Is Your Home Prepped for Weather Emergencies?

It is important to be prepared for any emergencies – especially weather emergencies. Whether you live where tornados, hurricanes, thunderstorms, flooding, snowstorms, or fires are prone to happen, it is crucial to be prepared. Every year the U.S. faces severe weather, some of these weather events occur more frequently depending on the location. The damage that can be done to a home by these extreme storms can create lingering problems and tend to be very expensive. Here a few ways to help you prepare your home for weather emergencies.

• Have an emergency kit ready at all times. Be sure to replace batteries and food to ensure these supplies will last you throughout the emergency.
• Check for roof leaks, window leaks, or cracks in the foundation.
• Stain or paint structures regularly to help maintain a moisture barrier.
• Check that gutters are clear and undamaged.
• Trim trees away from the house.
• Fill cracks wherever they occur.
• Check seals and gaskets around doors, windows and trim.
• Make sure the chimney is clean.
• Inspect your roof for loose shingles, cracked tiles and moss that holds moisture. Also, check your attic for water stains, light coming through the roof and the presence of animals.
• Check your furnace and change your filter.
• Invest in battery backups for sump pumps and an electric generator for general use.
• Have your furnace system and fireplace inspected by a qualified technician.
• Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors.
• When using alternate heat and power sources (like generators), read the manufacturer’s directions first.
• Conduct fire drills.
• Make sure smoke detectors are working.
• Have an emergency fund.

If a power outage occurs, you’ll need to notify your local utility of the outage and then monitor status updates with your wireless smart device. If you have selected an energy supplier, like AEP Energy, you still need to contact your local utility as they repair and maintain the power lines and equipment.

Storms can occur at any time, in any season. Preparing in advance and effective storm-proofing around your home goes a long way and will hopefully prevent or minimize the damage. Even if you’re not immediately threatened by a storm or another emergency, it’s always good to be prepared.

AEP Energy does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, freedom from error, or value of any information herein. The information presented is provided “as is”, “as available”, and for informational purposes only, speaks only to events or circumstances on or before the date it is presented, and should not be construed as advice, a recommendation, or a guarantee of future results. AEP Energy disclaims any and all liabilities and warranties related hereto, including any obligation to update or correct the information herein. Summaries and website links included herein (collectively, “Links”) are not under AEP Energy’s control and are provided for reference only and not for commercial purposes. AEP Energy does not endorse or approve of the Links or related information and does not provide any warranty of any kind or nature related thereto.