Things to Do to Prepare Your Home for the Rainy Season

It’s almost the end of the dry season, which means that you should have already done your due diligence in maintaining your home so that you won’t need to worry about the coming rainy months. As typhoons can cause a great deal of devastation to your property—flying shingles and roof sheets, leaking ceilings, and lower-level flooding—you’ll want to double check if there’s anything that you may have missed. Here are a few boxes to tick to make sure that you and your home are safe from the elements:

Things to do before the rainy season begins

1. Make sure your roof drains are connected and clear debris

Roof drains or alulod keep water from pooling on your roof, which may cause your home damage. Make sure that they’re free of dust, dried leaves, and other debris, so that water can flow freely. Don’t forget to seal any cracks and reconnect any disjointed pipes.

2. Ensure that your roof will not leak 

A leaky roof can turn into a big problem during a typhoon. Check for water stains on the ceiling, moisture on the walls, water spots under the roofline, a mossy or moldy exterior wall, or missing shingles in your downspouts. If any of these are present, call a professional. 

3. Check if you have any doors that need repair

Closely inspect your door, by checking whether it opens or closes easily, the hinges are secure, it stays locked, and there are no holes where water may seep in.

4. Examine your windows

 Check your windows and make sure they’re not damaged or cracked. Replace them if they are, as gusty winds can easily break them.

Read more maintenance tips here: 7 House Maintenance Tasks to Do This Summer.

Things to do before a typhoon

1. Inspect your outdoor surroundings 

Ensure that the trees and plants around your house are well-trimmed,to make them more resistant to strong winds. It’s also suggested that you move your outdoor furniture indoors, to avoid letting them fly from the strong winds and potentially injuring someone.

2. Find out more about your current location 

 Take note of your surroundings, such as whether you live in an elevated or flood-prone area. For example, it is advisable for those who live in flood-prone areas to park their cars in an elevated space, such as a hill or a mall’s parking building. It’s also highly recommended to move your furniture and appliances to the second or third floor of your house if your house is in a low-lying area, or near a body of water.

3. Be updated with weather reports 

Regularly watch the news, constantly check social media accounts of news channels, and read rainfall alerts through text. Staying informed will help you know when the incoming typhoon will enter your area. Pay attention to the announcements by your respective LGU; if they call for an evacuation, calmly close your windows, turn off your main power supply, secure and lock your home, and evacuate the premises. 

4. Keep an emergency kit

Prepare an emergency kit in advance, as it will come in handy if you have to evacuate from your home immediately. Ensure that each family member has their own prepared emergency kit, just in case one person is separated from the rest.  The emergency kit should include essential items that can sustain you for at least three days. Here’s a list of necessary supplies you can put in your kit:

• First aid kit 
• Three gallons of water 
• Food (biscuits, canned goods, dried fruit, trail mixes, honey, etc.)  
• Can opener (only if you have canned food in your kit) 
• Whistle 
• Garbage bags and wipes (for sanitary purposes) 
• Flashlight and batteries 
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt (to filter the air) 
• Pliers 
• Duct Tape
• Fully-charged power bank (for your phone) 
• Battery-powered radio (in case of electricity going out) 

5. Have an emergency plan 

Take some time to sit down with your family and agree on a place to meet in case of emergencies; it could be a familiar landmark or the home of a trusted friend or relative. This will make it easier to find each other in case someone gets separated during the disaster. 

It’s also highly encouraged to save important numbers on your phone and to ensure that everyone in the household has them as well.

6. Make sure to fully charge your gadgets 

Your phone, tablet, and laptop are a means of communication. Only call when necessary to save on your phone battery.