One of the most devastating natural disasters that can bring a lot of heavy winds, rain, sleet, snow, and thunderstorms is a hurricane. When this hits you, it’s going to get tremendous damage, and you need to make sure that you’re secure in your property when this happens.
When sleet is present, the icy conditions can become dangerous and slippery for the entire family. It’s a road hazard and can cause power outages in communities that can last for days. You must be prepared and learn how to protect yourself when these strikes occur. Some of the tips below can be helpful if you follow them.
How to Prepare Your Home Before the Storm?
The strong winds can break windows, and they will allow the sleet to come in. It’s going to further damage the exterior of the home, and it’s best to install hurricane-proof doors and windows that can withstand pressure.
Before the storm arrives, make sure that there are storm shutters and platinum doors. You can also customize your home and get hurricane-impact additions that don’t require teardown or setup. They can also lessen the amount of noise pollution for peaceful days.
Strong gusts of wind can uplift the shingles or cause them to dislodge so inspect the roof carefully. They can tear away the flashings that can result in the complete failure of the roof to protect the home. With the excessive wind pressure and debris impact, they can cause dents and punctures and there can be water infiltration.
This is where you can make sure that the roof is in excellent condition when the hurricane season arrives. Reinforce the more vulnerable areas and add straps to keep them intact. If you’re wondering where to go during a hurricane, the safest bet is in your home, especially if you have all the supplies that you need, like food and water that can last for several days. As long as your windows, doors, roofs, and walls are all working together to keep you safe, you can outlast the storm and wait for it to subside.
Also, a buildup of sleet and ice can cause gutters and drains to overflow, leading to water damage. Keep your gutters clear of debris to allow water to flow freely. This also helps prevent ice from forming blockages that could lead to leaks or structural issues.
High winds can turn loose branches and debris into dangerous projectiles so trim any trees near your home, especially those with dead or weak branches. Remove any items from your yard that could be thrown around during the storm, such as patio furniture or gardening tools.
Essential Supplies for Staying Safe Indoors
Stock up on non-perishable food items that can last for at least three days for each person in the home. Canned goods, granola bars, dried fruit, and nuts are all great options, and make sure that there’s a bottle of water.
Sleet can potentially snap the wires of the electric grid, so a generator is a must. Another backup power source can charge phones and computers that can help call 911. Invest in heaters and fridges that can run on low power and have fuel on hand to keep everything running. The generator should be kept in a well-ventilated area at all times to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Another is an emergency kit that includes medications and first aid supplies. When there’s a storm coming, make sure that all of the insurance policies and documents are put into waterproof containers and get alerts or emergency updates on your email or on a battery-powered radio.
Creating a Safe Space Inside Your Home
Even with your entire property being fortified, it’s important to know how to stay safe indoors during the height of the hurricane. Some of the steps that you should do can include identifying a room that’s on ground level without exterior walls. Bathrooms and basements can work well as they can offer protection from flying debris and wind. Ensure it has enough space for everyone in your household to stay comfortably.
With sleet in the mix, the risk of cold temperatures increases, and if the furnaces go out, layer clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to keep warm. If you have a fireplace, make sure you have a stockpile of firewood to use, but the chimney should be clear to prevent smoke from entering the home. Learn info about sleet when you go to this page.
Staying Safe During Cleanup Afterwards
Hurricanes with sleet can cause power lines to fall, creating a significant safety hazard. Do not approach or touch any downed lines and report them to your local utility company immediately.
Also, before returning to normal activities inside your home, carefully inspect the building for any signs of structural damage. Pay particular attention to your roofs and windows and if you notice any damage, contact a professional contractor to assess and repair the issue.
If it’s safe to go outside, begin cleaning up debris in your yard, and be mindful of sharp objects and fallen branches. Wear sturdy boots, heavy gloves, and protective clothing to avoid injury, get rid of any rubbish or broken glass debris, and call a garbage collection company to get them safely to the landfills.
Additional Safety Tips for Hurricanes with Sleet
Even if the storm seems to have passed, stay indoors until local authorities announce that it’s safe to go outside. Storms can often have lulls, giving the illusion that they’re over, only to pick up again unexpectedly. Gas leaks can occur during hurricanes, especially if the storm causes structural damage to your home. To prevent fires or explosions, turn off gas appliances before the storm hits, and if you smell gas or suspect a leak, evacuate immediately and contact your gas company.
Keep in touch with loved ones to let them know you’re safe and get news from them as well. Check with the others if they’ve sustained injuries and treat wounds with bandages and antiseptic. Make sure that you’re going to be prepared for the next onslaught of storms by checking the basement’s sump pumps and the doors.
