Tornado season already has taken its toll on human life and property. The tragic death of an Arkansas couple who tried to protect their 18 month-old daughter from the tornado that destroyed their home was especially heartbreaking. History shows us we are looking at more of the exact same through June. After that, we will be at the peak of hurricane season.
Remember that even New Yorkers were taught by Hurricane Sandy in 2012? “the unexpected can and does happen,”Radley M.Horton, a Columbia University climate scientist, stated that.
What can homeowners do to prepare for the next storm? Keep reading.
* Clean your gutters. Even in the best weather, gutters can become a fire hazard when they are blocked with leaves, sticks, and other debris. When you add in a hurricane-force rainstorm, the roofing system component that controls the flow of water can suddenly become as useful as a dog guardian.
“Gutter prevention is measured in pennies; repairs are measured in dollars,” to quote Angie’s List.
*Trim weak tree branches. It’s not like Santa Claus is coming to your house at 74 M.p.h.
*Storm-proof your roof. Before Hurricane Sandy, there had been Hurricane Irene. In the months following Sandy’s $15.6 billion disaster, which caused more damage than four times that amount, experts started to notice what they called “The Irene Effect”. “an upsurge”In storm-proofing upgrades such as wind-resistant roofing.
“If you’re going to upgrade, look for shingles that have passed UL 2218 Class-4 rating impact tests, which is the highest possible,”Jason Joplin, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence’s program manager, said: He prefers the Timberline ArmorShield II and Grand Sequoia IR line of shingles.(*) (shingles from GAFNorth America’s largest roofing manufacturer , both of which offer a variety of designer shingle options and have met strict AC438 performance requirements.www.gaf.com*Don’t leave yourself open to con artists.
Neal Buccino of New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs has issued this warning. It is now the right time to create a list of contractors you trust in your local area.”When the flood waters recede, that’s when fraud comes to the surface,”Why? It’s because hucksters, who are often found in rubble-strewn areas, are more interested making a quick buck than making repairs that last longer than it takes to get it out of the town. You can send them packing if you do your research and avoid being scammed.
