Cleaning Up Before Mother Nature.
In October, a bomb cyclone caused a power outage to thousands of BC residents, knocking down trees and disrupting ferry services. In November, a Tornado was spotted in the ocean close to YVR and hit land at UBC.
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Fast forward to just a few days ago, and an ‘atmospheric river’ flooded streets and washed out roads across the Sunshine Coast, causing mudslides and blackouts - and we were among the luckiest areas. The weather has been crazy this fall! It tells us we need to be prepared for new extremes that the weather may bring.
Getting proactive, this would be a good time to inspect your roof for leaks before the icy weather and frost take over. Pay attention to the condition of the shingles and replace any damaged ones, as well as the areas surrounding any structures like the chimney or skylights. High winds can tear shingles off the roof.
Due to wind storms causing tree branches to fall, pine cones, needles and leaves landing in your gutters, you will want to clean the debris. Rainfall overflow can damage the foundation so make sure the downspouts direct water away from the foundation as well as any concrete such as the driveways.
Strong winds can remove the facia from your home. When you inspect your gutters take a look at the soffits and the facia. Ensure that it is caulked and that there is no peeling paint. Inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks. Seal off any gaps around doors, windows, vents and areas where pipes or cables are located.
High winds rattling the coast are likely to cause power outages this fall. If you are fortunate to have a generator, make sure to test it out before it’s needed. Keep some emergency supplies on hand, like flashlights and solar powered lights. There are also small solar power panels you can use to charge cell phones and other electronic devices.
Without power, you are going to want to be able to communicate with family, friends or in case of emergency. Fridges can maintain food quality for about 4 hours without power, therefore, a food thermometer would be helpful. It’s a good idea to move meat and dairy items to the freezer and maximize freezer space.
Overall, taking the time to prepare for an emergency, or better yet, prevent one, will save you in the long run. Cleaning up before Mother Nature has her way can save you a lot of damage and expense. Cleaning up after Mother Nature? That’s where we come in.
If you suspect water damage (or any other damage) in your home, give us a call at 604.886.5949 or email us directly at info@first-response.ca. We’ve got your back.