If you’re from KY (or honestly any other nearby state), then this probably hits way too close to home (and probably literally too). So, just picture this: the wind picks up, the rain starts pouring, and the news warns of an incoming storm. You think your house is fine until, bam, a branch flies through the window, the power goes out, and suddenly your fridge is a crime scene for spoiled food.
Oh, and to top it off, your pipes start acting up because the cold snap hit harder than expected. Now, all of this sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, thankfully, it doesn’t necessarily need to be the case either. The thing is, bad weather isn’t going anywhere, but being unprepared can cost you big time.
Sure, you’ll still need to spend money now, but at the end of the day, it’s so much less stressful. So, with all of that said, here’s exactly what you need to know.
Storm Shutters
Sure, windows are beautiful, they let in the light, and during a storm, they’re basically begging to be broken. Just think about it for a moment; flying debris doesn’t mess around, and you’re stuck with a giant mess and an even bigger repair bill. And guess what? Most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover broken windows from storms.
Now, it’s a scenario literally no one wants to deal with, but yeah, it can happen. So, that’s where storm shutters come in. They’re basically protecting them from whatever the weather throws at them. Sure, they cost money upfront, but when you compare it to the cost of fixing shattered glass or replacing a whole window, well, it’s a lot less stressful, right? Plus, they’ll save you from last-minute panic when a storm’s rolling in.
Keep The Power On
Do you know what’s worse than a power outage? Well, it’s a power outage that leaves you with a fridge full of spoiled food. Groceries are not cheap, and yeah, they’re going up in price what feels like every month (and it’s just going to stay like that from the looks of it). So, throwing away all those groceries hurts your wallet, and on many levels.
But a generator just might be the answer. Just installing one means your fridge stays cold, your lights stay on, and you don’t have to eat chips by candlelight while questioning your life choices. While sure, investing in generator installation might feel like a splurge, the first time your power cuts out and your house keeps running, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Show Some Love To Your Roof
Your roof takes all the hits so you don’t have to. But if it’s not in good shape, things can go south fast. Just think about it; there are leaks, water damage, and structural issues that can turn a little storm into a very big problem.
Ideally, regular roof inspections and maintenance are your best bet for avoiding disaster. And while you’re at it, clean out those gutters. Did you know that clogged gutters during a storm are just asking for trouble? It means that water is pooling on your roof.
Don’t Forget Your Pipes
Extreme weather doesn’t just mess with the outside of your house, it can wreak havoc inside, too. Actually, freezing temperatures are a pipe’s worst enemy, and a burst pipe isn’t just messy; it’s expensive. If you live in a modular home, then you’ll definitely notice this, so you need to make sure there’s enough insulation.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
