5 Ways to Protect Your Home from Unforeseen Natural Disasters

Natural disasters cause billions of dollars in damage every year, and you need to do everything in your power to shield your home from high winds, mudslides, floods, and hail. With a few simple upgrades and a little bit of preventative maintenance, you will be able to protect your property from unforeseen disasters and extreme weather patterns.

Install Backflow Valves

During a rainstorm or flood, your city’s sewage lines might be pushed to their limits. When the water reaches a certain point, it could flow back into your home’s plumbing system and cause a tremendous amount of damage. A backflow valve is a simple safety device that prevents water from flowing into a home during a flood. An experienced plumber should be able to install one or two backflow valves in a single afternoon.

Reinforce Your Roof Shingles

Roofing contractors must follow very specific regulations when they are installing, repairing, or replacing shingles. Unfortunately, some contractors completely ignore those codes, and that can be a major problem when there are high winds. As a general rule, every shingle on your roof should be secured with at least six nails or staples. If your roof needs to be replaced entirely, then you should speak with the contractor about installing waterproof underlayment as well.

Upgrade Your Windows

Upgrading your windows is another simple project that will improve the safety and security of your home. When you are searching for replacement windows, you should look for panes that have been labeled as DP40. Those panes are specifically designed to withstand gusts of up to 150 mph, and they are a great option for anyone who lives in an area where tornadoes are a regular occurrence.

Secure Potential Projectiles

Your yard might be filled with patio furniture and landscaping tools, and those items could become dangerous projectiles during a storm. The best way to secure those items is to place them in a reinforced shed that has been anchored to a concrete slab. At the very least, you should tie that equipment to a secure fence post or tree.

Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump is nothing more than a small pump that is placed where water could collect in your home during a flood. When one of those devices detects any water or moisture, it will automatically turn on and pump the water through a series of PVC pipes that lead outside of the home. These devices also keep the relative humidity at an acceptable level, and that will reduce your risk of mold and mildew. Well before a natural disaster strikes, you need to make sure that you have adequate insurance. Your homeowners insurance should help you repair and replace your damaged possessions, but you must be absolutely sure that the policy specifically covers natural disasters that occur in your area.   Article submitted by Anica Oaks ~Freelance writer and web enthusiast