The state of Oregon is no stranger to natural disasters. According to the government, the state is plagued by six common natural hazards: floods, landslides, earthquakes, tsunamis, coastal erosion, and wildfires. These natural disasters not only put your life in danger, but they also bring great damage to your home.
Don’t wait until disaster hits. Instead, be proactive and protect your home before it’s too late. Here are some home damage prevention tips that could save you from costly repairs.
Preventing Water Damage
Water damage is a year-round risk around the home. A house could suffer broken pipes and rising flood waters not only during heavy rains but also snowfall and cold temperatures. Here are some ways to prevent water damage at home:
Outside The Home
Regular maintenance on key areas of your home can prevent water from getting inside the property. Disconnect hoses from the faucet when the temperature is cold to prevent ice blocks that stop water flow and damage pipes. Clean your gutters at least twice a year to minimize blockage and ice dams.
If you have trees and vegetation around your home, it’s best to maintain them regularly. This is to prevent their roots from wrapping around pipes and breaking them.
Inside The Home
Figure out where your water main is located. Doing so makes it easy for you to turn off your water supply and minimize any damage in case of a plumbing emergency.
Plumbers also recommend shutting off your water main when you’re leaving home for an extended period.
Appliances are the most common cause of water damage inside the home. Check and maintain them regularly for leaks and have them fixed as soon as possible.
It also helps to monitor your water bill. If your usage is considerably large compared to the previous month, chances are you might have a leak somewhere in your home.
Preventing Fire Damage
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent fire from damaging your home:
First, test your smoke alarms once a month and change their batteries twice a year. Consider upgrading to smart detectors, too. That way, you’ll be alerted immediately if a fire is starting to form.
Keep flammable household items in safe places. Some items need to be kept in a temperature-stable environment and away from open flames. As for things like gasoline and paint thinners, don’t keep them inside your house.
Lastly, perform regular checks around your home appliances and wiring. Keep in mind the following areas:
- Electrical wirings that may have been frayed or damaged;
- Air conditioning and heating systems;
- Hardwoods in your fireplace; and
- Stoves, ovens, and vent hoods;
Preventing Structural Damage
No one knows when earthquakes will strike. At the same time, you don’t want any structural issues around your property. Some steps to take to preserve the foundation of your home include:
Anchoring Your Home To Its Foundation
Replace Unreinforced Foundations
Reinforce Your Water Heater
Hire A Professional
Your home is a place where you build your life. The last thing you want is for your home to be destroyed during natural disasters. Such instances can be traumatizing, not to mention costly. Although you can’t control everything, you can take steps to reduce the risk of damage to your home.
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