10 Essential Storm Safety Tips for Door & Window Protection.

Spring and summer are here, and they bring with them severe weather. When severe weather strikes, the damage it can cause to your property can be overwhelming and devastating. As an expert in storm damage restoration, we understand these ill effects firsthand. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you prepare for potential damage before it even occurs with some storm safety tips for your home.

Prevention is critical to minimizing the impact of storms. You deserve to avoid the stress, inconvenience, and costly repairs that come with storm damage. Following these ten proactive tips for home, door, and window protection, you can safeguard your home and gain the confidence to face any storm head-on.

And if you’d like additional information to help prepare for storms, we also have a stormy weather checklist. Now, before we get on to the tips, let’s debunk some common myths first.

Storm Preparedness Myths

When it comes to storm preparedness, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. Plenty of myths and misconceptions floating around can lead to confusion and even put you and your loved ones at risk.

Let’s debunk some prevalent storm preparedness myths and give you the correct information to stay safe during storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes.

Windows Open or Closed During High Winds

In the past, people believed it was a good idea to open windows and doors during high winds caused by storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes. They thought it would help balance the pressure inside and outside the house, preventing damage. Sounds strange, right?

That’s because this belief isn’t true – doing so can be very dangerous.

So, should you open windows during a tornado?

Absolutely not. Opening windows and doors during high winds can worsen things – strong winds can enter the house and cause more damage, and debris from broken branches or glass can get in and wreak havoc. 

Thus, it’s vital to close doors and windows and keep them sealed during high winds. Ignore this myth, and listen to the advice given by meteorologists to stay safe. 

Taping Windows During Hurricane

Are you wondering how to protect windows from strong winds? Well, the answer isn’t tape. For years people have believed taping windows will keep their glass from shattering. In reality, it’ll just cause the glass to break into large chunks.

Taping windows during storms or hurricanes can cause more damage because tape holds the shards of glass together – they get bigger and deadlier. Instead of turning to tape, spend time reinforcing windows with durable materials (we’ll look at that more in a moment). 

Wind Speed and Storm Danger

When evaluating the danger of a storm, many look to wind speed as the biggest factor for how much damage they can expect. In fact, wind isn’t the most dangerous aspect of storms. 

Water plays a much more damaging and deadly role. According to the National Hurricane Center, 88% of all deaths in major storms are caused by water. So, protecting your home from water is one of the most important things you can do when preparing for a storm. 

How to Protect Your House From Strong Winds

1. Reinforce Windows 

If you’re wondering how to protect windows from hurricanes – just think about how vulnerable the glass is. Protection of glass windows is crucial in preparing for a storm. 

Enhance your window protection by installing impact-resistant windows, putting up plywood, or install storm shutters for windows if you live somewhere major storms are a big concern. These specialized windows and shutters provide extra protection for glass windows, safeguarding them against high winds and flying debris.

2. Clean up the Yard

Before a storm arrives, take time to clean up your yard. Remove loose branches, debris, or objects that might become projectiles in strong winds. 

Keeping your yard clear reduces the risk of damage to your windows and property.

3. Secure Loose Objects

Like the last tip, take a walk around your property and secure any loose objects that powerful winds could pick up and hurl up. 

Outdoor furniture, garden tools, and other would-be projectiles must be stored or properly secured to prevent them from causing damage to your home.

4. Reinforce Garage Doors

Don’t forget to protect your garage! Reinforce your garage doors to protect them from strong winds during storms, hurricanes, or tornadoes. This extra hurricane door protection ensures the stability and integrity of your garage.

You can strengthen it by installing a bracing system designed explicitly for storm protection or an impact-resistant garage door. If you’re looking for a more straightforward option, regularly maintain the garage’s structural integrity by ensuring the roof, walls, and foundation are in good condition.

Learn about other home maintenance tips.

5. Install Storm Doors

Consider installing storm doors to protect your home further. These specialized doors provide an extra barrier against the elements, offering enhanced window protection from storms and reinforcing your home’s defenses.

6. Clear Gutters and Downspouts

Remember our myth from earlier? Water causes more damage than wind, and you don’t want it pooling around your home’s foundation. 

Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts for proper drainage. Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging your windows, walls, and foundation. Keeping them clear helps redirect water away from your home during heavy rain.

If you need more help keeping water away from your home and out of your yard, check out this blog on water storm drains.

7. Sandbag Your Doors

Here’s another tip to guard against water damage – sandbag your doors to effectively prevent your home from water damage and prevent potential damage to the doors themselves. 

Sandbagging is most effective when done before a storm or when you expect heavy rain. It’s not a foolproof solution, but it can reduce the risk of water entering your home and causing damage. 

8. Reinforce Sliding Glass Doors

Just like glass windows, your glass doors are at risk during storms. Reinforce them to provide additional protection. Strong locks, impact-resistant film, or putting up plywood can help safeguard them against the strong winds brought on by storms. 

9. Stay Informed and Follow Official Guidelines

In addition to taking physical measures to protect your home, staying informed and following official guidelines during storms is vital. Keep an eye on weather updates, listen to local authorities, and follow evacuation plans if needed. 

10. Create an Emergency Plan

While protecting your windows and doors is important, protecting your loved ones is even more vital. Identify safe areas in your home, such as basements or interior rooms without windows, and make them your shelter points during storms.

Keep flashlights, canned goods, or any necessary medication in or nearby your chosen rooms. Discuss the plan with your loved ones and ensure everyone understands what to do and where to go during an emergency. 

By following these tips, you’ll be taking essential precautions to safeguard your home, windows, and doors during storms. Remember, storm safety tips and windstorm damage prevention are essential for protecting your loved ones and minimizing damage.

Storm Restoration with High Mark Construction

At High Mark Construction, we understand the devastating effects of storms on homes and the stress it brings to homeowners. Even the most prepared can suffer extensive damage, but we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Our comprehensive storm damage restoration services address roofs, siding, gutters, and window damage. We provide thorough storm inspections, document the damage with detailed photos, and assist you with the insurance process. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the full scope of coverage for your storm-related damages and have a seamless experience throughout the restoration process.

We want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your home. Schedule a free inspection with us today and discover the High Mark difference. With us by your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that a trusted team is handling your storm restoration needs.