When a storm threatens you on the horizon, your heart will jump a little. Thunderstorms bring more than exciting lightning and thunder. They bring a deluge of rain and the potential for serious water damage.

Before a storm hits, you can take precautionary measures that will protect your home from significant water damage. After the storm has passed, you can still take measures to deal with the water damage safely.

Here are a few things you can do to prevent bigger problems. 

1. Protect Your Power

When a big storm hits, you cannot prevent some water damage restoration needs. You can, however, protect your appliances from the power surges that happen during a storm. 

Purchase and install low-cost surge protectors. These will keep your appliances running even after your electricity has gone haywire during storm season. 

If the power does go out, use a generator to keep your sump pump and other water pumps going. This will prevent water damage. 

2. Take Pictures

You should take time before a storm hits to take pictures of all the parts of your home. You will need this in the future when you make a claim for insurance, to prove that you did not have any pre-existing conditions. You need photographic evidence of the condition of your home before water damages it. 

3. Clear Your Gutters

Clogged gutters prevent water from flowing freely down your roofline, into the gutter, and away from your home. Take time to clean the gutters and downspouts annually. Doing so will allow water to run away from your home and prevent water damage. 

4. Check Your Plumbing

Once the storm has passed, give your plumbing a once-over look. Inspect your pipes both inside and outside the home carefully, especially irrigation systems. Shut off your water until you are sure that the water is safe to drink and you know that you have no leaks as a result of the storm. 

5. Check Your Roof

Examine your roof carefully for missing shingles. If you're wary about going on the roof, call a roof inspector to take a look. Roof contractors and inspectors have the tools, equipment, and skills to examine your roof carefully and safely after a storm. 

Put up a temporary fix until your insurance adjuster can see the damage and the contractor can correct the problem. Failing to check your roof thoroughly will lead to significant water damage in the future. 

6. Dry Everything Thoroughly

If you have a flooded basement or other water damage, dry everything thoroughly as you wait for the water damage experts to arrive. Use a shop vac to suck up the water. Borrow or rent heavy-duty fans that will adequately dry your property. 

7. Beware of Scams

Tragedy can bring out the best and the worst in people. You'll have neighbors that you've never met offer to help you. On the other hand, you may have strangers who visit you, offering services that are really scams. 

To avoid scams, work only with local contractors if possible. Do not pay the contractor until they've finished the work and you're happy with their work. Then pay with a check or credit card but never with cash. 

Deal With Water Damage Wisely

Water damage can leave you with a severely compromised home. You can protect your home from storm and water damage by following these basic tips.

Meanwhile, are you dealing with water damage because of a storm or other reasons? If so, contact us. We can help you with our 24/7 service that specifically focuses on restoring water-damaged homes to their original state. 

Give us a call today.