From wildfires to massive snowfalls, to weeks of extreme heat and cold, last year was full of unpredictable weather. You, your neighbours, or someone you know has probably been affected by one of the major storms in the last year, but did you know that even small storms can have damaging effects? When it comes to protecting your property, here are some ways to make sure the elements don’t get the best of you.
Fire Damage
Perhaps the most preventable type of disaster, fire can also be one of the most destructive. While common precautions, like having your home equipped with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and keeping fire extinguishers in easy to access places, will help stop a fire from spreading, you can avoid one altogether with regular maintenance and awareness.
In the winter, when using furnaces, space heaters and fireplaces, make sure to always keep flammable objects a safe distance away, and conduct regular maintenance checks. Both practises will go a long way towards keeping you safe. In the summer, during BBQ season, regular cleaning of your grill, as well as keeping it in an open area, will also help prevent a fire. Of course, all year around it’s important to be mindful of open flames and do your best never to leave cooking unattended.
However, when it comes to a wildfire, the best thing you can do is to have an emergency plan, and a grab-and-go kit ready. Once a wildfire has started, it moves quickly and can be difficult to put out so getting out in a timely fashion can be the best way to keep you safe.
If the worst happens and your home is damaged by fire, RCC DKI in Lethbridge, Brooks and Medicine Hat will help you begin the restoration process.
Water Damage
Whether it’s from a sudden and severe storm, or from a leaking pipe, water damage can happen both quickly and slowly. While it’s easy to know when water has invaded your home during a flood or heavy rainstorm, small leaks can do just as much damage before you notice them. Water can find it’s way in through even the tiniest of cracks, so protecting your home means constant vigilance.
Regular inspections of your home, especially your pipes, roof and around your doors and windows, will help you to keep an eye on areas of potential water damage. If you spot water seeping in, or anything abnormal, dealing with it quickly will save you a lot of money in repairs.
Keep in mind that choices you make outside of your home can also protect it from water damage. Make sure your downspouts are point away from your house, and downhill, and avoid any landscaping that directs the flow of water back towards your home. In the winter, remember to remove the snow that is piling up on your roof, and around your foundation.
Regardless of how water damage occurs, once you spot it it’s time to call in the professionals. The experienced water damage restoration experts at RCC DKI will walk you through the restoration process from start to finish.
Wind Damage
When it comes to wind, protecting your home from damage often comes down to landscaping choices. Though a pebble walkway and carefully placed garden stones may look beautiful, during heavy winds they can be tossed into the air and land on your home causing damage to your roof, windows and siding. Trees can also pose a hazard, so regular trimming and maintenance is a must to keep dead branches from coming down on your home during a storm.
If you have patio furniture, or other outside equipment, making sure it is securely tied down, or put away, before a major storm. To protect your windows, consider storm shutters if you feel high winds are an issue, or a specialized film that prevents a window form shattering after an impact. Keep your roof in good shape with regular maintenance and watch out for loose shingles, or eavestroughs, that could be easily ripped off during high winds.
If you see loose shingles, broken windows, or other impact damage to your home, our storm damage restoration services are available in Brooks, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.
Insurance Coverage
Of course, even being prepared cannot prevent all damage to your property, so it’s important to understand what your insurance policy will cover, and what it won’t. Knowing who to call in the event of a disaster, as well as what information you need to give to begin the claims process is also important. Regularly documenting things in your home with lists and photographs will help make the claims process easier, as well as storing all important documents both digitally, and in a water-safe container.
If the worst happens, and your home is damaged by a disaster, no matter what element is to blame, call us. We are available 24/7 for all your disaster restoration needs, serving Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Brooks, and surrounding areas.