Protecting Your Property from Storm Damage in Gwinnett County

Living in Georgia you get great weather most of the time, but it also means occasional storms, and often times they turn pretty severe. It's always important to be prepared for heavy rain, high winds, hail and even flooding. Storms can cause complete disaster to your home if you’re not ready. At First In Restoration, we understand how stressful storm damage can be, and we’re here to help you get your home storm-ready. Here are some essential steps you can take to prep your home for a storm and minimize the risk of damage.

1. Inspect and Secure Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home’s defense during a storm. It's important to keep it regularly maintained and inspected. Even if you walk outside and look up towards your roof you can tell if a shingle has slipped. If you notice that your roof has missing shingles this can welcome heavy rain into your home during a storm, and cause leaks as well as a ton of damage. Before the storm hits, inspect your roof for any visible damage or areas of concern. If you spot any issues with your naked eye, we recommend hiring a professional roofing company (we have several we trust and can recommend) to repair or replace your roof. Roof tarping is another option to prevent water from leaking into your home if your roof gets damaged. At First In Restoration, we provide emergency roof tarping services to protect your home until permanent repairs can be made.

2. Trim Tree Limbs

Did you know that fallen trees and branches are one of the most common causes of storm damage? During storm season Georgia can experience 40-60mph winds which will easily bring down large tree limbs that will crush roofs, break windows and definitely cause structural damage to your home. If you can trim back any overhanging limbs prior to a storm, this can help reduce the risk of this type of damage to your home. If a tree does fall during a storm, First In Restoration offers 24/7 tree limb removal services to quickly and safely clear debris from your property.

3. Seal Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are the most vulnerable to water damage during a storm. Check your window and door's seals as well as the weather stripping make sure they’re in good condition. If you find any gaps, replace the stripping or or new caulk to prevent water from entering your home. For extra protection, you may consider installing storm shutters over windows that can shield the glass from flying debris and intense wind. This will not only help prevent water leaks but also protect your windows from breaking during high winds from a storm.

4. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

I don't think we can say this enough. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS. Clogged gutters and downspouts will lead to water backup. This can cause water damage ranging in issues with your foundation or leaks in your roof. It's serious and not something to ignore! Before the storm hits make sure you clean out your gutters so water can flow freely through the downspouts. Also consider installing gutter guards to keep leaves and debris from building up in your gutters throughout the season. Regularly maintaining your gutters will help direct water away from your home and prevent water damage.

5. Check Your Sump Pump and Drainage System

A properly functioning sump pump in your basement is essential during a storm. Heavy Georgia rain can cause pooling water in your basement. It gets bad real fast -- water damage from flooding happens fast and is super destructive. Regularly test your sump pump to make sure it’s working. Pro tip: Install a battery backup in case of a power outage which is common during Georgia storms. Also, make sure your yard has proper drainage to direct water away from your home. This will help prevent water damage to your foundation as well as prevent water from entering your basement or crawl space during a heavy rain.

6. Protect Your Belongings and Valuable Items

When the local weather guys are freaking out, we think that it's better to follow their lead than ignore them and then experience an emergency. Georgia storms are strong and the high winds and rain can cause water damage to everything from furniture, electronics, photos and more. If you know a big storm is headed this way, we recommend taking the time to move important belongings to a safe and dry area. Even packing them in a waterproof safe or plastic container will keep things dry. What items should you protect? Consider storing valuables such as important documents (house or car deed), marriage license, birth certificates, jewelry, photo albums and electronics should go in waterproof containers to prevent water damage. You can never be too careful!

7. Create an Emergency Kit and Plan

No matter how well you prepare, it’s important to have a thought out plan in place, just in case the storm takes a dangerous turn. Ahead of time create a family emergency kit that includes a variety of items like non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit and any medications you may need. Keep it in the area that your family seeks shelter in during a storm (in the center of the house, under your stairs, in a closet, etc.). Additionally, have an emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts and a designated meeting spot in case you need to leave your home.

8. Make Sure Your Insurance Is Up to Date

Before a storm hits it is important to review your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure it covers storm-related damage. If you live in one of Georgia's flood-prone areas, you need to check to see if you have flood insurance. Flood insurance is typically not included in standard homeowner policies. If your insurance coverage isn’t sufficient, now's the time to talk to your local insurance agent about additional coverage to protect your home from storm damage.

9. Secure Outdoor Items

Don't leave your patio umbrellas out! Take down those hummingbird feeders! High winds can flip outdoor furniture, blow away tools as well as lawn decorations. Take a few minutes to prep your home's exterior before the storm arrives. Secure or bring inside any items that could blown away. Tie down any larger items you may have like trampolines or lawn equipment to prevent them from causing damage to your home or even your neighbor's home.

Be Prepared - After Storm Damage In Gwinnett County

After the storm passes, you’ll want to inspect your house for any signs of damage. Check your roof, windows, doors and foundation. "What am I looking for?" Check for leaks, cracks and other issues. If you notice damages inside or out call First In Restoration immediately for professional water damage restoration and repair. We offer water extraction, mold remediation and storm damage restoration services to help you recover quickly and safely.

First In Restoration is here to help you protect your home from storm damage in Gwinnett County and all of Georgia. Call us at 470-748-0225 or visit www.firstinrestoration.com. We are committed to helping you restore your home after a storm.