Get Your Home Ready for the Warm Seasons
Winter’s chill may linger, but as the saying goes, “Every winter turns to spring.”
A more apt adage for this season might be, “Forewarned is forearmed.” Spring, with all its splendor, often brings its share of weather challenges. Without the right preparation, you might be facing a bigger seasonal cleanup from torrential rain, hail, or other elements.
Here are five measures to ensure your home is spring-ready:
- Inspect your home’s exterior. This entails examining the roof, gutters, downspouts, and even the paintwork. Loose or missing shingles should be addressed immediately to prevent water ingress. Ensure gutters and downspouts are free from debris. If winter has weathered some areas of your paint, retouch them to prevent potential wood decay. While you’re cleaning your windows, ensure their screens and seals are in good shape.
- Get ready for unpredictable weather. While house maintenance is essential, personal preparedness is equally crucial. Equip yourself with an emergency kit and ensure your family is briefed on a disaster action plan. Familiarize yourself with precautions and post-event actions for conditions like heavy rain, hail, floods, or even tornadoes, regardless of your perceived risk.
- Prep outdoor equipment and devices. Before the real heat sets in, ensure your air conditioner is in optimal condition. Give your grill a thorough clean, especially if it’s gas-powered — check for any damaged or leaking lines. Regular maintenance of yard tools, such as lawnmowers and trimmers, will pay off in the long run.
- Refresh your home’s interior, attic included. Spring often inspires many to declutter and reorganize. Even if you’re not diving deep into spring cleaning, some areas need attention. Check the attic for potential problems, like dampness or any critters that might have sought refuge during winter. Seal any gaps they might have used to enter. Examine your home for air leaks which can escalate your utility bills. Also, synchronize your smoke detector battery replacements with daylight savings adjustments.
- Undertake a home inventory this year. Protecting your home indirectly safeguards its contents. However, can you list every item if they were lost? Use spring as an opportunity to document your belongings. While an inventory doesn’t directly shield your items, it simplifies the replacement process post-disaster. Whether or not you’re in the mood for spring cleaning, kickstart your inventory. You might just find the motivation to tidy up!
In essence, spring is not just a season of renewal but also of readiness. Make the necessary preparations, and you can enjoy its beauty without unexpected disruptions.