Frederick Braces for Big Breezes
When most people think of hurricanes, their minds jump straight to the coast. In Frederick, we know better.
Nestled in the foothills of the Catoctins, our charming city may feel tucked away from the storms rolling off the Atlantic, but hurricane season still finds a way to reach us. With our proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Maryland catches the tail end of tropical storms. Homeowners can face pounding rainfall, fierce winds, and even surges making their way up rivers and streams.
Locking in protections now keeps your home ready for flooding, fire, and wind before the season arrives, giving you a head start on storm-proofing.
Why Frederick Homes Need Storm Prep
Even though Frederick might feel out of harm’s way inland, storms can still reach our streets. Storms sneak in with pounding rain, strong winds, and rising waterways that can touch homes in a flash.
Frederick’s Storm Signals
Hurricane season runs from June through November. While Frederick rarely takes a direct hit, storms that make landfall further south often bring heavy rain, strong winds, and flash flooding to our area.
Residents remember Hurricane Sandy in 2012, when power outages and flooding affected neighborhoods across the city. It’s proof that even towns like ours, far from the coast, need to stay vigilant.
Battling Wind and Water at Home
From Urbana to Middletown, homeowners have witnessed firsthand how quickly water can seep into the ground levels during major storms. High winds can tear shingles right off roofs, snap tree branches, and send unsecured items flying. Flooded basements, soaked carpets, and damaged siding are among the most common storm-related dilemmas in our area.
Storm-Proof Your Home Before the Gusts Arrive
This time of year is the perfect chance to strengthen your home. Preparing now saves stress, money, and many sleepless nights later. Consider it a storm-ready checkup so your house can handle any surprises the weather delivers.
Step 1: Reinforce Your Roof and Windows
Your roof is your home’s first defense against a storm. Check for loose shingles, damaged flashing, or weak spots that high winds could exploit. Adding storm shutters or even pre-cut plywood over windows can help keep flying debris outside, where it belongs.
Step 2: Prepare for Flooding
Homes in Frederick with basements are notorious for flooding after heavy rain. Seal foundation cracks, install a sump pump, and add a backflow valve to keep water out. If your washer, dryer, or HVAC system lives downstairs, raise them a few inches off the floor for added protection.
Step 3: Secure Outdoor Items
Patio chairs, grills, and even that delightful porch swing can go airborne in hurricane-level gusts. Store what you can indoors, and tie down what cannot be moved. Weak-rooted trees in your yard should be checked by an arborist before storm season really ramps up.
Step 4: Check Drainage Systems
Clogged gutters make it easy for water to pour into your home. Clear leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts so stormwater flows away from your foundation, not into it.
Step 5: Create an Emergency Kit
Gather the essentials you’ll need if a storm cuts off power to your home or limits access to stores. Stock it with:
- Water
- non-perishable snacks
- first-aid supplies
- medications
- flashlights
- battery-powered radio
Keep it in an easy-to-grab spot, so you are not scrambling when the lights go out.
Step 6: Prepare for Power Outages
Going days without electricity during a hurricane is not uncommon. A generator, kept outdoors and maintained regularly, can be a lifesaver. Keep a stash of extra batteries for flashlights and phones, too.
Blasts, Bolts, and Fire-Smart Homes
In addition to heavy rain and strong winds, storms spark fire hazards around your home. From overloaded circuits to lightning strikes, it helps to stay on top of potential problems. A few smart precautions keep your home safe and let you weather the storm comfortably.
Electrical Safety During Storms
When water and electricity mix, fire risks go up. If flooding is imminent, shut off your main electrical circuits to avoid trouble. Skip the candles during outages and opt for battery-powered lights instead.
Fending Off Lightning Dangers
Where there’s a hurricane, there’s thunder and lightning. A lightning strike can easily ignite a home if wiring or systems are not up to code. Surge protectors and updated electrical panels add another layer of safety.
Before the Sky Turns Gray: Scan and Secure
Before a storm hits, checking your home for weak spots will give your house the best shot at standing strong when harsh weather comes through. Spotting what could be at risk gives you the upper hand and keeps your property safe during such tumultuous times.
Structural Damage
The best time to find vulnerabilities in your home is before a storm does it for you. Schedule a professional to visit your property and:
- Inspect your roof for loose or missing shingles
- Check windows for gaps or cracks
- Examine the foundation for any signs of wear or settling
Tackling these areas of concern early helps your home take on rain and gusty winds more smoothly. Even simple fixes, like tightening flashing or securing loose trim, can make a noticeable difference when a storm hits.
Water and Mold Damage
Water can start causing mold in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and it spreads faster than most homeowners realize. Mold not only weakens wood, drywall, and flooring, but it can also affect your family’s health.
Acting quickly is key:
- Dry out wet areas by using fans, dehumidifiers, and opening windows to speed up the drying process and prevent mold from taking hold.
- Remove soaked materials, such as carpets, rugs, insulation, and drywall, to stop mold growth at the source.
- Check for hidden moisture behind walls, under floors, and inside cabinets where water can sneak in and cause mold out of sight.
Your Home’s Hurricane Recovery Team
When the storm passes, the real challenges begin. ServiceMaster Restoration of Frederick and Washington Counties is the neighbor you can rely on. From historic downtown homes to newer neighborhoods in Lake Linganore, we get properties back on their feet after water, wind, or fire damage. With our 24/7 emergency response, you are never left waiting or wondering when help will arrive.
We zero in on what matters to get your home back to normal:
- Water extraction and drying so that the damage does not keep spreading
- Mold prevention and cleanup before it takes hold in your home
- Fire and electrical repair after power surges or lightning strikes
- Structural restoration for everything from shingles to foundations
- Fast, dependable help any time, day or night
Batten Down the Hatches
After the wind settles and the rain stops, your home may need a little extra care to bounce back. By securing your roof, prepping for floods, and stocking up on essentials, you can weather the hurricane season feeling sheltered. If the storms still leave their mark, ServiceMaster DamageRX is just a call away.
In Frederick, we know how to enjoy the good life. Saturday mornings at the farmers market, strolls along Carroll Creek, and quiet nights at home are what make this place special. Let us keep those moments safe by staying ready for whatever the season blows our way.
