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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2011-10-20, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011. Natural disaster preparation Covering cracks is essential Continued from page 17 can help prevent water accumulation on the bottom level of the home. Individuals should also ensure their homes are properly graded so that rainwater drains away from the house instead of toward it. Covering windows and glass sliding doors securely with plywood is one of the precautionary steps homeowners can take in the event a storm with high winds is on the way. Taping windows is ineffective and will not prevent blowing debris from crashing through window glass. Metal hurricane shutters are also effective and should be a part of home exterior for those who live in areas frequently struck by hurricanes. Homeowners should remove dead or weakened tree branches so they don’t fall on the home. They should also know if the house is located in a zone that could be flooded by a storm surge, which might necessitate evacuation. Storms with high winds, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, should be taken seriously. It’s important to have an evacuation plan if the storm is too strong to ride out at home. Otherwise, a windowless room or inside closet can be a place to retreat to until the storm passes. Winter storms can also cause damage. Snow and ice can accumulate on roofs, causing them to collapse under the weight. Sloped, metal roofing is ideal for homeowners who live in areas that see high accumulations of snow each season. The snow will slide off the roof. It’s also important to have adequate attic or upstairs insulation. That’s because snow that’s on a roof that is improperly insulated can melt from the heat of the home, then refreeze. This can cause leaks or ice dams, further damaging the home. Here are other safety procedures homeowners can take: • Store bottled water, canned foods and batteries in the home for emergencies. Should utilities be shut off, this ensures residents will have food and water and the use of flashlights should things go dark. • Keep copies of important phone numbers for banking, credit card companies, utility services, etc., so all information will be on hand should the home be evacuated. • Routinely inspect the house for weak areas that can be damaged in bad weather. Be sure the foundation, roof, siding and downspouts are in good working order. • Identify a safe room in the home. As previously mentioned, this should be a windowless room, preferably on a concrete slab. It may be the basement or the garage. • If a home is known to be in a weather-prone area, talk with contractors to determine which modifications can be made to the home to help prevent excessive damage. Hurricane-grade siding, roofing and window coverings may be a solution. Continued from page 20 writes a letter explaining the historical significance of the artifact and explains what it is,” he said. “That write-up is usually tweaked by the committee and possibly by a third-party to accurately describe the thing.” Hoy said that, to ensure things are maintained, designated objects need to be well described. “You can’t just say you have a Victorian house, for example,” he said. “Our home is a Queen Anne Victorian house.” He said that, while the facade is being designated, some of the woodwork and the heating system in his home may also be designated heritage due to their historical significance. “With interior aspects, you just have to hope that subsequent home owners maintain the work,” he said. Continued from page 21of your home. Inspect the mortarbetween bricks to make sure thatyour fires remain contained withinthe hearth. And, ensure all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have had the battery replaced. Exterior: Examine the exterior of your home for cracks and crevices, which could allow cold air to seep inside. Apply weather-stripping around doors and caulk windows. Homes with basements and attics are prone to cold drafts. In basements, consider coveringwindow wells with plastic wrap.When the warm weather returns, you can remove the wrap.Warm air rises, so adding extrainsulation to your attic will ensure the warmth stays where it’s needed. “These small, but important steps can make a huge difference on your heating bill,” says Yvonne Ratigan, a senior executive with Royal LePage Canada. “Time and a little money spent in the fall, can pay big dividends in the winter.” Garden: Prune trees and shrubsto minimize potential for damage bysnow, particularly those that hangclose to the home. Clear out plantersand store for spring and dust plantbulbs with bone meal. Drain all garden hoses and shut off outside water. If we enjoy a warm day, it may be a good time to seal the driveway or deck. These simple steps can help you to enjoy the winter without fear of damage to your home. Be prepared, and embrace all that the winter has to offer. swindows sinterior and exterior doors ssiding ssoffi t and fascia sseamless eavestrough ssteel roofi ng smaintenance free decking sinterior trims sfl ooring sdoor hardware …and much more. 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