April Showers Bring Storm Damage. Be Prepared!
We all know the rain we get in April helps make our landscaping grow in abundance during the hotter months. But we shouldn’t forget that rain is sometimes accompanied by storms that cause damage and power outages.
While you certainly can’t control the weather, you can take precautions before severe weather season begins.
Your Roanoke electrical experts at Southern Trust Home Services has some tips to help you protect your home and your family when these thunder and lightning storms hit.
- Clean up your home’s exterior. By trimming dead limbs off trees, keeping your gutters clear from debris and repairing any lose siding or roofing shingles, you can prevent tree limbs from crashing into your house or keep rainwater from penetrating your roof.
- Keep water away from your home. If your home is prone to standing water, you may want to invest in a sump pump and, if you already have one, make sure that it is in good working order and that the batteries are charged in case of a power outage. You can also purchase downspout extenders or splash blockers to move water away from your home.
- Check the seals on your windows and doors. Check your weatherstripping to make sure it’s in place and hasn’t degraded. You should also inspect your windows and doors and seal any holes or cracks.
- Invest in a whole-home surge protector. Storms can cause power surges or produce lightning strikes which can damage your expensive electronics and appliances. A whole-home surge protector blocks or grounds these surges so that they don’t course through your home’s electrical system.
- Purchase a standby generator. If you or a loved one uses electronic home medical equipment or if you just want to save a freezer full of food, a whole-home generator is literally a lifesaver. Whole-home generators are more expensive than portable generators but they power more equipment. They are also safer because they are hooked to energy sources outside of the home which reduces the risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
- Have an evacuation plan. You should also make a plan with your family about what to do should a storm drive your from your home. Make sure you’ve pre-packed a disaster kit and keep the kit current.
At Southern Trust, we can help you check some of these items off your list. Not only do we provide a wide array of electrical services like whole-home surge protectors and generators, we can also help you install or repair your sump pump.
So, before storm season hits, give Southern Trust a call at (540) 228-9287 and schedule a consultation.
No more worries about weekend breakdowns! Southern Trust Home Services is now open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays at no additional charge to the customer, and we will still be there for all your after-hours, night and holiday needs. We have trucks ready and on stand-by so we’re always available when you need us. To schedule an appointment, call us at (540) 228-9287 or visit https://www.southerntrusthomeservices.com/.
