As a property manager or owner, it’s important to be prepared for the worst when it comes to severe weather. During natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or blizzards, it’s essential to be “storm-ready”. In this blog, we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you ensure your property is ready to face harsh weather environments and keep it in top condition.

Regular Maintenance is Critical 🔧🛠️

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for harsh weather environments is to perform regular maintenance. If you fail to keep up with necessary repairs or upkeep, it can lead to a chain reaction that may create bigger issues. By regularly checking your property, you can keep an eye on anything that needs maintenance before it turns into a costly repair.

A photo of someone checking for leaks in a roof

Inspect the Exterior 🏠🕵️

During perfect weather, it’s easy to ignore the exterior of a building, but a storm might bring out various problems that have flown under the radar. It’s essential to pay close attention to the outside of your property. Check the roof, foundation, walls, and windows for any damage, or potential for it. Cracks, holes, or missing tiles just may allow water to penetrate and cause severe damage.

A photo of someone inspecting a roof for damage

Have an Emergency Plan 🚑🆘

When dealing with severe weather environments, it’s crucial always to have a plan to keep all occupants inside safe, without panicking. Ensure everyone in the property knows the plan, and if there are any emergency shelter areas. In addition, it helps to take pertinent measures as advised by meteorological services during such calamities.

A photo of people being prepared for a disaster at home

Protecting the Landscape 🌳🌺

Most people don’t pay attention to their property’s landscaping and gardens, but these areas are equally vital. Harsh weather environments can significantly affect your landscape and garden - high winds and heavy rain can destroy and uproot trees. Ensure your trees are healthy and well rooted, prune any dead branches, and apparently replace any trees which may undermine safety and the environment.

A photo of a garden after a storm

Cleaning Your Gutters Regularly 🍁🌬️💦

Taking care of your gutters might not seem like a significant deal until something goes wrong. Neglecting gutters can lead to overflowing, which can cause water damage to the roof and damage to walls, windows, and other structural damage. Check your gutters frequently and after any severe weather event and remove any debris that could clog the gutters.

A photo of a clogged gutter that needs cleaning

Regularly Check for Leaks💧🚿🚰

Leaks occurrences can significantly affect both the structural and aesthetic of a building. It can lead to mold growth, deteriorating woodwork floors, staining walls, and ceilings. Water leakage can happen from anywhere, so pay attention to the plumbing, roof, walls, and windows for any signs of leaks, and act accordingly.

A photo of someone checking for leaks in the plumbing system

It’s essential to be as prepared as you can be, and these tips provide easy, practical ways to make sure you’re Storm Ready. Keep in mind that regular maintenance is critical, inspect the exterior, have an emergency plan, protecting the landscape, cleaning your gutters, and regularly check for leaks.

A photo of someone finishing preparation for a severe weather event

Stay safe! 🌪️⛈️💦