4 Tips to Prepare Your Property For Harsh Weather Conditions

You are cozied up in your bed, watching a movie, having popcorn, and suddenly receive an unexpected call to warn you about a storm. A nightmare, isn’t it? You only have a few minutes to figure out how to deal with it. Meteorologists primarily forecast rainstorms, windstorms, or thunderstorms, but occasionally they can catch you off guard. Recent climate change has worsened weather conditions, resulting in persistent storms in various countries. A study by Esurance found that around 25% of people prepare their properties for weather damage beforehand. This makes preparing your house for such kinds of weather conditions crucial so you do not have to worry about it at the very last minute. 

Especially if you are a resident of Naples, a coastal region, you need to be very careful about severe storms like hurricanes all the time. This preparation is important so that you do not have to deal with tree branches knocking on your windows, water getting inside your house, or being destroyed by the winds. Let us take you through the basic ways you can prepare your house to deal with such extreme weather conditions.

Prepare for Water Leakage  

Florida experiences hot summers, cold winters, and a consistently wet and partly cloudy climate throughout the year. The temperature range during the year typically varies from 40°F to 88°F, with rare instances of dropping below 28°F or exceeding 98°F. Florida receives an average annual rainfall of nearly 54 inches; however, the amount of precipitation experienced throughout the state can differ based on location. Rains can create havoc on your property if your home is not appropriately equipped to handle them.

The most important thing to do to prevent water from seeping into your house is to check your drainage system properly. Check for any chances of pipes bursting or getting leaked. If the gutters in your house are overflowing and not dumping the water at the right place, there are very high chances of water seeping into your house. 

Also, make sure that the windows and doors of your house do not have cracks and openings that can let water seep inside. You may also want to consider having steel doors at your house’s entrance, making it almost impossible for water to get inside. Install doors fixed to the framing at the top and the bottom so they are secured well. To stay on the safe side, you should also make sure that all the sockets at your house are at a safe height. This will keep everyone safe in the case of floods. 

In the case of severe damage, Naples Water Damage Restoration services are always at your rescue on an emergency basis to restore your house to pre-storm condition. This is done in multiple ways, like dry-out services, repairing and cleaning, etc. 

Repair your Roof

Rain is a widespread phenomenon in Naples, especially in the summer. You may expect an average of around 9 inches of monthly rainfall from June to September. Ensure your roof is equipped enough to deal with such kinds of rainstorms and windstorms, which are also very common in Naples. 

Check for ice dams caused by snow accumulation on your roof after the winter, which causes the shingles to become weak and result in leakage. Strong winds can also blow your roof away if it is not strong enough to handle them. Check for soft spots or damaged areas on your roof to prevent damage in extreme weather conditions. 

Fix your Landscaping

Little problems in your garden that often go unnoticed may cause severe damage and save you millions of dollars in damage with only a bit of care.

• In case your garden has tall trees, check for untrimmed branches that may damage your house by breaking into it through the pressure of winds. They may also damage the power lines around your house. Plant healthy specimens and use wise planting techniques. 
• Ensure that the trees in your house do not have a disease, shallow roots, or dead limbs, making it difficult for them to survive the storm. 
• Replace your walkways with permeable pavers to absorb the maximum amount of water inside the ground. This reduces the chances of water getting inside the house and causing damage. 
• Choose native plants instead of non-native ones since they have greater resistance to extreme weather conditions. Some examples are American holly, black chokeberry, switchgrass, etc. 

Lastly, ensure that all the outdoor furniture that a storm can potentially damage is brought inside your house as soon as you expect a storm. 

Prepare for Heat 

The residents of Naples experience extreme heat in the summer, especially in June, July, and August. The average temperature during these months goes to 30°C and up to 40°C during the warmest hours of the day. A research report by the research and technology group First Street Foundation said that by 2023, almost 107.6 million Americans will face extreme heat conditions.  

• Going green is the most significant step to dealing with such a harsh summer. Plant trees that can block extreme heat keep your house cool in the summer, and let the sunshine through the house in the winter. 
• You may also want to consider window tinting to help you deal with extreme heat. 
• Make sure that if you stay out during the day, which you probably do, you keep your windows open when you return to your home in the evening. This will make your house naturally cool and help you retain coolness for the rest of the night.

Get Your Property Insured

The wisest choice is to get your property insured against weather damage because home insurance often does not cover weather damage. Weather damage needs insurance separately, so your insurance plan should be location-specific. It should cover the kind of damage that is the most common in your city. 

We often underestimate the importance of getting insurance when it comes to insuring the house against such kinds of storms, which need attention. In Naples, with such extreme weather conditions, insurance is not an expense but an investment. 

Conclusion

With its four beautiful seasons, exceptional quality of life, stunning beaches, and golf courses, Naples is an extraordinary city to call home. However, it’s essential to recognize that coastal cities are susceptible to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions. Taking preventive measures to protect your property ensures your safety and enhances its value. So, why not be proactive and prepare for potential risks rather than regretting them later?

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