As storm season approaches, homeowners often wonder: Is my home truly ready?
Preparing before severe weather hits can prevent thousands in damage and give you peace of mind while protecting your biggest investment.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your home—inside and out—this storm season.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Gutters
Your roof and drainage systems are your home’s first defense against heavy rain and wind.
- Look for cracked tiles, and loose flashing.
- Clear out gutters and downpipes so water can flow freely.
- Add gutter guards or downpipes extensions if your property is prone to drainage issues.
2. Protect Windows and Doors
Strong winds can shatter unprotected openings, causing major interior damage.
- Check weatherstripping and seals around windows and doors.
- Install storm shutters or upgrade to impact-resistant windows and doors if you’re in a high-risk location.
- Make sure exterior doors have secure hinges, thresholds, and locks.
Reinforced windows and doors help with storm safety and can improve insulation year-round.
3. Secure the Outdoors
Loose outdoor items can turn into dangerous projectiles during high winds. Do a full sweep of your yard:
- Bring in or tie down patio furniture, umbrellas, grills, and décor.
- Store loose tools, toys, and garden items in a shed or garage.
- Secure fencing, pergolas, sheds, and play structures to ensure they’re firmly anchored.
Outdoor preparedness is one of the easiest ways to reduce storm damage.
4. Service Trees and Landscaping
Trees and landscaping pose a major risk during storms—but proper maintenance drastically reduces hazards.
- Have a professional service trees annually, especially older or overgrown ones.
- Trim branches hanging near your roof, windows, driveway, or power lines.
- Remove dead, weak, or broken branches that could snap and cause damage.
- Clear away debris, overgrowth, and any vegetation blocking drainage paths.
5. Check Your Drainage
Heavy rain can overwhelm your property if water isn’t directed away from your home.
- Ensure the ground slopes away from your foundation.
- Clear clogged storm drains, and ditches.
- Watch for areas where water pools after rain
Effective drainage protects both your home and its structural integrity.
6. Assemble an Emergency Kit
Every household should have essential supplies on hand in case of extended outages or sudden evacuation.
Include:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- Bottled water
- First-aid supplies
- Non-perishable food
- Portable chargers
- Blankets
- A waterproof container with important documents
- Radios (battery-powered or hand-crank)
7. Keep Important Contacts Handy
During an emergency, quick access to critical numbers matters. Keep a written list in your emergency kit and saved in your phone:
Emergency Contacts to Have Ready:
- Local Emergency Services (Police/Fire/EMS): 000
- State Emergency Services (SES): 132 500
- Ergon Energy: 13 16 70
Having these numbers available can save crucial time when you need help most.
8. Consider a Professional Pre-Storm Evaluation
Scheduling a home maintenance check before storm season can:
- Reveal vulnerabilities you might miss
- Provide repair recommendations
- Strengthen buyer confidence if you’re thinking of listing your home
Professionals can inspect roofs, foundations, electrical panels, tree health, and drainage systems to ensure your home is storm-ready.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for storm season doesn’t just protect your safety—it protects your investment. A well-maintained property weathers storms better, lasts longer, and appeals more to buyers.
Whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to secure your home for the months ahead, these steps provide a solid foundation for peace of mind. If you’d like help assessing your home’s storm readiness—or guidance on which improvements add the most value— We are here to help.
Contact us today on 07 4125 5399!
Your Local Award Winning Real Estate Agency
403 Esplanade, Torquay
