The short answer
Secure Your Home's Exterior
Walk around your property to identify and address potential storm hazards. Clear your gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. This ensures rainwater can flow away from your foundation. Trim any tree branches that hang over your roof or near power lines. These can break and cause significant damage during high winds.
Secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, grills, or decorations that could become projectiles. Check that your garage door is properly reinforced, as a failure here can compromise your entire home's structure. If you have storm shutters, ensure they are functional and you know how to install them quickly. Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles that could allow water entry.
- Clean gutters and downspouts to direct water away.
- Trim overhanging tree branches near the roof.
- Secure or store loose outdoor items.
- Inspect and reinforce your garage door.
- Test and prepare storm shutters or plywood covers.
- Check roof shingles for any loose or missing pieces.
Protect Your Home's Interior Systems
A key interior preparation is knowing how to shut off your home's main water supply. A burst pipe during a storm can cause extensive water damage. Locate the main shutoff valve, often found where the water line enters your home or near the water heater. Ensure everyone in the household knows its location and how to turn it.
It is also wise to know how to turn off your home's electricity at the main circuit breaker. This prevents electrical hazards if flooding occurs. Unplug sensitive electronics and appliances to protect them from potential power surges caused by lightning or downed power lines.
Prepare for Power and Water Loss
Storms can disrupt utilities for hours or days. Assemble an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a first-aid kit. Stock non-perishable food and bottled water, planning for at least one gallon of water per person per day. Include needed supplies for pets and personal hygiene items in your kit as well.
Consider how you will manage without power. A portable generator can be helpful, but it must be used outdoors and well away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Have a supply of cash on hand, as ATMs and card readers may not function during widespread outages.
Safeguard Important Documents and Valuables
Protect critical paperwork from potential water damage. Place documents like insurance policies, identification, and property records in a waterproof and fireproof container. Digital backups stored on a secure cloud service or an external hard drive kept off-site provide an extra layer of security. This helps you recover important information.
Move valuable or sentimental items away from windows and off basement or ground-level floors. Elevate furniture in areas prone to minor flooding by placing blocks or bricks under the legs. This simple step can prevent costly damage to your belongings.
Create and Communicate Your Family Plan
Your family should know what to do when a storm warning is issued. Designate a safe room in your home, such as a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows. Discuss and practice how you will communicate if you are separated during the emergency. Ensure everyone understands this plan clearly.
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your insurance company, in your phone and in a physical copy. Know the evacuation routes and shelter locations designated for your area. Stay informed by monitoring weather reports from trusted sources.
Water damage does not wait
Phones are answered 24/7 for Oklahoma City and nearby communities.
Call Now (405) 565-9833Frequently asked questions
What should I do right before a storm hits?
Fill bathtubs and containers with clean water for sanitation. Charge all phones and power banks. Move your car to a sheltered location if possible. Bring your emergency kit to your designated safe room and stay inside, away from windows, until the storm passes.
How can I prevent basement flooding during a storm?
Ensure your sump pump is working by testing it before storm season. Clear the discharge pipe so water can flow away from your home. If flooding is a frequent concern, consider installing a battery backup for your pump in case of a power outage.
Who should I call if my home gets water damage?
Contact local water damage pros for help with extraction and drying to prevent mold and structural issues. You should also contact your insurance company to start a claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.