Adverse weather phenomena are one of the main causes of damage to homes, especially in the winter. A case study shows that the latest cyclogenesis has brought rains and gusting winds that have caused a 75% increase in damage to homes. The main damage is caused by rains and floods, while 25% is due to strong winds, lightning strikes, and frost.
Cyclogenesis primarily causes electrical damage and glass breakage, which are also the most reported incidents to water damage restoration companies. However, the most worrying thing is that as a result of climate changes, it is expected that the frequency and intensity of these phenomena will increase in the coming years.
Tips to help you prevent damage at home
The best weapon at our disposal is prevention. Although it is not possible to avoid damage completely, we can at least minimize its impact by taking the appropriate security measures.
- Insulate doors and windows to prevent water seepage. When you know that bad weather is approaching, protect doors and windows by putting rubber or foam strips to prevent water from seeping into the house.
- Clean gutters and downspouts. It is essential to keep all the channels through which the water can flow clean since, in heavy rain, it will be necessary to evacuate a lot of water quickly. If the drains and downspouts are blocked, there is a greater probability of a flood.
- Protect the windows by lowering the blinds or, failing that, apply adhesive tape. In this way, if the glass is broken, you will at least avoid shattering it and damage people or objects in the room.
- Keep furniture and valuables safe, especially if there is a flood hazard in the area you live in. If you have a duplex, the ideal would be for you to move the furniture upstairs.
- Verify the extent of the damage once the storm has passed. Remember that all home insurances have a clause that requires the owner to put safe assets that have not been damaged. It is important that you check the condition of the electrical installations and when in doubt, it is better that you do not connect any equipment.