Storm safety preparation tips

You can't stop severe weather, but you can prepare for it. Here are some valuable storm safety preparation tips for preventing damage to your home caused by high winds:

• Appliances

  Purchase sturdy “L-brackets” from your local hardware store. Use them to anchor your major appliances to the walls or counter-tops of your home. Watch out for electrical hazards and always hire a professional if necessary.

• Cupboards

  Put child safety locks on your upper and lower cupboards to prevent spillage.

• Pictures and Wall Decorations

  Use “V-hooks” to mount artwork instead of nails. These hooks enable pictures to shift without falling from the wall.

• Roof

  Now's the time to prevent water leakage caused by high winds. If you have a metal roof, recoat it if needed. Metal roof coating is available at lumber yards and hardware stores. If you have a shingle roof, make sure the shingles are not loose or flapping in the wind. Special coatings and roofing cements should be available at your local home improvement store.

• Debris and leaves

  Keep your roof completely free from debris that can cause rot and deteriorate both metal and shingled roofs.

• Exterior repairs

  Make sure your manufactured home skirting is properly vented to allow water vapor to escape. If needed, repair your exterior siding, awnings, gutters, downspouts and brackets – especially if they're loose, damaged or dangling.

• Water heater

  Securely attach your water heater and furnace to your home. Call a professional if necessary and always watch out for energy hazards.

• Utilities

  Learn how to shut off the electricity in your home, as well as water and gas. If there's time, turn off these utilities before you leave your manufactured home to seek shelter.

• Hazardous objects

  Keep your yard free of poles, shovels, bikes and other lose articles. These can quickly become hazardous flying objects during a severe storm.

• Beneath your home

  Don't store flammable, caustic or hazardous material beneath your manufactured home – not even newspapers or grass clippings.

• Tie-downs

  Have a trained professional install proper tie-downs on your home and sheds.

• Windbreak

  Establish a windbreak around your property if possible. Tall trees provide a natural windbreak, but remember to trim healthy trees and remove dead limbs.

• Windows

  Consider replacing older windows with modern impact-resistant glass.