SERVPRO of Wilson County : How to prepare my older home for a storm

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

No matter what region of the country you live in, natural disasters are virtually unavoidable. The question is not if a storm or natural disaster will occur but when. If you’re living in an older home in an area that is prone to severe storms and/or flooding, it’s best to plan accordingly to ensure that you’re protected before, during and after a storm.

Keep You and Your Family Safe

Before the storm hits, make sure to do the following to ensure you and your loved ones can ride out the storm safely in your old home:

• Have a family plan that covers what to do in case of a storm and how you would survive for a week or longer without electricity or aid.
• Have a plan for people with a disability or serious illness or those who need life-support equipment.

• Locate the shutoffs for electricity, water and gas.

If your home hasn’t been updated and is more than 70 years old, it most likely won’t have a modern electrical circuit breaker. If that is the case, you might have screw in 25-35 watt electrical bulbs that will be powering your two prong outlets. If this sounds like your electrical panel, it might be best to buy extra electrical outlet bulbs before the storm sets in.

Stay Safe During the Storm

While you’re in the middle of a storm, make sure your old home is able to withstand its energy by:

• Staying in your safe room, away from doors and windows.
• Turning off electricity if flooding begins.
• Using flashlights, not candles, for lighting.

If you have your windows boarded up before the storm hits, you should be in the clear from any damage that may occur if your window panes were to shatter.

Once the Storm Passes

Once the storm has passed and everyone has stopped acting crazy, start thinking long term about getting your old house ready for the next storm, because there will be a next storm. If your old home has incurred severe storm damage that requires a professional touch, make sure to call SERVPRO Wilson County at (615) 449-5000 for a consultation immediately.