Preparing Your Traverse City Home For Summer Storms

Trevor Citi Summers been beautiful weather, but also can bring sudden, very intense storms. Living on Lake Michigan or near Lake Michigan means that you’re dealing with high winds, heavy rains and even hail. Prepare for these unpredictable conditions is essential to the safety and minimizing damage. We have a guide to help you proof your home, from reinforcing your windows to securing your outdoor furniture. 

Reinforce windows with High winds and flying debris 

Windows are the most valuable part of your home during a storm. Strengthening them reduces the risk of breakage. 

• Install storm shutters or panels storm shutters provide excellent protection during Highwinds. Choose aluminum or steel models for durability and effectiveness.
• Apply window for strength safety film keeps shattered glass from flying into your home during impact. There a cost-effective alternative to shutters.
• Inspect your window frames for cracks and weaknesses. Cracked frames or Luces a lot of water and enter. Repair or replace damage frames before storm season.
• Consider upgrading to impact resistant glass impact resistant windows with stand flying debris and extreme pressure. Costly, they provide long-term protection for storm prone areas.

Secure outdoor furniture and items to prevent hazards

Strong winds turn outdoor furniture and decorations into dangerous projectiles properly securing these items, protect your home and neighbors.

• Anchor or store patio furniture use furniture anchors or move items like chairs and tables inside the garage or shed during storms.
• Bring loose decorations inside items like padded plants, windchimes, gardening tools should be stored safely to avoid being blown away.
• Tiedown your grill or heavy equipment use bungee cord or straps to secure your grill, fire pets, and any other heavy items that can’t be moved inside.
• Check your fences repair any loose panels or hinges, as strong wounds can easily rip apart damage, fencing, and cause further debris.

Maintain your roof by preventing leaks and damages

A well-maintained roof can withstand heavy rain and heavy wind better than a poor one can.

• Inspect for missing or loose shingles replaced any damaged shingles to prevent water from sleeping through and causing interior damage.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts blocked gutters can lead to water overflow, which can damage roof and foundation. Clean them regularly, especially before storms. If you need help with gutter cleaning there’s local professional available.
• Secure, flashing and vents loose flashing and vent covers allow water to intrude during storms. Seal or repair these areas as needed.
• Trim, overhang, tree branches, remove any tree branches that could fall on your roof during Highwinds. This prevent structural damages and reduces cleanup in your yard.

Inspect and protect your homes foundation

A strong storm can cause flooding, especially near lake Michigan. A strong foundation reduces the risk of water damage.

• Check for cracks or weaknesses in the foundation seal with the waterproof cock hydraulic cement to keep water from sleeping into your basement.
• Install sump pump in your basement sump pump keeps water out of your home during heavy rain. Test regularly to ensure proper functioning.
• Improve drainage around your home and sure that the ground slopes away from your foundation to prevent water pooling near your home.

Create a storm resilient landscape

Your yard is the first line of defense during a storm. A well planned out landscape produces the damage to your property.

• Plant when resistant trees and shrubs, choosing sturdy, deep rooted plants can withstand strong wings in common Traverse City storms
• Install gravel or mulch beds please absorb excess water better than the grass reduce the runoff and prevent erosion during heavy rain.
• Use flexible, landscaping materials avoid using hard materials like loose stone, which can become dangerous projectiles during High winds.

Prepare your home interior first storm safety

Inside the home, you also need to prepare to keep your family safe during sudden storms.

• Designate a safe room or shelter this can use a window interior room where the family can gather during severe weather. Stack it with emergency supplies.
• Install surge protectors for electronics power surges during storms can damage electronics. Use protectors for valuable devices like your computers and TVs.
• Keep all important documents in a waterproof container, store, illegal, and financial documents in a sealed, waterproof case to protect from water damage.

Know how to handle sudden storms

Understand what to do when a storm hits it’s this is important to preparing before hand.

• Monitor local weather alerts stay informed with weather updates from the national weather service or your local news station.
• Turn off electricity during severe flooding if a flood occurs, shut off the power to affected areas to avoid any electrocution risk. 
• Avoid windows during High-winds stay away from windows to reduce the risk of injury from shattered glass or flying debris. 
• Have a plan of evacuation the safety and shelters in Traverse City in case of an evacuation.

Review your homeowners insurance coverage 

Storms near the lake Michigan can cause costly damage, so it’s essential to have adequate insurance coverage.

• Ensure the policy coverage review the policy to confirm coverage for wind, hail, or water damage.
• Take photos of your home before the summer season document your property so that when you’re putting claims in during storm season if you won’t have a problem.
• Consider additional standard policies often don’t cover flood damage. So explore your options for better protection.

Stock up on emergency supplies

Having the right supplies can ensure that your family is ready for storm related situations.

• Assemble a storm survival this includes flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable items for food.
• Back up power source and generator provides electricity during an outage, keeping essential appliances, like refrigerators and medical devices running.
• Have tools for quick repair stock up on items like traps, duct, tape, and hammers or screwdrivers for dressing, minor damages immediately.

Preparing your Traverse City home for summer storm doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By reinforcing your windows, securing your outdoor furniture and maintaining your roof and foundation, you can protect your property and your family. Start early to enjoy a safe stress-free summer by lake Michigan no matter what the weather brings.