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Minimizing Wind Damage in a Thunderstorm

Thunderstorms can be severe in any season. Fortunately, you can safeguard your home from wind damage to keep your family and valuables safe.

Continue reading to learn about the dangers of wind damage caused by thunderstorms.

Wind Damage is Devastating

Extreme winds caused by thunderstorms usually result in a significant number of injuries and property damage claims in the U.S. each year. High winds resulted in $14 billion worth of structural damage in 2018, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. An estimated 870,000 people are impacted by thunderstorms every year.

Follow these three steps to minimize the risk of wind damage to your home when a thunderstorm strikes.

1. Secure Outdoor Belongings

Bring the following items indoors before a thunderstorm hits:

  • Grills
  • Picnic tables
  • Lawn furniture
  • Your pet’s belongings

Items left outdoors can become projectiles that can harm your family, so it’s essential to take preventative measures. Don’t forget about decorations, such as wind chimes and plant pots. Not only can they be destroyed during a storm, but they can also become hazardous when a gust of wind hits.

Install Hurricane Shutters

If you live in an area susceptible to destructive storms, you can protect your windows from wind damage by installing hurricane shutters. Hurricane shutters, also known as coverings, preserve a structure’s windows from flying objects during a storm. (In the interest of making this blog post pop, I think we should add a picture of a hurricane shutter.)

Although modern structures may come equipped with airtight windows, hurricane shutters are worth investing in if your house is decades old. Moreover, some of them can withstand the force of a two-by-four being driven into a window at high speeds; you can rest assured your family will remain safe in the event of a tragedy.

Invest in a Standby Home Generator

Unfortunately, power outages are a scary reality during significant storms. Power loss can result in spoiled food, a flooded basement, and anxiety, especially in young children. Consider purchasing a standby home generator, which can keep your power on during an outage. It’s installed outside of your house, and it will turn on automatically within seconds during a storm.

Best of all, they work whether you’re at home or on vacation. Moreover, they run on propane or natural gas, so you don’t have to worry about refueling them.

If you already own a generator, follow these safety measures when operating it:

  • Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working.
  • Only use your generator outdoors and avoid using it in enclosed areas.
  • Keep it away from windows, crawlspaces, and overhangs.

 

RestoreMasters Can Help

Even if you’ve taken safety measures against a thunderstorm, gusts of wind can still pose a threat to your home. If your home was impacted by wind damage, the restoration experts at RestoreMasters can help restore it. We’re available 24/7 and will be on location within one hour. We also specialize in water damage, fire damage, smoke damage, and more. Schedule a free assessment today.

 

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