How Lexington, Kentucky Residents Should Prepare Their Houses for Severe Rainfall, Storms, and Winds in 2023

Earlier in January this year, at least six tornadoes hit parts of Kentucky, including Lexington. With these tornadoes came heavy wind and rainfall. The stormy conditions led to power outages and structural damage. However, such stormy weather is not a one-time thing in this part of America. 

Lexington, Kentucky, sees its fair share of severe weather every year. In 2022, Lexington and other parts of Kentucky had to deal with over a hundred thunderstorm risk days. Large hail storms, strong winds, flash flooding, and tornadoes were also expected or seen on some scale. 

Therefore, if you’re a Lexington, Kentucky resident, you must expect and prepare for such severe weather in 2023 and 2024, and here’s how you can do so, according to Matt Rostosky of Cash Offer KY, Lexington.

Keep the Roof Gutters, Downpipes, and Drains Clean

Keeping your roof’s gutters, downpipes, and drains clean during the rainy or storm season is essential for preventing water damage to your home during that time. If your gutters and downpipes get clogged up with leaves, dirt, or debris, the water from the downpour can accumulate and overflow onto your roof, causing leaks and damage to your walls and ceilings.

Cleaning the gutters and downpipes regularly will help you ensure that the water flows freely away from your home and into the drains. This can stop potential damage to your roof, foundation, and basement. 

You must also remember to clear any debris from outdoor drains to prevent blockages that can cause flooding and water damage to your property. Regular maintenance of your gutters, downpipes, and drains can save you from costly repairs in the long run.

Check Your Roof for Damages Before the Severe Weather Hits

Before the Kentucky storms hit, check your roof for damages. Doing so beforehand will not only prevent damage to your house, but it can also save you the money you otherwise have to spend on repairs. 

Damage to your roofs can lead to leaks and collapse during heavy rain or storms, like the wind storm that hit the city on March 3, 2023. The damages were estimated to be in the millions, with the majority of those damages being done to houses. 

Only the houses with well-built and damage-free roofs were able to somewhat withstand the force of this storm. Therefore, before the severe weather arrives in Kentucky again, you must inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear. 

Get in touch with one of the reputed roofing companies in Lexington, Kentucky, to get your roof checked. Experienced service providers like Jacob’s Ladder initially send in a professional to assess your roofing needs. Afterward, they can tell you whether you need a simple repair job or an entire roof replacement. 

Whether you’re opting for the construction of a new roof or roof replacement or a simple repair job, have the same contractor on the job. Since they’ve already assessed the roof, they can deliver a more effective solution and that too quickly.  

Get Rid of Tree Branches Close to Your House

Tree branches around your house can cause blockage in your roof’s gutters, drains, and downpipes. When the storm winds hit Lexington, the branches will fly from the trees and end up on your roof. Eventually, they will find their way to your pipes and drains, blocking them in the process. As a result, these pipes and drains will fail to drain away the water accumulated on your roof. 

Start pruning during Autumn if possible. You can also cut the branches right before the storms hit, though that gives you very little time to get rid of all the branches if there are a lot of trees around. 

Another advantage of getting rid of the branches is that during strong winds, they won’t fall on power lines around the house. Thus, you can also prevent power outages and even potential fires. 

Know How You Can Safely Turn Off Your Power, Water, and Gas

Knowing how to safely turn off your power, water, and gas is vital in case of emergencies like a storm or tornado. You need to know where the main shut-off valves and switches are located around your house and how you can turn them off safely. 

The main reason for turning these utilities off is so that you can avoid certain hazards during the storm. For instance, by turning off the power, you can avoid fires or short circuits that may occur if there’s a power outage or heavy voltage drop. Turning off the main water line is a must in the event of a flood. Otherwise, dirty flood water might end up in your house’s water supply. 

Check Your Doors and Windows for Damages

If your doors and windows are damaged in any way, get them repaired or replaced. Winds in Lexington could gust as high as 49 mph at times. Besides, the rainwater can also get in through damaged doors and windows. Therefore, you should not leave anything to chance when protecting your house during such severe weather, including your doors and windows. 

By ensuring all the things discussed above, Lexington, Kentucky, residents can safely protect their houses and belongings inside. Don’t delay any of this, however. The more you delay, the more difficult it might get to protect your house in time for the severe Kentucky weather. 

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