Staten Islanders are no strangers to hurricane season. When a tropical storm is coming up from the south, it is important to make sure your home is ready. After a storm passes, assessing damage and shoring up weak points will help prevent worse situations in the future. Below, we will discuss hurricane home care for before, during, and after a storm.

Stockpiling Before a Major Storm

Even before a storm is approaching, it is always good to be vigilant. Each summer, you should make sure you and your family have supplies to wait out a major weather event. This will include having a stockpile of fresh water, food, fuel, batteries, and more. Don’t wait for the storm to approach to gather supplies. Stores tend to hike up prices during the mad dash.

Drains and Pumps for Your Basement

If your basement is prone to flooding, installing drain and pumps to help expel the water quickly and efficiently is essential. A professionally built french drain can reduce the overall flooding your basement experiences. Additionally, drainage channels around your home’s exterior can help reduce pooling water, which tends to seep inward. These types of installations can take time, so it is important to get these done before a storm is on its way.

Install a Generator

Generators can cover your electrical needs in the event that your power goes out. These can be especially important if your block has above-ground power lines. For homes that experience major flooding, generators can help ensure that your pumps keep working through the storm. Hire a professional generator service provider to properly install your equipment.

Readying Your Home For A Hurricane

Before a hurricane, it is important to make sure your home is ready. In Staten Island, many homeowners experience floods, power outages, and more during tropical storms. Heavy wind and rain can also damage roofs and siding. Nearby trees can also be prone to falling or losing branches. Water coming into the basement can occur because of clogged drainage systems, cracks in the foundation, and more. Consider hiring contractors to repair any damage to the roof, siding, or basement well before a storm.

During a Hurricane

While a storm is battering your home, be sure to hunker down and stay safe. Make sure your pumps are working, and that your generator is ready in case you lose power. If needed, shore up your defenses with sandbags near potential leak points such as garage doors or basement windows.

After The Hurricane Passes

Once a hurricane is over, it is important to begin repairs if needed. Roof damage, lost siding, and flood damage can get worse over time if left unattended. Draining out floodwater and sealing off leaks can prevent future incidents. If your house was significantly flooded, more extreme repairs may be in order.

Lifting Your House

In extreme cases, house lifting can be an important step to prevent major floods and circumvent future flood damage. This is popular for homes in major flood areas in New Jersey, and is sometimes done in areas of Staten Island. After Hurricane Sandy, many homeowners along the shores here decided to lift their houses. While not needed for every home, this process can be a good way to limit major flood damages in the future while treating existing damage.

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