There are all kinds of ways that new homes are being built to withstand extreme weather, with things like hurricane-proof windows and fire-resistant roofs. But what can you do to protect your current home from the ravages of intense wind and rain? Any time there’s a major storm in the forecast, like the nor’easter that’s currently spinning towards my corner of the country, I run through the following safety checklist.
Unplug electronics
A lighting strike to the house or downed wires in the neighborhood could cause a voltage spike in your home’s electrical system, and that in turn could fry electronic devices that are plugged into the wall. Pay close attention to heat-generating appliances, like an air fryer or toaster oven, since they pose the greatest fire risk from sudden power surges. Be sure to unplug pricey electronics, too, like computers and TVs, so they don’t get damaged during the storm.
Secure the yard
High winds can turn lightweight objects into flying projectiles, which can cause property damage or bodily harm. Before the winds kick up, store away anything that could become airborne, including outdoor furniture, kids’ toys, and gardening equipment. This will be a much better use of time than applying duct tape to windows, since it adds little strength to the glass and provides zero protection against flying debris. Taping windows can actually make the situation worse by yielding larger shards of broken glass.
Lock windows & doors
Don’t believe the myth that cracking a couple windows during a high wind event will help equalize the atmospheric pressure inside the home. The truth is, there are enough tiny cracks in any home’s exterior envelope to maintain a safe balance in pressure. Not only will opening a window allow heavy rains into the home, if the wind is strong enough it could create an upward force of air strong enough to blow the roof off.
Check the gutters
You don’t want to be up on a roof or ladder during extreme weather. But it’s worth walking the perimeter of the house to look for any clogs or breaches in the gutter system. Clearing a clog or reattaching a downspout that’s come loose from the gutter could keep rainfall from reaching the foundation walls, saving you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Fortify the garage door
Given its large surface area, the garage door is the most vulnerable point in the home’s exterior during high-wind events. When roofs do blow off houses during a hurricane, it’s usually after the garage door buckles inward, letting high-velocity winds into the house, which leads to a swift buildup of internal positive pressure. Closing and locking the garage door should keep it secure in less extreme conditions. While this is not a quick fix, you can also install garage door storm braces or reinforce the door with a network of wood 2-by-4s.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
