How to stay safe and protect your property from high winds

Severe weather events can happen in any state. When storms blow in, powerful gusts can cause property damage, injuries and worse.  That’s why it’s important to always stay alert and be prepared for windy weather.

Here are some simple tips to follow so you can help keep yourself and your family protected.

Wind storm safety

Driving in high winds

• Monitor the weather and especially watch for high-wind watches, high-wind warnings or high-wind advisories. Expect winds to be worse in exposed places such as straight, open roads; bridges and overpasses; or between hills. 
• Keep your hands firmly on the wheel. Heavy winds can make it difficult to steer and handle a vehicle, so keep a firm grip on the wheel. If you don’t feel comfortable driving, find a safe place to get off the road and park until the wind dies down.
• Be mindful of high-profile vehicles. Large trucks, vans, buses and those towing cargo are vulnerable to losing control or tipping over in high winds. They can also create air turbulence for other vehicles. Always pay attention to the road and be ready for unexpected gusts in windy conditions.
• Keep your distance. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to give yourself and other motorists time and space to avoid any debris in the road. Turn on your headlights to see better through dust, dirt or snow that the wind kicks up.
• Slow down. Driving under the speed limit helps lessen the dangers of wind and helps you better control the vehicle.
• Cover your vehicles. When storms are approaching and you are safely parked, protect your cars by moving them into a garage or carport. If you don’t have a sheltered parking place, keep car covers handy and secure them around your vehicles with straps.

How to protect your house from strong winds

• First, take shelter in a safe space. High winds and hail can shatter glass, so stay away from windows, skylights and doors.
• Keep your family and pets inside to prevent being injured by flying debris.
• Keep drapes and blinds closed. High winds could cause shattered glass to blow in or fly around.
• Weatherproof your home. The same home tasks you do to prepare your home for winter can help make it safer during hailstorms and windstorms. Doors and windows are particularly vulnerable, so give them extra attention. Look for missing bolts, loose hinges or anything that might make the windows or doors vulnerable to shaking loose in high winds. Use weatherstripping on windows and doors that aren’t closing tightly. If you see any cracked or broken windows, replace them immediately.
• Consider installing permanent storm shutters or put up strong barriers to protect your windows.

Protect the outside of your home from wind damage

• Start with the roof. Roofs can incur extensive damage when hailstorms and high winds pass through. While a newer roof is may be able to handle severe weather, a roof that’s five or more years old needs to undergo an inspection to make sure it doesn’t have any weak areas.
  
  A professional from a trusted local roofing company can look for loose shingles and have them repaired or replaced. This contractor can also see if there are any loose nails that might create openings where water can enter your home. Ask your contractor to inspect the flashing around your roof to make sure it’s in watertight condition.
  
  If you live in an area that frequently gets hit with hail, consider investing in hail-resistant roofing made of metal instead of asphalt shingles. If your roof has skylights, you may want to install a shutter system you can activate before a storm hits.
• Anchor or move patio furniture into a safe storage area. Any piece of outdoor furniture on your deck or by your pool can become a dangerous projectile in high winds. When severe weather is on the way, secure outdoor furniture, flowerpots, and lawn decorations by storing them in an enclosed area like a pool house, shed, or garage. If you don’t have a place to store larger objects, anchor them with cables or chains.
• Use landscaping intentionally. When it comes to protection from the wind, the right landscaping can become a buffer against Mother Nature. Have a landscape designer create a natural windbreak in your yard by strategically planting trees or shrubs to shield your home. This natural barrier should have a mix of shorter and taller trees that slow winds down before they reach your home. This is a longer-term landscaping project because it does take some time for the trees to reach their full heights. However, it’s one that can pay off several years down the line. Be careful to not plant trees too close to your house, as winds could send them crashing into your living space, potentially causing damage and harming your family.
• Prune tree branches. This is essential for protection when high winds strike. Tree branches that are too close to a window or to your roof, or that are weak and hanging low to the ground, can damage your home during a storm. The trees themselves can incur “wounds” when long branches snap, creating permanently weakened spots. Keeping branches trimmed back not only makes your property safer but improves its appearance, too.
• Remove large trees that could topple into your home. Consider hiring a skilled professional to remove the trees safely.
• Reinforce your garage door. Keep in mind, if you’re not sure how to do this safely, you should consider seeking the help and advice of a professional.

Preparation is essential when you’re looking to prevent costly home damages from high wind, and protecting your home should be a priority.