smaller than the top, and debris will usually be seen rotating within and around the tornado winds.

Tornadoes cause significant damage to homes and other infrastructure because it’s a bit more challenging to manage the raging winds. Storm proofing can help reduce the extent of damage to a home. However, if a tornado directly impacts a building, it’ll likely tear it up. 

Tornadoes were classified by some wind engineers and meteorologists using a system called the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale). This scale classified tornadoes based on the extent of damage that it causes once it falls. Here is a list of tornadoes based on their category and the size of damage they will cause to homes and properties.

Categories Of Tornadoes And Extent Of Damages Caused Based On The EF Scale

EF0: An EF0 tornado is the weakest tornado that could occur, it does minimal damage to homes and properties, and if the building and roofs are well secured, it won’t have any tangible effect on it. The winds usually have a speed that falls between 65 and 85 mph. They will cause only minor damage to small trees, mobile homes, and other homes with shabby construction.

EF1

EF 1 tornadoes are characterized by winds traveling at a speed of about 86 to 110 mph and a single funnel cloud. It is strong enough to displace and damage mobile homes, roofs, and trees but has rarely recorded any loss of human life. 

EF2

EF2 tornadoes are much stronger than the first two categories. They will wreak more havoc on well-constructed and storm-proof buildings and roofs. The winds travel at a speed of anything between 111 – 135 mph.

EF3

EF3 tornado winds travel at a speed of 136 to 165 per hour, and it will cause a lot of damage to single buildings and story buildings. The debris carried by the wind is usually much more extensive, and any pieces can be flung at any time, leading to extensive damage.

EF4

EF4 tornadoes have a speed of 166 to 200 miles per hour and are more uncommon than those in the previous categories. The cloud funnels are usually massive, and the last one happened in Georgia in 2021 and peaked at 170 mph. EF4 tornadoes can carry heavy vehicles off the ground and tear through homes, causing irreparable damage.

EF5

An EF5 tornado is the most dangerous, and it includes every tornado with a wind speed exceeding 200 miles per hour. According to reports, EF5 tornadoes are one of the storms that lead to the highest destruction and losses. 

Losses usually cost billions of dollars, and storm-proof buildings will be utterly leveled and carried away by the winds. Any area that an EF5 tornado will hit is expected to be vacated entirely, except there are secure bunkers where homeowners can stay until it passes.

Thunderstorms

The movement of hot and cold air interchangeably causes thunderstorms. This movement causes warm air that rises to interact with moisture, making it cool and freezing. The frozen droplets will fall, and once it gets in contact with the rising droplets that have been warmed, it triggers an electrical charge, which leads to thunderstorms. Thunderstorms usually come with lightning, heavy rainfalls, and heavy winds, and this can cause some level of damage to homes and other structures.

The heavy winds associated with thunderstorms can fall trees and take the roof off buildings. Lightning can damage the electric fixtures and appliances in homes, and heavy rainfall could lead to flooding. However, a house in good condition that is completely sealed against leakages has proper earthing, impact-resistant fixtures, and trees planted at a distance that doesn’t threaten the building should be able to withstand thunderstorms.

Winter Storms

A winter storm usually causes drastic temperature drops, and snow or ice accumulates in large proportions over the affected area. The snow accumulation and foggy air make it extremely difficult to see or drive through if anyone can withstand the outside temperatures. The collection also puts a lot of pressure on the roofs of buildings, causing a lot of damage. It could cause the roof to cave in sometimes.

Additionally, such low temperatures could cause the water in pipes in homes to freeze up, which will cause the lines to expand and burst. Buildings with foundations not properly sealed off could end up with cracks when water gets in and freezes.

Ice Storms (Cold Air, Freezing rain, and Sleet)

Ice storms occur when rain meets a cold layer of air as it falls to the Earth’s surface. The cold air causes the water to freeze as it passes and forms small ice pellets (sheets). The rain now appears like ice on the surfaces of houses, cars, trees, etc.

Ice from ice storms accumulating on the roof of homes could cause leakage if the roof isn’t properly maintained. Additionally, it can exert too much pressure on the roofs and the trees, causing the roof considerable damage. However, the damages are not as severe as those caused by tornadoes and hurricanes.

List Of The Common Damages Most Storms Cause

It’s common knowledge that once a storm passes through an environment, it leaves destruction or damage. However, the kind of storm that occurs will determine the extent of the damage. Here’s a list of some of the most common damages to buildings, properties, and other infrastructures when a storm occurs.

Coastal Erosions: When storms like hurricanes push water beyond the banks into the land, it washes a lot of sand from the beaches. Most times, the raging waves accumulate the sand somewhere else, causing sandbars to be formed. This process erodes the beaches and areas around the coast, causing soil loss and loss of buildings and other valuable structures.

Power Outage: A power outage is one of the most common damages associated with storms. Storms usually come with strong winds, affecting the power supply lines to homes and buildings. 

Most times, the power lines fall and cut off the power supply for several days or weeks, depending on the storm’s severity. In some cases, lightning could destroy the appliances in a home and cut off the power supply to buildings by eliminating the internal wiring.

Roof Damages: Roofs are the most exposed parts of buildings and are most prone to storm damage. The strong winds blow the roof and dislodge the nails used to tack them down or cause trees to fall and damage the roof. This causes missing and broken shingles, which will cause leaks that can damage the whole roofing system if proper maintenance is not carried out.

Landslides: Storms characterized by heavy rainfalls usually trigger landslides which cause damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Flooding: Thunderstorms come with heavy rainfalls that flood the roads. Hurricanes can flood residential and commercial buildings resulting in massive property loss.

Destroys Buildings And Other Infrastructure: Hurricane and Tornado storms are known to wipe out buildings from the roof to the foundation. The wind also carries vehicles off, removes power lines, and much more.

Structural Malfunction: Storms can cause the foundation of buildings to be compromised by cracking or flooding. This will eventually lead to problems that could collapse the structure if left unchecked.

Preparing Your Home and Property

One way to ensure that a home and property are secured when a storm occurs is to prepare it ahead of time. Preparing and storm-proofing your home before a storm even hits the area could prevent damages or reduce the extent of damages. Check out some steps to take to prepare your home and property for a storm.

Securing Outdoor Items

Take the following steps to secure all outdoor items in preparation for a storm.

• Ensure that every small item has been retrieved and put in the house. Small things like the kid’s bike, toys, lounge chairs, etc. Storm winds could displace these items if left exposed.
• If there is a secure outdoor shed where these items can be placed, use it as an alternative to placing them within the main building. If the things will be challenging to move, use ropes to tie them down to a certain point.
• Trim any trees and shrubs that could pose a threat to the safety of your building ahead. If possible, the trees should be removed entirely.
• Carry out a thorough inspection of the roofing system, identify any problem areas, and get them fixed before a storm even occurs.
• Ensure that your gas and electricity are turned off to prevent fire hazards.
• Reinforce, secure,e or cover up windows.

Strengthening Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are exposed to external elements almost as much as the roof and need to be strengthened in preparation for a storm in storm-prone areas. Here’s how to achieve that:

Install Impact-Resistant Windows: Impact-resistant windows, as the name implies, are built to withstand a higher level of impact than the regular window. Storms cause the glass to break. However, these windows are created with materials that resist shattering.

Cover Windows With Hurricane Shutters: If installing impact-resistant windows will be a bit of a hassle, the alternative is to install hurricane shutters. Install them in front of the windows, and they will shield them against the impact of the wind or debris flying around.

Reinforce The Doors: This can be achieved by changing the doors to something made to withstand more impact or force. Additionally, if the door is safe, adding additional fixtures like door bolts, hinges, etc., can keep the door firmly in place. Alternatively, you can also place 

Installing Shutters or Storm Panels

What are storm panels?

A Storm panel is a covering made of durable materials like steel. The material is used to create a cover placed over windows or doors to shield them from the impact of external elements like storms. It performs similarly to hurricane shutters by protecting the door and window from damage. 

However, storm panels can be installed and removed at will,l, unlike the shutters. Except you’d like to avoid the hassle of installing and removing once the storm is over, it’s a great alternative.

How To Use Storm Panels?

• Use a storm panel that overlaps the window space.
• Place the panel anchors over the window space and drill each using a drill. The panel size will determine the number of anchors that will be used.
• Place your panel over the anchors and screw them together firmly.
• Check your installation to be sure it’s firmly placed.
• Remove once the storm has passed and repeat the procedure for subsequent events.

How Do They Protect The House?

Storm panels prevent the storms from breaking the windows and allowing the debris in motion to be deposited in the building. It also contains the strong winds from getting into the building and displacing the properties housed in the building. It prevents water from getting into the building through the windows.

How does installing shutters protect the homeowner?

If the debris carried by the storm, which could be rocks, sand, and many other objects, gets into the house, it will injure the homeowners. The storm panels help to keep out anything that could be a potential threat to human life. It could also provide homeowners with an extra sense of being secure.

What kind of shutters do professionals recommend?

The kind of shutter recommended by a professional will depend on the protection the storm shutters are meant to offer. It’ll also depend on the size of the space to be secured and lots of other factors. 

However, professionals will likely recommend any shutter made of aluminum or still because of their high impact resistance and durability. It’s best to communicate concerns or needs for storm protection fixtures with an actual professional for accurate and foolproof feedback.

Creating An Emergency Kit

In most cases, storms don’t leave homeowners and the authorities with enough time to prepare for evacuation or any other activity that will help secure lives and properties. Creating an emergency kit is one of the best ways to prepare for a storm. Some of the things an emergency kit must contain are outlined below:

List Of Items And Quantities To Include In An Emergency Kit

Storms typically last only a short time in an area before moving on to destroy new places. Therefore, packing a few days’ worths of supplies is ideal. Check out this list of items you can add to your emergency storm kits:

Water: A gallon of water a day for each person. Pack enough for at least three days.

Non-perishable Food: Pack various healthy non-perishable meals that don’t require much preparation and can last for at least 3 days.

Manual Can Opener: To open all the canned food items.

First Aid Kit: Pack a first aid kit that will be paired with your storm kit. Ensure it contains bandages, pain relief tablets, antiseptics, wipes, etc. Add any other personal prescription you might be placed on in the first aid box.

Flashlight And Batteries: Each occupant should carry a good flashlight and pack up tons of extra batteries to be safe.

Battery-Powered Radios: Radios are essential to keep one in tune with what is happening. It’ll help you stay up to date on weather reports.

Cell Phone and Charger: This is important to keep in touch with loved ones. Also, carry a charger for recharging purposes.

Personal Hygiene Kit: Have a ready supply of toiletries, toothpaste, soap, towels, and sanitary products for females.

Ziploc Bag: Carry an airtight Ziploc bag to store items, waste, or other items that need to stay dry or sealed shut.

A Sleeping Bag and Blanket: A sleeping bag and blanket are essential to help one sleep conveniently.

Essential Documents: Add an ID to your emergency kit to help others quickly identify you. Adding medical records and insurance documents is a plus too.

Cash or Checks: Carry some money in case there’s no way to access ATMs due to the damages caused by the storm.

Supplies: Add some essential tools and supplies you might need on the road. Tapes or ropes and lots more. If you have pets, you can carry additional supplies like their meals, litter box, etc.

What Items In This Kit Expire?

The items that’ll likely have expiry dates are:

• Prescription Drugs
• Non-perishable foods
• Batteries
• Pet meals
• First aid supplies.

How often do we need to replace these items?

The items in the first aid kit should be checked twice a year, and if there’s any need to dispose of and replace the items in a first aid kit, that will be the best time to do it. If there are any additions to the household, the equipment should be updated too.

Best Practices During A Storm

Before the country, state, or county authorities inform residents of an impending storm, residents and homeowners must adopt some best practices before time. This will reduce the level of damage that will occur to properties. Some best practices include:

Staying Informed

Staying up to date on current information on weather and storm 

List of benefits for staying informed.

Helps You Prepare Ahead: Knowing that a storm could hit an area before it even happens is the only way to prepare ahead of time and avoid the hassle of trying to get ready just before a storm hits. It helps one set up measures to protect a home and gives a house or building owner time to set up an emergency kit with all the necessary supplies in case there’s a need to evacuate.

Ensures Safety: Staying informed through whatever means about an impending storm is the only way to guarantee safety. A homeowner with the correct information can quickly evacuate before a storm hits their area if there’s a need to do so. 

Additionally, if it’s reasonably safe, the building owners can activate protective measures to shield their buildings from a storm. If well-informed, one will not be caught or stuck outside amid inclement weather conditions that could threaten lives and properties.

Prevent Unnecessary Damages: For residents who stay in storm-prone areas, being well informed will allow them to make plans to set up reinforcements that will protect their homes. For instance, homeowners can reinforce their roofs, windows, and doors ahead of a storm. 

List of things to do once I am aware of a coming storm.

The following is a liist of things to do once you are aware of a coming storm:

Monitor the storm: Keep up-to-date with the latest information about the storm by monitoring local news and weather reports.

Prepare your home: Secure loose objects outside, close windows and doors, and consider using sandbags to protect against flooding.

Create an emergency kit: Make sure you have an emergency kit that includes food, water, a first-aid kit, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Evacuate if necessary: If you are in an area at risk of flooding, consider evacuating before the storm hits.

Stay indoors: If it is not safe to leave your home, stay indoors, and avoid using electrical equipment.

Stay informed: Keep listening to local news and weather updates to stay knowledgeable about the storm’s progress and any potential changes in its path or intensity.

Check on others: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbors, check on them to ensure they are prepared and safe during the storm.

Evacuation Considerations

List of things to take before evacuating.

If everyone has been asked to evacuate from an area due to an incoming storm, these are some of the things you need to carry:

• Emergency Kit: contains almost everything needed to survive comfortably for a couple of days.
• First aid kit.
• Clothes
• Important family items.

What are the measures to take before an evacuation?

One of the most important measures to take before an evacuation is to check the gas and electricity supply to your building and turn it off. This will prevent further catastrophic events and also keep your valuables in safe places in case it survives. Finally, please pay attention to the instructions given for the evacuation and follow them accordingly.

Power Outage Preparedness

When a storm occurs, one of the significant and most common damages is loss of power and water supply. These amenities may be absent for days, weeks, or months depending on the extent of the damages. Here’s how to prepare in case this happens in your home:

• Have a power outage emergency supply kit on standby. It should contain batteries, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio to keep you updated if the power supply gets cut off during a storm.
• Charge up all your devices.
• Disconnect all electrical devices and appliances if the power goes out.
• Fill up your car’s fuel tank in case there’s a need for an emergency movement.
• Listen to news channels to stay on top of the situation.
• If you use a power-generating set while you wait for power to be restored, follow safe procedures.

Can a storm create a short circuit in the house? 

A storm that comes with lightning can create a short circuit in the house. A short circuit is when the electrical system in the house is overloaded and damaged. It is triggered when a sudden power surge travels through the house’s electrical system.

How does it happen?

A short circuit can happen when a tree falls on an electrical power line or causes the power line to have contact with one another. Additionally, lightning strikes a power line and can cause a short circuit.

What can the homeowner do to prevent power outages?

A homeowner can prevent power surges from damaging electrical appliances and the electrical wiring system by:

• Installing electrical surge protectors in their home. This will prevent the overflow from damaging the systems and appliances and protect the electric system from shutting off.
• Homeowners can keep low trees or shrubs around their homes or prune their trees to prevent them from falling on any power lines.
• Homeowners can arrange backup power-generating plants in case of a power outage.

Cleaning Up And Recovering After A Storm

Every storm leaves a certain level of disorder; once it is over, many things will be out of place or damaged, whether it’s a hurricane, tornado, or any of the other common storms. Cleaning up and recovering is one of the critical parts of the aftermath of a storm. Here’s how to begin a clean-up and recovery process.

Assessing Damage

Following a storm or hurricane, assessing and repairing any damage to a home or roof is crucial. Follow the following steps to get started.

• Ensure that there is no gas leak and that no power lines have fallen around your home. If you believe any of these have occurred, it’s best to speak with the appropriate authorities to have it checked out.

Also, inspect your home and ensure the gas supply is not leaking. Use the opportunity to review other utilities and confirm that each one is fully functional. If there is any damage, seek professional assistance.

• Once your environment is safe from any fire or electrical hazards, inspect your building, and check the windows, walls, and roof for any sign of damage. Typical damages will be broken windows, cracked walls, missing or broken roofing material, etc.

• Check for any sign of leakages within the home, and look for cracks on the walls or any other signs of damage.

• Please take note of all the damages that have occurred in your home and document them in case you decide to file an insurance claim. Ensure your damage is backed by hard evidence (i.e., pictures and videos). Then, send an account of the damages and costs to your insurance company.

• Fix all minor damages that could lead to more significant issues or cause immediate discomfort. Plus, if you notice any damage that could lead to structural malfunction, contact a professional to know how to get it fixed as soon as possible.

However, anyone filing an insurance claim must keep a record of all the damages fixed, along with their receipts.

• Suppose your insurance company is to pick up a chunk of the repairs; great! Once repairs are done, ensure that you put things in place to prevent the previous damages from occurring again. Identify the things that made your home vulnerable to these damages and eliminate them.

Filing Insurance Claims

Filing insurance claims can be tricky. However, some steps to follow to get started are outlined here:

Document the damages: Ensure you provide photos or videos of every damage after the storm hit your building. These proofs provided will be used as. Evidence to support your insurance claim.

Reach Out To Your Insurance Company: It’s advisable to conduct an inspection soon after the storm passes. Get in touch with your insurance provider and let them know about these damages and kick-start the process of getting your insurance claim. Have every necessary information, detail, or document handy if required. 

Beforehand, it would be best if you had a fair idea of what your insurance company covers in line with your agreement. Additionally, if you had to run any repairs, provide this information with valid documentation. Provide details of any financial expenditure the insurance company ought to cover.

Fix An Inspection Date: Fix a date for the company to come and inspect your property. The inspection has to be done in your presence because specific questions will be presented to you.

Ensure Your Claims Are Looked Into: Check on the progress of the claim regularly to ensure that it is being worked on with a matter of urgency. Also, ask for regular updates on how the process is going to ensure the filing process is being carried out in a way that meets with your agreements.

Cross-Check Your Offer: When an agreement has been reached concerning the insurance claim, go through the contract carefully, ask questions where you are confused, and ensure that everything is favorable.

Hiring a Professional Clean-Up Company

After a storm hits and causes a lot of damage, everything should return to order. However, the process may be complicated to DIY. If you choose to use a professional clean-up company, here are some things to look out for:

Reviews: If you locate a company you are interested in working with, check its online reviews to see what clients say about their service delivery. This will give you an idea of what to expect if you work with them.

Services: Every company has its unique service offering. Check through the company’s online platform, confirm the exact service they offer, and see if it includes the specific services you need.

License and insurance: Confirm that whatever company you choose has the right to work in your region. Also, ensure that the company has insurance for its workers, so they are entirely responsible for the total well-being of their workers throughout the cleaning project.

Customer Service: It is essential to choose a company with great representatives who can answer your questions professionally. Check how long the company will get back to you when you reach out to them. 

A slow response is a bad sign and should make you consider alternatives. Effective customer service and a great feedback loop should be important to any well-meaning organization.

Equipment and resources: A professional clean-up company must have the equipment or resources required for a proper clean-up. These should include heavy-duty trucks, cranes, and chainsaws if there is a need to bring heavy weights for a project.

Adequate Technical Know-How: When choosing what company to use for a professional clean-up of your property, go for a company with employees with the right technical know-how. They should be up to date on new and existing technologies too.

Ability To Provide A Well Detailed Pricing Plan

When you receive a statement containing the breakdown of costs and other details that should be part of the contract, it should be presented clearly. Including all the details about what each price is for; additionally, it should contain warranties for the work that will be done.

Restoring Utilities

Suppose the utilities in a building or area have been shut down or damaged. These are some of the steps that are taken to get it back up and running:

• Once a storm passes, efforts should be made to clear up the debris from fallen trees, damaged roofs, buildings, etc. This will enable other regular activities to be conducted with ease.
• Invite professionals to come and assess the extent of damage and the causes once the storm has passed.
• Wait for appropriate authorities to take steps to restore the utility (electricity, water, and gas supply) to buildings once a storm is over. Most everyday activities can not be performed in the absence of these utilities.
• All damaged power lines, transformers, gas lines, and water supply pipes and units will be replaced, and this process might take a couple of weeks to complete.
• Once repairs have been carried out, the testing process will begin to ensure all units are fully functional. Once this is confirmed, all utilities will be restored, and the residents will be informed.
• Homeowners can proceed to carry out their repairs following the authorities’ directives to begin using the amenities provided.

Master Techniques for Minimizing Storm Damage

Storms can not be prevented since certain naturally occurring activities mainly trigger them. However, some things can be done to minimize its effect on a home and property. Although some complex techniques can be used to reduce the impact of a storm, follow the following simple steps to help secure your property.

Proper Landscaping Techniques

Landscaping is one of the measures that can be taken to prepare for a storm in any storm-prone region. However, it has to be done in an orderly fashion. Here is a list of the best landscaping techniques to safeguard your home.

• Carefully plan out the plants or trees to be cultivated. The decision on which crops should be grown should be backed by adequate information. One crucial factor to consider is the strength and impact resistance of the trees and shrubs.
• Plant trees at a distance where they will not touch the building if it falls. It should also be away from the power lines where it could fall and damage them.
• Trees and shrubs should be planted to form a windbreak to prevent the force of storms from directly impacting the building.
• Use ground finishing that allows water to soak into the ground. In addition, you can create a drainage system that makes it hard for the area to get flooded.
• Maintain the trees and shrubs that have been planted regularly.

Installation of Impact-Resistant Windows and Doors

What is the impact-resistant strength Windows and Doors must have?

Windows and doors are expected to have Design Pressure and Impact Rating strengths. The Design pressure strength is a function of how well the window and door can resist impact from wind storms. In contrast, its Impact rating describes how well it can resist whatever debris is thrown against it in a storm. Both windows and doors are expected to have a design pressure of about 50 and an impact rating of a large missile.

List Of Window Manufacturers Who Offer Impact-Resistant Windows And Doors

• PGT Innovations
• VELUX
• Simonton Windows
• Anderson Windows & Doors
• Andersen
• PGT Custom Windows + Doors
• CGI Impact-Resistant Windows & Doors
• Milgard Windows & Doors
• Marvin
• JELD-WEN

Reinforcing Roof and Attic

Reinforcing a roof and attic is one of the ways to secure a building against any damage during a storm. Check out some of the ways this can be achieved:

• Carry out a full inspection to determine what areas would benefit from reinforcements.
• Install gable bracing to hold the gable to the wall. This will help secure it during heavy winds.
• Install hurricane straps to secure rafters or trusses. Hurricane straps are placed on the rafters and the wall linking both parts together, making it harder for the rafter and trusses to be removed.
• Add additional wooden planks to the roof decking. Moving the decking out of place makes it heavier and more challenging.
• To prevent leakages and wind from getting under the roofing materials, seal the roof with special tape or sealants. The same thing should be done for the decking.

Tricks of the Trade

Many steps can be taken to prepare for a storm properly. However, certain tricks can help a homeowner prepare to go through a storm and remain safe.

Creating an Emergency Communication Plan

Storms tend to cause communication channels to be disconnected, making it difficult to find signals needed to reach out to loved ones and family. It’s necessary to create a plan to help one stay in touch with the world around when a storm occurs. Here are some simple steps to take:

List of items and activities for an Emergency Communication Plan

• Create a list of emergency contacts you can easily reach out to, even with a borrowed device, when a storm occurs.
• Figure out the different channels you can use to communicate with your loved ones when disasters occur. Your loved ones should also be let in on your plans so it’s easy for everyone to know what channel they can use to reach out to each other.

Best practices for implementing an Emergency Communication Plan

• As times and things change, keep updating your communication plans. Reviewing it will ensure you are always up to date on changes.

• Loved ones should occasionally practice these plans like a fire drill to get everyone conversant with how the procedure works so no one is left out of the loop when there’s a need.

List of organizations that can help during an emergency

Suppose loved ones are displaced during a storm, or there is a need for urgent medical attention, search parties, etc. In that case, these are some of the top organizations to seek out for aid.

• The Red Cross Society: The Red Cross can be contacted for several issues like lack of shelter and food. Additionally, those looking for ways to send to displaced people can send their relief materials to the Red Cross.
• FEMA: This organization assists during disasters. Some of the assistance they offer include financial aid to individuals and families affected by disasters. They also provide relief materials to those affected.
• Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is another organization that provides food and shelter to victims. They also offer emotional support or counsel to those affected by disasters.
• The National Weather Service: Anyone that is cut off from the power supply and needs to stay informed about what is happening can check out the National Weather Service. They give information and forecasts for severe weather events, including real-time storms.

Protecting Electrical Equipment

Keeping your electrical appliances and equipment safe should be a primary concern for any homeowner. During a storm, several things could put these appliances in harm’s way. Here’s how to protect each one:

Best Practices For Protecting Electrical Equipment

• Once your appliance is not in use, it’s advisable to turn it off and unplug it from the power supply unit. That way, if there is a sudden surge, it will not affect it.
• You can install surge protectors as an additional security measure. It’s not every time that a homeowner will remember how to unplug appliances. Surge protectors will prevent electrical surges from getting into the system and damaging devices.
• If there’s a need to provide additional protection for any electrical units left outdoors, securing them with tarpaulin will prevent moisture from getting into them.

List of tools for Protecting Electrical Equipment

• Surge protector
• Tarpaulin
• Power conditioners
• Stabilizers

Properly Storing Valuables

Suppose you are concerned about protecting your valuables whenever a storm occurs. In that case, there are a few options to consider for safe storage that you may explore. Some of them include the following:

Using A Safe or Lockbox: A safe or lockbox is the best option for storing valuables like money, jewelry, documents, etc. Most safe boxes are fireproof and waterproof. As long as it is securely strapped in an area that’ll likely where won’t be carried off by the wind, it is safe.

A Watertight Container: If the valuables you want to store are too bulky to put in a safe, use a simple watertight container as an alternative. These containers can be purchased at any hardware or outdoor goods store. You can store items like clothes and other bulky necessities you do not want to lose.

Using Higher Grounds: Store anything you consider valuable above floor level

If you have a lot of options, it’s best to keep your valuables in any space or on any structure within your home where it is less likely to get flooded. For instance, rather than storing your valuables in the basement that is prone to flooding in rainstorms, you should consider keeping your valuables in a bedroom on the top floor.

Temporary Off-site Storage Units: If you have heard reports that point out that a storm will be hitting your area soon, you can seek alternative storage for your valuables away from your home. Some of the options you can consider are safe deposit boxes in banks, if you have small items to store. However, if the items are a bit more bulky you can rent out a secure storage unit briefly to keep your valuables until the storm passes.

It is of utmost importance to remember to have a specific location where you can safely store everything that is of any importance to you before a storm hits. If you have plans to make an insurance claim after a storm, it is a good idea to create an inventory of your assets, including pictures and detailed descriptions of each item ahead of time.

Best Practices For Storing In case Of A Storm

Storms lead to losses, and to avoid experiencing these kinds of losses, it is necessary to adopt specific best practices for storing valuables in case a storm hits. The following is a list of simple storage practices for storing belongings ahead of a storm:

Secure All Outdoors Properties: Ensure that any property that stays outside the building is moved to a place of safety. Carefully put away or lock up any item usually left outdoors, such as gardening tools, patio furniture (lounge chairs), or barbecue stands. As the wind picks up, these objects might become lethal missiles.

Transfer vehicles: Instead of leaving your car out in the driveway, transfer the car to a garage or secure location away from trees and other potential threats if there’s no garage. It is essential to protect your vehicle from any harm that will be caused by debris falling on it. 

Backup Data: All important data should be backed up on each of your electronic devices, including your laptops, mobile phones, tablets and any other devices with the ability to save data. If there’s a need for more space, you should utilize a cloud storage service or get an additional hard drive as an additional defense layer.

To protect critical documents, keep them locked up in a safe that is both watertight and fireproof. Examples of such documents include insurance policies, passports, and birth certificates. You may also keep these things in waterproof containers or plastic bags to protect them from harm caused by moisture.

Make sure you have enough supplies: Make sure you have enough supplies, especially vital goods such as non-perishable food, water, batteries, and first aid supplies. If the power goes out or the storm causes other interruptions, ensure you have enough supplies to last several days.

Have A Plan For Evacuation: Make sure you have a well-thought-out strategy in place if you need to evacuate your house in an emergency. You should plan your journey and make accommodations for any family members or pets with specific needs, such as the elderly or pets.

Take pictures: Before the storm comes, it is a good idea to take photographs or films of your house and your belongings. This can help you document any damage that may have occurred and provide assistance with filing insurance claims, should that become necessary.

By adhering to these recommendations for best practices, you may assist in safeguarding your family, property, and home in the event of a storm. Keep in mind that being updated about the development of the storm and following the advice of local officials are the best ways to ensure your safety.

Final Thoughts 

Damages caused by storms are a complicated and multifaceted problem that calls for various responses on the individual, community, and governmental levels. It is possible to lessen the damage caused by storms and establish more resilient and sustainable communities by investing in preparedness, resilience, and mitigation strategies. At the same time, it is essential to recognize the role climate change, social inequality, and other systemic factors play in exacerbating storm damage.

It is also necessary to work toward systemic solutions that address these underlying issues. Specifically, it is essential to recognize climate change’s role in exacerbating storm damage. In the end, we will be able to create a safer, more resilient, and more sustainable future for all of us if we work together to address the problem of storm damage and adopt a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary strategy.

The devastation caused by storms is a terrible fact of life for many communities worldwide. These natural catastrophes, which can range from hurricanes and typhoons to tornadoes and thunderstorms, are capable of causing severe damage to residential and commercial properties and infrastructure. Due to climate change, storms have grown more frequent and severe in recent years. Because of this, it’s crucial now more than ever to understand how to prepare for and react to these catastrophes.

Some Key Points Summary

The significance of being well-prepared to lessen the effects of storm damage is one of the essential things anyone can learn by reading this essay. This requires steps to be taken on both an individual and a societal scale, such as creating emergency plans, constructing and maintaining secure homes and buildings, and disseminating information to the general public about staying safe during storms. Homeowners can lessen the likelihood of suffering losses of life, injuries, and property if they take preventative steps.

Another significant factor you must consider is the effect that storms have on the landscape in their immediate vicinity. Flooding, erosion, and habitat destruction are just a few instances of the severe ecological harm that storms may cause. Storms also can kill people. This, in turn, can have repercussions for the animals, the biodiversity, and the accessibility of natural resources such as water and food. To put it another way, there is the potential to create a domino effect.

In addition, the destruction brought on by hurricanes can make social and economic disparities that previously existed much more pronounced. Storms typically impact vulnerable communities and individuals, such as low-income populations and people with disabilities, who may have difficulty obtaining the resources and services they require in the aftermath of the storm. This is because vulnerable communities and individuals are more likely to be located in areas more prone to natural disasters. This highlights how important it is to ensure that disaster response operations are inclusive and equitable, as well as that the needs of all community members are taken into account throughout the whole of the response activities.

A further obstacle that communities must overcome is striking a balance between short-term emergency response activities and long-term mitigation and preparedness measures. Investing in long-term mitigation measures such as building codes and infrastructure improvements can help to reduce the risk of future hurt. While emergency response efforts are essential for minimizing the impact of immediate damage, these measures can also help to mitigate the effects of direct damage.

The damage that storms do to essential infrastructure, such as electricity grids, transportation networks, and water treatment facilities, is another crucial aspect you must consider. The failure of these systems, caused by storm damage, can have significant repercussions for public health, public safety, and the economy. It is vital to make investments in resilient infrastructure that is built to be able to endure extreme weather events to lessen the risk of infrastructure collapse.

The urban heat island effect significantly contributes to the severity of the destruction caused by storms. Because of this effect, which is generated by the concentration of buildings, pavement, and other materials that absorb heat in urban areas, temperatures in cities can be much higher than in the rural regions surrounding them. This, in turn, can lead to more intense storms and other weather phenomena like heatwaves and droughts.

Damage caused by storms may also have a substantial effect on the economy. Damage to property, revenue loss, and supply chain interruptions may hurt local and regional economies. This is especially true in regions that rely mainly on agriculture or tourism. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive disaster recovery strategies that promote long-term economic recovery and growth and meet the urgent needs of the communities affected by the disaster.

Lessons Learned from Past Storms

This article has covered various topics, including the many distinct types of storm damage, the reasons that lead to these damages, and the methods in which communities may prepare for them and react when they occur. We have also recorded the repercussions of storm devastation on the economy and society and the challenges that authorities and first responders have when seeking solutions to these problems.

The contribution that technology makes to the process of mitigating the effects of storms is yet another essential factor to take into consideration. Modern advancements in meteorology and modeling have made it possible to predict the path and severity of storms with greater precision than was previously possible. Because of this, communities have been able to improve their preparations for the chance that storms would inflict harm. In addition, technological developments such as flood barriers, storm-resistant construction materials, and backup power systems can contribute to attenuating the effects of storms.

Yet, despite these developments, there are still a great many challenges that communities and governments confront when working to lessen the impact of storm damage. As a direct consequence of climate change, storms are growing more severe and occurring more frequently; hence, this is one of the most significant issues. As a result of rising sea levels, greater temperatures, and altering weather patterns, storms are becoming more frequent and severe. This makes it more challenging to plan for hurricanes and respond to them when they occur.

In addition, the aftermath of storms may cause significant issues for a lot of regions, both economically and socially. Destruction of property, the inability to make a living, and being forced to migrate are just some of how individuals and communities, particularly those living in low-income and vulnerable regions, can be permanently harmed. These are some of how it might happen. A multi-pronged strategy that includes not just people who engage in disaster response but also community groups, local governments, and national and international relief organizations is essential to handle these challenges successfully.

Storm damage is a multifaceted and multi-leveled problem that demands several answers on the levels of the individual, the community, and the policy. One potential remedy for this issue is to build more substantial storm shelters. Even though improvements in technology and planning have helped to decrease the impact of storms, a great deal of work still needs to be done to handle the increased frequency and severity of these events. It is possible for communities, governments, and those who respond to calls for emergency assistance to collaborate to decrease the impact of storm damage and develop more resilient and sustainable communities. Collaboration is how this may be done.

Final Thoughts On Preparing For Storm Damage

Last but certainly not least, it is essential to recognize the role climate change plays in exacerbating the consequences of storm damage. As the planet’s average temperature continues to climb, it is to be anticipated that storms will grow more frequent and violent as the temperature increases. As a result, it is more vital now than ever to take action to control emissions of greenhouse gasses and to address the fundamental causes of climate change.

While discussing the process of mitigating the consequences of storm damage, it is of the utmost importance to highlight the role that community engagement and social capital play in the process. Strong social networks and community organizations can aid in mobilizing resources and assistance in the aftermath of storms. 

These groups can also foster preparedness and resilience for future occurrences. Suppose one cultivates a feeling of community and shared responsibility within a community. In that case, it is possible to develop more robust, resilient communities capable of weathering future difficulties. This is accomplished through cultivating a sense of community.

In conclusion, storm damages are a complex and multifaceted problem that requires various individual, community, and governmental solutions. These solutions can be implemented in a variety of different ways. Even though improvements in technology and planning have helped to decrease the impact of storms, a great deal of work still needs to be done to handle the increased frequency and severity of these events. Suppose communities, governments, and emergency responders work together. 

In that case, they can decrease the impact of storm damage and establish more resilient and sustainable communities better equipped to meet future difficulties. This is because working together makes them more prepared. This will make it possible to be more resilient in the face of whatever the future may bring.