Summer Storm Safety
Tips on protecting your property
Whether it’s tornadoes, hurricanes, hail, or thunderstorms, follow this checklist for tips to help protect your property during summer storms.
When a storm is near, check these spots and follow these readiness tips:
- Roof: Clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid blockages and accumulation of water. If you have a gable roof, ensure that it’s properly braced.
- Roof vents and soffits: Ensure all vents and soffits are tightly connected to your roof. Check the condition of soffit covers and replace anything that’s corroded or damaged.
- Porches, carports and patio covers: Porches and overhangs are easy targets for structural damage during a storm. Make sure supporting posts are securely connected to the foundation and overhang.
- Outdoor objects: Make sure items such as storage sheds, lawn furniture and garbage cans are secure. Don’t forget about equipment such as air conditioners, generators, and even patio umbrellas, which can turn into dangerous flying objects.
- Openings: Cover wall openings such as vents, outdoor electrical outlets, garden hose faucets and places where cables or pipes go through the wall.
- Power generators: A generator can be useful to keep your essential appliances running during a power outage caused by a storm. If you have a generator, check that it is ready to use.
- Lightning protection items: If you have surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system for your property, appliances, and electronic devices, check that they are in working condition.
- Lowest level of your property: When flooding is expected, move valuables and important documents to a safe place, like an attic or the top floor. Elevate electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems. Make sure your sump pump works to protect your basement. [2]
- Windows: Have board up materials on hand to use to protect windows from debris during severe winds.
- Vehicle: Park your car in your garage or a parkade to protect it from flying debris or hail damage.
- Landscape: Trim trees and shrubs around your property and remove any debris from the yard.
By following these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of damage to your property when storms hit. This checklist helps protect other structures on your property as well, like workshops and sheds. Stay safe and prepared, and ensure you're ready for whatever nature may bring this summer.