6 steps to protect your home from high winds

6 steps to help prevent wind damage

Step 1: Fix what’s broken

Maintain your home and fix things like loose fence boards or peeling roof shingles, to prevent even further, more costly damage in the event of a windstorm. The cost of repairs is sure to be less expensive than fixing damage after the storm.

If you have too little time before a storm, check if anything needs repairing and try to do a few temporary fixes to prevent damaged parts breaking off and flying around.

Step 2: Secure outdoor items

Loose items like patio furniture, BBQs, garbage/recycling/compost bins and sports equipment can become dangerous missiles in a wind gust.

Before a storm, walk around your property—bring items inside or tie them down so they won’t blow around. Park your car away from trees, streetlamps and power lines. If possible, park in a garage. And don’t forget to bring your pets indoors.

Step 3: Examine trees and shrubs

High winds and loose branches are a bad combination. Keep trees and shrubs in good condition and cut down dead trees before they do any damage (check your municipal bylaws before you do this). If you are not comfortable cutting branches yourself, hire a professional.

Before a storm, trim any damaged branches. But be careful—if the branches are touching any hydro cables, you could get an electric shock.

Step 4: Identify vulnerable entry points

Homes have 4 weak spots: the roof, windows, doors, and garage. If they’re in poor condition, they can get seriously damaged in a windstorm. Roofs are particularly vulnerable in high winds. If your roof needs to be replaced, there are some shingle options that are more resistant to harsh weather changes – some high-performance shingles are resistant to winds of up to 220 km/h, others such as Class 4 shingles that can withstand hailstones of up to 2 inches in diameter. Check your home’s weak spots regularly and get any repairs done promptly. Roof maintenance can be dangerous. If necessary, seek the help of a professional.

Before a storm, make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked securely.

Step 5: Prepare an emergency plan

Choose a safe place in your home or office. Make sure there’s an emergency kit with a flashlight (and extra batteries!), a first aid kit, blankets, food supplies and water.

Step 6: Take shelter!

• If you’re at home, take refuge in the basement or go to a small interior room in the centre of the house. Don’t stand near doors or windows.
• If you’re outside in an open area with no shelter nearby, take cover in a ditch or hollow. Lay face down on the ground and protect your head with your hands.
• If you’re in your car, open the windows slightly and park off the road away from tall objects and power lines with your parking break set.

After a windstorm

Take some time to inspect your house and property for debris and damage. If your building smells of gas, stay outside. You should also keep away from downed power lines and contact your local power company to come and have a look.

Let your insurance provider know if wind has damaged your home so they can walk you through the claims process, and don’t forget to make an inventory of your damaged property.

By following these simple steps, you can help reduce or avoid high winds damages to your house.

Be ready next time

There are some great tools on the market that can warn you of severe weather. Check out Radar^TM. It’s an alert service that notifies you if a storm is headed your way—and it’s available free on The Personal mobile app.

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