Summer is approaching, and with it, the severe summer thunderstorms Texas is famous for. Thunderstorms on their own are nothing new and not really cause for alarm. However, late spring and early summer tends to be peak season for tornadoes in the south. Even severe storms that don’t produce tornadoes can damage your house. Are you ready for the upcoming summer storms?

Weather forecasts can tell you when a storm will likely arrive and the speed of its winds, but they can’t accurately predict what severe weather could do to your home. Consequently, it’s always an excellent plan to stay prepared for severe weather throughout the entire summer season. Here’s how to get ready.

April showers bring May flowers...and severe thunderstorms. Is your home ready to withstand the weather? Here’s how to prepare. #RoyalCrownRoofing Click To Tweet

Home Maintenance

First things first: is your roof leaking? Are there any weak spots that a thunderstorm might damage even further? Go outside and look for missing or broken shingles, then inspect the roof interior for dark or damp spots that indicate a leak. A leaky roof is the last thing you need in a severe thunderstorm! Schedule an emergency roof repair or cover the leaks temporarily until you can get a professional to patch up the roof.

Emergency Supplies

As the saying goes, hope for the best, plan for the worst. If you’re stuck in your house with flooded streets and no electricity, would you be able to hold out for a while? Make sure you can! Stock up on shelf-stable food, bottled water, basic hygiene supplies, medicine, and more to build an emergency kit for yourself and your family. (Find a more comprehensive list of emergency supplies here.) Determine what your family needs and how much of it to stay safe in your house for a while if necessary.

Backup Plan

Most summer storms are ultimately harmless, causing minimal damage to your home or neighborhood. However, dangerous weather like hurricanes can be truly devastating. Don’t risk it if your home is in the path of a hurricane or tornado. As long as it’s safe to travel, evacuate while you can. Plan ahead on how you’ll leave, when you’ll evacuate, what you’ll take along, where you’ll go, and more with your family ahead of time. Don’t be caught off guard with severe weather.

Pro Tip: Before you evacuate to escape a severe storm, unplug your home’s electricity, water, and gas lines. Any of these rupturing during a storm can cause further damage.

Weathering the Storm

Most summer thunderstorms won’t cause significant damage to your home. Likewise, it’s unlikely you’ll have to evacuate unless a hurricane or tornado forms. But even a mild thunderstorm could temporarily knock out your power or flood the streets enough to make driving unsafe. It’s always an excellent idea to be prepared for anything during the stormy summer season.

Join the conversation for more tips on planning for bad weather.