Due to global warming, there has been an influx of storm activity across the North Atlantic. Scientists and citizens alike are worried about the unpredictable and harsh weather changes that are set to unfold in the coming months.
The best way to ensure your safety during tornadoes and storms is to invest in a storm shelter. However, the preparation doesn’t stop there. Here are some maintenance tips you should follow, so your storm shelter is in the best condition in case you have to use it.
Keep It Away From Water
When you install a storm shelter in your home, it’s crucial to ensure that you keep it away from damp areas. Too much water finding its way into your storm shelter can lead to corrosion and mold.
Storm shelters can rust when left exposed to water for too long. If the rust spreads, it can cause the structure to weaken or even grow mold. This is a very common concern for outdoor shelters. Constantly check on the area around the shelter to ensure no water gets in
Clean Out Your Shelter Thoroughly
Many homeowners use their safe rooms for storage during the off-season. And while this may seem like an easy to fix problem, there’s a high chance that you’ll forget to clear out the junk until it’s too late.
Make it a point to regularly clean the shelter. Organize extra food and supplies neatly on shelves and clean up any dust or grime buildup that might have formed since the last time you entered. Keep an eye out for any pests or bugs that might have crawled in from the ventilation spots as well, to ensure you won’t be greeted with any unwanted guests during storm season!
Replenish Emergency Items
If you have a storm shelter, the chances are that you also have a lot of emergency supplies stashed away inside. It’s important to have an ample supply of medication to get through any unprecedented problems during a storm.
However, it’s also important to remember that medicine expires. And while you may hear that medicine can last longer than the expiry date, the U.S Food and Drug Association advises not to consume expired medication. It poses the risk of side effects, which you do not want to face in the middle of a storm. So, be sure to go through all medicine and check for expiry dates to keep your first aid kit updated and safe.
If you have yet to install a storm shelter in your home, we, at Safe Rooms US, would be happy to construct a customized safe room shelter best suited to your needs. Our safe rooms meet and exceed FEMA guidelines so you and your family can be safe during any harsh weather conditions.
