When storm season approaches, preparing your home for extreme weather becomes a top priority. Unattended properties are particularly vulnerable to storm damage, but a home watch service can help safeguard your property with proactive measures. Here’s how home watch services provide essential storm preparedness, ensuring your home remains secure, protected, and ready to withstand any weather.
The Importance of Storm Preparation for Unoccupied Homes
Whether it’s a vacation home or a property left empty for an extended period, a vacant home requires special care to stay protected during storm season. Without regular check-ins, minor vulnerabilities like loose gutters or unsecured furniture can turn into major damage when high winds and heavy rain hit. A home watch service anticipates these risks, taking precautionary steps to reduce potential storm damage.
How Home Watch Services Prepare Your Property for Storms
A comprehensive storm preparation plan includes multiple steps to secure and protect every part of your home. Here’s what Champion Home Experts can do to keep your property storm-ready.
1. Securing Outdoor Areas
High winds can turn outdoor items into projectiles, causing damage to your property and nearby structures. Home watch professionals ensure your outdoor areas are secured by:
- Storing or Anchoring Outdoor Furniture: Moving lightweight furniture indoors or securing it to prevent movement.
- Securing Garden Equipment: Removing or safely storing lawn equipment, gardening tools, and decorative items.
- Checking Fencing and Gates: Ensuring all gates, fences, and walls are structurally sound to prevent damage or breaches during strong winds.
2. Inspecting and Reinforcing Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are crucial entry points that must be well-protected in storm conditions. A home watch service checks for potential weaknesses and reinforces these areas by:
- Testing Locks and Latches: Ensuring all windows and doors close tightly and lock securely.
- Installing or Securing Storm Shutters: Confirming that storm shutters are properly installed and ready for use.
- Sealing Cracks and Gaps: Addressing any small openings around windows and doors to prevent water intrusion.
3. Clearing Gutters and Drains
Clogged gutters and drains can cause water buildup and flooding. To prevent water damage, home watch services inspect and clean your drainage systems by:
- Clearing Debris from Gutters: Removing leaves, branches, and other debris that may obstruct water flow.
- Inspecting Downspouts: Checking downspouts to ensure they direct water away from the home’s foundation.
- Testing Drainage Areas: Verifying that water can drain effectively from your property, minimizing the risk of flooding.
4. Checking and Securing the Roof
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain and wind. A damaged roof can lead to water leaks and structural issues, so home watch professionals perform regular checks and secure weak areas by:
- Inspecting Shingles and Tiles: Ensuring all roofing materials are intact and properly fastened.
- Checking Flashing Around Vents and Chimneys: Making sure flashing is secure to prevent water from seeping into your home.
- Clearing Tree Branches Near the Roof: Trimming any overhanging branches that could break off and damage the roof during a storm.
5. Preparing for Power Outages
Storms often bring power outages, which can impact your security systems, refrigeration, and HVAC. A home watch service helps prepare your property for power disruptions by:
- Unplugging Sensitive Electronics: Reducing the risk of electrical damage from power surges.
- Setting Up Backup Power Sources: Assisting with backup power solutions like generators or battery-powered systems for essential devices.
- Monitoring Temperature Settings: Ensuring that HVAC systems are set to maintain safe temperatures, protecting your property from extreme heat or cold.
Post-Storm Inspections and Damage Assessment
Once the storm passes, a home watch service conducts a detailed inspection to assess any damage and address necessary repairs. This includes checking the integrity of the property, documenting any issues, and coordinating with contractors to complete repairs quickly, minimizing further damage.
The Benefits of Storm Preparedness with Champion Home Experts
When you entrust your property to Champion Home Experts, you gain a partner dedicated to keeping your home safe and storm-ready. Our team monitors weather forecasts and takes proactive measures to prepare your property. Trusted by 250+ clients across 50+ communities, we’re here to help you safeguard your home year-round.
Protect Your Home from Storm Damage with Expert Care
Don’t wait until the next storm season. Contact Champion Home Experts today to learn how our storm preparedness services can protect your property from severe weather.