When you put a lot of time, money, and work into your home, the last thing you want is for extreme weather to damage it. Unfortunately, when you have a tiny home, that risk can feel even greater.
You can’t control the weather, and keeping natural disasters at bay is impossible. Just ask those in tiny home communities who have been through tropical storms or earthquakes, like the one in Haiti. If you live in an area that frequently experiences hurricanes, snowstorms, or even massive fires, you’re putting yourself and your property at risk. But, that doesn’t need to be a reason not to live where you want.
So, how can you keep your tiny home safe, especially if you live in an area that’s known for extreme weather conditions?
Let’s cover some of the problems you might face, and how you can prepare your tiny home to keep it safe and secure.
What Are the Risks for Tiny Homes?
Even traditional homes need to be secured for severe weather. People who live in Tornado Alley or on a coast that experiences hurricanes know how to prepare their properties for incoming storms. Some of the most common protective practices include:
- Boarding up windows and doors
- Checking for leaks
- Cleaning out gutters
- Anchoring fuel tanks
When you have a tiny home, you might have to take extra steps to prepare. For tiny houses that are built on platforms, structural integrity can become a problem. Your home might be lighter than average, which can make it more susceptible to damage. Wind damage could be a major issue, and so could damage to your home’s interior if you have a lot of “stuff”.
So, what can you do to keep your tiny home safer?
Plan for Your Location
How you prepare your tiny home will depend on where you live. You’ll want to do different things if you’re in a hurricane-heavy area than you would if you’re in a part of the country that gets frequent snowstorms.
If you have bought property on the beach, one of the best things you can do is purchase the right kind of insurance. There is a higher risk of damage to beachfront properties thanks to the water. Insurance can be more expensive, but it will keep your bank account safer if disaster strikes. Beachfront properties also tend to require more upkeep and maintenance, so make sure you’re willing to put in consistent work to keep your tiny home secure if it’s near the water.
Living in an area that gets snowy weather might create beautiful winter wonderland landscapes, but it can cause damage to your home. Make sure to secure your roof and reinforce it as much as possible. Roofs are extremely vulnerable on tiny homes, and the weight of heavy snow can cause damage, leaking, or may even make your roof cave in. A good rule of them is to check your roof frequently for any damage. Loose shingles, cracks, or broken tiles are all signs that it might be time to repair or replace it. Once you have your roof taken care of, consider the little ways winter can do some damage – protect your mail with waterproof bags or a satchel in your mailbox, make sure pathways to your house are clear and free of ice, and seal your windows and doors to keep out the cold.
Finally, if you live in an area that often gets hit with tropical storms or tornadoes, there are a few general safety procedures you should take, including:
- Anchoring or tying down the house
- Putting tires on the roof
- Listing your inventory
- Securing outside items
Tailor your prepping needs to your location, and you can save time, money, and a lot of extra stress.
Keeping Yourself and Your Family Safe
No one wants to see their property get damaged. But, the most important thing to consider during extreme weather is your safety. Sometimes, a tiny house might not feel as safe and secure as a larger one. That’s why your family needs to have a plan in place when inclement weather is on the way.
Keeping your family safe in a tiny home might seem like more of a challenge since you likely don’t have a basement to run to if there’s a storm or tornado. If things get too bad, the best thing you can do is move to a temporary location away from any forecasted trouble. But, if you’re able to stay in place, there are plenty of precautions you can take to stay safe at home, including:
- Signing up for weather alerts so you have plenty of time to prepare
- Designating a safe room
- Creating a storm kit with flashlights, a first aid kit, and a portable phone charger
- Having an escape plan if necessary
You already know how unique tiny homes are, so taking some “unique” precautions to protect your house is important. Keep these preparation tips in mind the next time extreme weather is forecasted in your area. Doing so can help to keep your house standing and your loved ones safe.
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