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(08/29/24) BATON ROUGE, La. — September marks National Preparedness Month, serving as a reminder that natural disasters can strike at any moment. Homeowners can take many simple steps to ensure they are ready for potential emergencies and natural disasters.
“Since we are in the peak of hurricane season, getting your home prepared to face high-speed winds and heavy rain are good steps to take in time,” said Carol Friedland, director of the LaHouse Research and Education Center. “Hurricanes can be extremely stressful times for families, but preparing properly is a good way to stay safe during severe weather.”
To start preparing your home, you can do an audit of your home’s exterior.
First, your roof should not have any places with missing shingles or shingles that are curling around the edges. These weak points will lead to leaks and other moisture problems in the home.
While you’re checking your roof, you should make sure your gutters and the downspouts are clear of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters do not allow water to properly drain from your home, which can cause water to pool on your roof. Be sure that the downspouts are properly secured to the home’s exterior to prevent them from becoming debris.
Your landscaping also should receive special attention during this time. Remove any tree branches that look weak, especially if they are close to your home. If you aren’t comfortable using a chainsaw or if you need to remove large branches or entire trees, contact an arborist.
Before a storm, you should bring in patio furniture and children’s play equipment to prevent it from flying away and potentially damaging your home. Large items like trampolines and swing sets should be secured to prevent damage.
This also is a good time to make sure that your family’s emergency supplies are well stocked to last a few days without power. If you have canned goods in your emergency kit, check the expiration date and replace as needed. Make sure you have working flashlights and replacement batteries in case you lose power during a storm.
Finally, if a storm is approaching, remember to fully charge devices such as mobile phones and tablets. You may want to purchase battery packs ahead of time so you can charge devices if the power is out for an extended time.
LaHouse conducts research on strategies to reduce damage to the home from high-speed winds and floods. The facility allows visitors to explore exhibits that display resilient, sustainable and healthy housing techniques best suited for the Gulf of Mexico region.
