Preparing for Powerful Storms – Before the Storm

Summer is prime storm season for the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Heavy rains, high winds, lightning and hail associated with severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes and derechos can disrupt outdoor plans, wreak havoc on your home and yard – and put you in danger.

This is the first of three blog posts on preparing for powerful storms. Here's what you need to know to protect your family and keep your home safe and dry before the next big summer storm.

Roof, gutters and downspouts. Check your roof, gutters and downspouts for leaks and make sure they are directing water away from your home's foundation. Clear your gutters, downspouts and drains of all leaves and debris so water can drain properly to prevent flooding.

Yard. Walk around your property to see if your yard slopes away from your home. If it doesn't, consider hiring a waterproofing professional who can regrade your yard to prevent basement flooding. Clear your yard of debris that could be blown around by strong winds.

Trees and shrubs. Take a good look at the trees and bushes surrounding your home. Trim and prune healthy trees and shrubs and remove any diseased or damaged limbs. Hire a professional to remove weak branches and dead trees that could fall on your home, yard or vehicle – or even on nearby power lines.

Outdoor furniture and accessories. Make sure all your outdoor furniture and accessories – including patio umbrellas, tables, chairs, trashcans, birdfeeders, hanging plants and propane tanks – are put away or secured to the ground. Unplug all outdoor electrical items. If there's space in your garage or carport, park your car inside.

Basement. Be sure your sump pump is working. If it isn't, contact a waterproofer to repair or replace it. Unplug all electrical items, like washing machines, dryers, space heaters, fans, lamps and fitness equipment, to avoid electrical hazards if the basement floods.

Emergency supply kit. Create an emergency supply kit in case of power outages, which could last anywhere from hours to days. Store your kit in a safe, dry and easily accessible place. Include the following:

● A three-day supply of water (one gallon a day per family member).
● Nonperishable food items and manual can opener.
● Flashlight, portable lanterns, batteries, solar powered USB charger and charged battery backups for mobile devices.
● Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.
● Fire extinguisher.
● First aid supplies.
● Personal hygiene items.
● Prescription medications and any necessary medical supplies, including eyeglasses, contact lenses, walkers and canes and oxygen.
● Extra house and car keys.
● Cash and credit cards.
● Basic tools and work gloves.
● Extra clothes, blankets and bedding.
● Emergency contact phone numbers, including numbers for power, water and gas companies.
● Food, diapers, books and toys for babies and children.
● Food, toys and bedding for pets.

Evacuation. In case of evacuation, collect important documents, including your driver's license, passport, proof of residence, insurance coverage information, social security card, personal financial paperwork and birth and marriage certificate. Make sure you have an evacuation plan that maps out where to go, where to meet and what to bring.

Summer storms are inevitable. The best plan for homeowners is to be prepared. Contact a waterproofer to help prepare your home and yard. By taking the proper safety precautions, you can protect your family, home and yard before storms strike.

To find out how NV Waterproofing can help you prepare your home and yard for powerful summer storms – and help prevent wet basements and other water damage – visit nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-703-690-3889.

Disclaimer of Liability
The information in this blog is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute the provision of legal, engineering, architectural, professional or healthcare advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. The information is provided “as is,” with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.