Facing extreme weather requires more than just a sturdy structure. This demands a proactive approach to home maintenance and improvement. In Long Island City, NY, where the weather spectrum runs from heat waves to bone-chilling blizzards, preparing your home becomes not just a comfort, but a necessity.
This unique climate challenges homeowners to adopt versatile strategies that protect against the elements. Ensuring their home is safe, comfortable and energy-efficient all year round.
This article explores practical tips for weather-proofing your residence. So if you’ve been delaying your preparations for the changing seasons, now is the time to take action.
How to prepare your home for extreme weather?
Here are some ways to get your home ready for really bad weather.
- Assess Vulnerabilities: Look for places that can easily be broken in bad weather, such as windows, doors, and roofs.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Secure outdoor furniture and loose items so they don’t cause damage when storms hit.
- Trim Trees and Shrubs: Cut branches and bushes close to your house to reduce the chance of stuff falling down.
- Check Roof and Gutters: Inspect your roof and gutters for damage and debris to prevent water damage.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Seal gaps around windows and doors to keep out water and improve energy efficiency.
- Invest in Storm Protection: Install storm shutters or have plywood ready to protect windows from flying debris.
- Create an Emergency Kit: Prepare for emergencies by gathering things like water, food, flashlights, and first aid kits.
- Establish Evacuation Plan: Develop a plan with meeting points and routes in case evacuation is necessary.
- Secure Backup Power: Consider a generator to ensure essential appliances work during power outages.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of weather forecasts and warnings to take timely precautions.
1. Inspect and Repair Your Roof
A strong roof protects your home from bad weather. Checking it often helps find problems early, like missing tiles or blocked gutters.
Fixing these quickly stops rain from causing damage and keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Visual Inspection
- Check for Leaks
- Inspect Flashing and Seals
- Clear Debris
- Repair or Replace Damaged Shingles
- Address Sagging or Uneven Areas
- Trim Overhanging Branches
2. Maintain Your HVAC System
A good HVAC system is really important for dealing with the different weather in Long Island City. Checking it regularly and fixing any problems quickly can help you avoid breaking down when it gets super hot or freezing cold.
A well-functioning system not only maintains your residence as a sanctuary of comfort but can also notably diminish your energy expenses. When it comes to associated projects or improvements, consult experts from Varsity Home Service, the best HVAC company in Long Island City, NY.
Their skilled team can help you keep your home at just the right temperature all year, so you feel comfortable no matter how the weather changes outside.
3. Secure Windows and Doors
Making sure your windows and doors keep energy inside and stop water from getting in is very important for keeping your home safe from cold drafts and water leaks.
If you live in Long Island City where the weather changes a lot, it’s a good idea to think about getting storm shutters or strong glass to give your home extra protection.
Doing this not only makes your home safer when the weather gets really bad, but it also helps you save energy by keeping the inside of your home at a comfortable temperature.
1. Check for Leaks and Drafts: Check windows and doors for holes, cracks, or old weatherstripping that might let air escape. Fill any holes with caulk or new weatherstripping to stop drafts and heat from getting out in the winter, and to keep cool air inside during the summer.
2. Install Storm Windows and Doors: Think about putting in storm windows and doors, especially if you live in a place where there’s a lot of bad weather like hurricanes or strong winds. Storm windows and doors give you more protection from wind, rain, and things flying around.
3. Reinforce Weak Points: Strengthen weak spots, such as hinges, locks, and frames, so they can better resist breaking or bad weather. Get better locks and deadbolts for more safety.
4. Use Window and Door Sensors: Put sensors on your windows and doors that connect to a security system. They will tell you if someone tries to get in without permission and if your windows or doors are open during bad weather.
New security features can connect with smart home setups. They give instant alerts and let you control things from far away, so you feel safer.
4. Invest in a Backup Generator
Severe weather, like thunderstorms or heavy snow, can often cause power outages. Having a backup generator can help keep important appliances working.
It’s important to have heating, cooling, and lights during long power outages. When picking a generator, consider the size of your home and the power it needs to ensure it can provide enough backup power.
Keeping your generator maintained regularly helps it work when you need it most, avoiding problems when they’re crucial. Getting it installed by a certified professional also ensures its safety, lowering the chance of accidents.
5. Check and Clear Drainage Systems
Good drainage stops water from pooling near your house, which can cause floods and damage. Cleaning your gutters often and making sure downspouts send water away from your house helps a lot.
Evaluating the landscape grading around your property can also prevent water from pooling near your home’s foundation, mitigating the risk of leaks and water damage.
In places where it rains a lot, using rain gardens or special paving that lets water through can help drain water better. This helps control excess water in a way that’s good for the environment.
6. Fortify Your Home’s Foundation
Making sure your home’s base is strong is really important, especially in rough weather. Checking for cracks and damage is crucial to stop water from getting in and keep your home strong.
Consider professional inspections to identify and address any issues, and invest in waterproofing measures to protect against moisture and flood risks.
7. Landscape with Weather in Mind
Landscaping helps keep your home safe from bad weather. Pick plants and trees native to your area—they’re tough against harsh weather and stop soil from washing away.
Also, planting plants in the right spots can prevent water from entering your home, lowering the chance of flooding and damage.
8. Create an Emergency Kit
Being prepared means having a kit with important things like water, food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.
If there’s bad weather, having these things can help you stay safe.
You should also put important papers like insurance and ID cards in your kit.
Make sure your kit has things you need, like medicine or stuff for pets.
9. Develop a Family Emergency Plan
It’s really important to have a good plan for emergencies, not just getting ready with stuff. This helps keep everyone safe at home.
This plan should include clear communication strategies, evacuation routes, and designated meeting points. Regularly review and practice your emergency plan so that everyone knows what to do when severe weather strikes.
Give each person in the family a job to do so that everything goes smoothly even when things get tough.
10. Stay Informed About Local Weather
Stay updated about upcoming weather conditions. This helps you stay safe and make good choices. Use local weather alerts, apps, and news to know what’s coming.
Watching the weather closely can help you get ready for bad weather. This gives you an important advantage in getting ready for and dealing with extreme weather.
Also, think about getting a NOAA Weather Radio. It gives reliable updates, especially in areas where the power might go out during bad weather.
Preparation is more than just a list of things to do. It’s about being strong and feeling calm. The things we do to protect our homes from bad weather keep us safe and comfortable when the weather is unpredictable.