Before the Storm: Protecting Your Home from Water Damage

Each year, heavy rains and tropical storms increase the need for water removal and storm damage repair across Kauai. While major hurricanes are rare, the damage from high winds and flash flooding can be serious. With the right preparation, however, much of it is preventable.

Storm prep begins around your home’s exterior:

• Trim trees and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of falling limbs or even uprooted trees during high winds.
• Secure doors and windows. Check for gaps or weak seals, and make sure all doors can be latched securely.
• Have materials ready to board up windows quickly if a strong storm approaches.
• Bring in lanai furniture. Speaking from experience, an unprotected glass-top table can turn into scattered glass across your driveway!

Don’t forget regular maintenance:

• Inspect your roof and windows for cracks, loose shingles, or other vulnerabilities that could let water in.
• Clear your gutters and confirm that all drainage leads away from your home’s foundation to help prevent flooding.

Inside your home:

• Store important documents in a waterproof container.
• Know how to shut off your water and electricity in case of flooding or downed lines.
• Prepare for outages by having flashlights, backup batteries, and surge protectors on hand.

If a hurricane watch or warning is issued, take action early. Don’t wait for the storm to arrive to start preparing.

Need support storm-proofing your home or business? We offer preventive inspections and emergency planning consultations to help you stay safe and minimize damage. Give us a call today and take the stress out of storm season.