A Guide to Preparing for Home Disasters This Winter
Although you might believe that having a stylish home is of the utmost importance, it is even more paramount that you can combine this with practicality. During the winter months, your home is even more at risk of damage from emergencies such as storm damage and burst pipes, as well as all-year-round disasters, such as a fire. To make sure that you are prepared for emergencies within your property, follow this guide.
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Waterproof Your Basement
The first step that you need to take is finding out what you need to do in an emergency, especially for disasters in which time is of the essence to save your home. Flooding is one of the most threatening disasters that can happen to your home this season, as this can destroy your basement and ruin your flooring. If you are concerned about what to do if you have a flooded or wet basement, Helitech has produced a guide that can take you through the steps that you can make to prevent damage.
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Research Contractors
Before we make the transition into the winter season, it is important to research contractors who may be able to fix your home or make improvements if a disaster does occur. This will allow you to get some idea of quotes and the type of solutions that may be available, ensuring that you can get problems fixed as quickly as possible if they occur.
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Invest in Storm Shutters
Windows are particularly susceptible to storm damage because they are made out of glass. To prevent damage from occurring to your windows this winter, you should invest in storm shutters that can protect your glass from high winds and can stop them from shattering amid a storm. Although you might believe that these are not aesthetically pleasing, there are many wooden and PVC options that come in a variety of colors to help them to blend in with the style of your house.
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Lock Down Your Garden
Although you might be focused on your home’s interior in the middle of an emergency, your garden is just as important. To prevent it from becoming damaged in a storm or another disaster, you should nail down any loose items or shut them away for the winter season. You might also want to invest in fixed décor which can make your garden look bright and attractive throughout the winter months.
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Look After Your Pipes and Gutters
You should also replace any loose or broken guttering or tiles, which could cause damage or lead to leakages during adverse weather conditions. It is also important to drain your pipes and to install a shut-off valve that can allow you to prevent surges and other issues, which could lead to long-term problems for your property.
Whether you install alarms or create an emergency plan for your home, taking steps to prevent winter emergencies from hitting you and your property hard is important. From repairing and installing new pipes to waterproofing your basement, there are many steps that you can take to ensure that your winter at home runs smoothly.