Build a storm proof house to protect from severe weather with these ways to prepare and weatherproof your property, including advice on a hurricane-proof home.
Extreme weather events can pose a threat to you and your home. To keep your property and loved ones safe, begin by investigating your risk in various weather situations. Risk mainly depends on where you live and the types of severe weather that can occur there. To help you, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains a National Risk Index map for the U.S. (check out the risks for your region the FEMA map). Second, consider the economics. The higher your level of protection, the higher the cost.
Spring brings thunderstorm season. Thunderstorms occur in every state and throughout much of Canada, although they’re rarer in some regions. By definition, thunderstorms produce lightning, and severe thunderstorms can produce strong winds, large hail, and even tornados.
Lightning strikes cause tens of thousands of house fires a year, and some of these fires result in fatalities. If the risk of thunderstorms in your area is high, consider a lightning-protection system. “Air terminals” (aka “lightning rods”), placed strategically across a roof and connected by a wire to the ground, will intercept a strike and dissipate the current into the soil. You can install these systems yourself if you follow the proper procedures, or contract with a company specializing in lightning-protection systems.
Think about adding a few more storm-defensive measures to your home. Surge protectors can protect any electrical item that’s plugged into a wall from induced voltages due to nearby lightning strikes. They can also help prevent damage caused by wind-induced power fluctuations. Storm shutters are a quick and effective way of protecting windows. Secure anything outside on your property that can be blown around. People have been killed by trees falling on their homes, so take out any large trees near your buildings, or remove dead branches at minimum.
Hail damages millions of homes each year, with total payouts in the billions of dollars. Although homeowners insurance will usually cover repair costs, homeowners can minimize hail damage by installing resistant building materials. An extended-life, pliable roof system made of impact-resistant shingles is offered in risky locations. A Class 4 impact-resistant shingle roof can hold up to 3-inch hail. Hail-resistant siding and impact-resistant doors and windows (often sold for a “hurricane-proof home”) are also available.
Tornadic winds can exceed 200 mph within the strongest storms. Your home itself wouldn’t withstand this onslaught, regardless of what steps you take to protect it, so focus on protecting yourself and your loved ones. If the risk is significant in your area, consider a safe room or storm shelter. Although these two terms are often used interchangeably, colloquially, a safe room is within a structure, such as a house, while a storm shelter is a separate structure outside or even underground. FEMA refers to both as “safe rooms” and describes them as being “designed and constructed to provide near-absolute life-safety protection for its occupants from extreme-wind events, such as tornados.” FEMA offers specific guidelines on materials and construction details. A safe room is typically made of concrete, steel, and plywood or fiberglass. It should be anchored to the foundation to prevent movement in even the strongest winds. Safe rooms can be built on-site or prefabricated and installed later. Some companies specialize in safe-room construction and installation. FEMA adds, “There has not been a single reported failure of a safe room constructed to FEMA criteria.”
Residents near the coast who may be affected by strong hurricanes may also want to consider safe rooms, because hurricanes can produce tornados.
Spring also often brings flooding. According to FEMA, “Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States and can happen anywhere.”
In my article “Flash Flood Vs Flood and Precautions,” I discussed the two types of freshwater flooding. Flash flooding is typically caused by persistent heavy showers or thunderstorms and can affect relatively small areas anywhere. River flooding is due to widespread heavy rains or snowmelt and affects larger areas adjacent to a river. As a homeowner, you must first determine your flood threat. Your local government should have information on river flooding for your area. The higher your home is located and the farther from a river you live, the safer you are.
A basement is the first place flooding will occur. Try to seal around basement windows and doors, and seal walls with waterproofing compounds. A sump pump can help remove floodwater. A backwater valve in basement floor drains can prevent water and sewage from backing up into the basement. Use flood-resistant drywall and insulation, and tile your floors.
Aboveground, seal cracks around windows and doors, and fill in foundation gaps around pipes and wires. Make sure downspouts drain well away from your house, and keep your gutters clean. Anchor any fuel tanks you have, and secure yard items. Manufactured homes should be anchored to a permanent foundation. If flooding is predicted, move everything possible – especially valuables – to the highest level of the house.
If flooding is a definite threat in your area, consider getting flood insurance. Typical homeowners insurance won’t cover this. And be sure to catalog or take photos of your belongings for possible future insurance claims.
Ed Brotak has taught college students about weather for more than 30 years. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina, with his family, and he still goes outside when he hears thunder.
