Prep Your Home for Windy Weather | SERVPRO® of Sumter

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of Sumter your first call.

Wind is often overlooked when it comes to weather systems, but it can pack a punch! While a gentle breeze on a summer afternoon may feel like a relief, strong wind during a severe thunderstorm can be scary and even dangerous.

Strong winds can cause widespread damage in a short amount of time. Dangerous wind conditions can even occur when it’s bright and sunny outside.

By understanding what kinds of wind can affect us here in the Sumter area, you can better protect your home and keep your family safe.

The Different Varieties of Wind

The majority of damaging winds come from thunderstorms or tornadoes. Wind from a tornado can almost guarantee destruction of some kind.

Wind within a regular thunderstorm can easily reach up to 60 miles per hour. Wind at this speed can pick up and toss around debris with ease.

Straight-line winds can blow even faster! This type of wind has no rotation in it, so it can cause widespread destruction as it blows up to 100 miles per hour.

Tornadoes can produce many different kinds of wind and each can be particularly dangerous. Straight-line winds, downdrafts, and micro- or macro-bursts are all common and can cause devastation.

We are also close enough to the coast to be vulnerable to any hurricanes and the wind they produce. Even just last year we were hit hard by Hurricane Ian. Hurricane-force winds can be incredibly destructive and can cause all kinds of damage to our homes and properties.

Preventing Wind Damage Around Your Home

Wind can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. It can topple trees, blow debris into your siding and down power lines. It can even topple mobile homes and cars if it blows over 80 miles per hour.

Staying safe during wind alerts or advisories involves preparing your home and property as soon as the alert is issued. Start by securing loose objects like porch chairs, trash cans and children’s toys.

You should also try to pick up branches and other yard debris before the wind starts to blow. A single fallen branch can turn into a dangerous flying object at the right wind speed.

Once your home is secure, get your family inside and into an interior room that is away from windows. You should stay there until the storm has passed and the wind dies down.

As soon as it is safe to do so, walk around your property to look for damage. Don’t forget to look on your roof! A single missing shingle can invite water into your attic during the next storm. Call SERVPRO of Sumter right away, and we will get your home back together fast.

Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.