Storm preparation is an essential skill, no matter where you live. Hurricanes and tropical storms have become more frequent over time, and are likely to continue doing so.

Storm preparation may be especially important for you if you live in an area where extreme weather is common. These areas include the Gulf Coast of the United States and the Northeastern coast of the United States or Canada.

Keep reading, and we’ll give you 5 helpful tips for how to prepare for a storm and recover from damage.

1. Secure Your Windows

Heavy winds can hurl debris into your windows and expose your home to the elements. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornados all come with heavy winds. 

If you know that one of those storms is headed your way, you should board up your windows if possible. You can buy plywood boards at your local hardware store. 

You should look for wooden boards as soon as you find out about a storm, in case everyone else has the same idea you do. 

In case your boards don’t do the trick, make sure you know where to go for window glass repair.

2. Prepare for a Power Outage

Many types of weather events can cause power outages. In rural areas, this is especially common. 

You should be as prepared for a power outage as you can be. Make sure you have portable chargers, and that all your devices are fully charged prior to the start of a storm. 

If you can, your safest option is to have a power generator that you can use to power larger appliances. If you cannot purchase a generator, portable chargers are a good compromise. 

3. Protect Your Valuable Possessions 

Basements are often the first area of your home to sustain water damage during a storm. if you have valuable or sentimental items stored in your basement, you should move them to higher ground before a storm. 

If you don’t have a garage, you should also consider finding an area far away to park your car during the storm. 

Anything made of metal, wood, or paper is especially vulnerable to storm damage.

4. Stock up on Food and Supplies

Before a storm hits, you should always stock up on nonperishable food items. This means food items that can last a long time and do not need to be refrigerated. 

Canned goods are your best friend. They will take years to spoil, and you can often eat them without heating anything up. 

Even if a storm is only supposed to last for a few days, you should get some food that does not have to be refrigerated. Remember, you might lose power!

Don’t Skimp on Storm Preparation

Now that you have a few simple storm preparation tips under your belt, you can better protect your home from extreme weather. Next time you hear that a storm is coming your way, make sure you follow these storm preparedness tips. 

Remember this handy rhyme: it’s better to be overprepared than to be caught unawares!

For more tips for homeowners, check out the rest of our blog!